System and method for modular camp sortation and dynamic loading layout generation

Abstract

To provide computer-implemented systems and methods for optimizing sorting and loading of packages.SOLUTION: A system includes a memory storing instructions and at least one processor configured to execute the instructions. A method includes: receiving data comprising a plurality of package identifiers associated with a plurality of packages; determining a plurality of block areas associated with delivery locations for the plurality of packages; determining a delivery route by determining a first set of routes, determining optimal combinations of the inputs for each set of routes and determining a shortest route associated with the optimal combinations; determining an order to load each of the packages into a delivery vehicle; and generating instructions for causing a device to display a visual representation of the loading order.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a computerized system for sorting and loading luggage. In particular, embodiments of the present invention relate to one or more customer orders. determining a loading order for multiple loads based on the data, and generating a visual representation of the loading order; one or more sensors configured to display a visual representation of the data relating to the loading sequence; An inventive and unconventional system for transmitting to multiple devices. [Background technology]

[0002] There are many computerized systems for package delivery. For example, it determines which delivery worker will deliver a package and generates a route for the package delivery. and a back-end system that communicates delivery routes and packages to delivery workers. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] These back-end systems provide more information about where to place the load within the truck. Simply instructing workers to place specific loads in trucks without further guidance. This is because workers have to pack the truck to fit all the cargo and then repack it. The need to pack causes delays, which can also lead to lost luggage. There is. The system also allows delivery workers to connect their devices, such as cell phones or personal digital assistants (PDAs), to When a delivery person is delivering a package, these devices can It notifies the delivery worker where to deliver the package and the delivery worker picks up the package in the back of the delivery truck. Provide information (such as a barcode) that will allow you to find it. These devices provide information such as addresses so delivery workers can pick up items at each delivery location. Digging through dozens, if not hundreds, of packages to find the right one to deliver This is fundamental in that it requires knowing how to pre-pack your delivery vehicle. This requires relying on delivery personnel to deliver the goods, creating inefficiencies.

[0004] Therefore, improved electronic methods and systems for sorting, packing, and shipping packages are required. The system is needed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a computer-aided system for optimizing package sorting and loading. Embodiments provide an optimized method and system for sorting or loading. A method and system for providing a visual representation of a decision may be included.

[0006] In some embodiments, a computer implemented system optimizes sorting and loading of delivery vehicles. The system may be configured to determine the loading order. The system may include stored instructions to perform one or more operations consistent with this disclosure. The system may further include at least one processor configured to execute the The processor may receive data including multiple package identifiers associated with multiple packages. The controller may determine a plurality of block areas associated with a plurality of package delivery locations. The multiple block areas may be determined based on the received data. The processor may be configured to determine a delivery route. The processor may determine a first set of routes and may include an order for transmitting the routes. Transform the first set of roots to find the optimal combination of inputs for each of the first set of roots. By determining the destination address, the processor can determine a delivery route. Determine the shortest route by exchanging the block areas associated with the route The processor may be further configured to determine a loading order. , and may include an order in which each of the plurality of packages is loaded onto the delivery vehicle. The processor may also be configured to enable the device to display a visual representation of the loading order. The device may be further configured to generate instructions for displaying the image.

[0007] In some embodiments, a computer-implemented method comprises sorting and loading a plurality of packages. The method may be configured to optimize a plurality of loads associated with a plurality of loads. The method may include receiving data including the identifiers for the plurality of package delivery locations. The method may further include determining a plurality of associated block areas. The querier may be determined based on the received data. The method may further include determining a delivery route including an order for sending the products. Determine a first set of roots, transform the first set of roots, and The transformation may be determined by determining the optimal combination of inputs for each of the inputs. The converted routes are arranged by swapping the order of the block areas associated with each converted route. It may also be used to determine the shortest route for delivering multiple packages. The method may further include determining a loading order for loading each of the plurality of packages onto a delivery vehicle based on a delivery route. The method may further include determining a visual representation of the determined loading order. The method may further include generating instructions for a device to display the image.

[0008] In some embodiments, the system is configured to optimize sorting and loading of packages. The system may be a computer-implemented system comprising a memory and a processor. and a memory storing instructions that cause the processor to perform the operations. receiving data including a plurality of package identifiers associated with a number of packages; The operation also determines a plurality of block areas associated with delivery locations of the plurality of packages. The plurality of block areas may be determined based on the received data. The operation may include determining a delivery route including a sequence of areas for delivering a plurality of packages. The delivery route may further include determining a first set of routes, and determining the first set of routes. Transform the set of inputs to determine the optimal combination of inputs for each of the first set of roots. By swapping the order of the block areas associated with each of the transformed routes, This action may be further determined by determining the shortest route using multiple loads. Determining a loading order for loading each parcel of items onto the delivery vehicle. , may be determined based on the determined delivery route. The operation may further include generating instructions for displaying. The device may also include a step of receiving the transmitted instruction and loading the plurality of items according to the determined loading order. The package may include a sorting device configured to perform operations including sorting the package. The system also receives transmitted orders and displays a visual representation of the loading order. and

[0009] Consistent with the disclosed embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is referred to herein as At least one processor is required to perform any of the described methods, processes, or actions. The memory may store program instructions that are executed by the processor.

[0010] The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary only and are not intended to be limiting unless otherwise specified. It does not limit the scope. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a schematic block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a network comprising a computerized system for communications enabling shipping, transportation, and logistics operations consistent with disclosed embodiments. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B illustrates a sample search results page (SRP) containing one or more search results that satisfy a search request, along with interactive user interface elements consistent with disclosed embodiments. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1C illustrates an exemplary single display page (SDP) containing products and information about the products along with interactive user interface elements consistent with disclosed embodiments. [Figure 1D]FIG. 1D illustrates a sample cart page including items in a virtual shopping cart along with interactive user interface elements, consistent with disclosed embodiments. [Figure 1E] FIG. 1E illustrates a sample order page containing items from a virtual shopping cart along with purchasing and shipping information, along with interactive user interface elements, consistent with disclosed embodiments. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary fulfillment center configured to utilize the disclosed computerized system, consistent with the disclosed embodiments. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary approach for optimizing package sorting and stowage consistent with disclosed embodiments. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates an example geographic area having a plurality of determined block areas mapped onto the geographic area, consistent with disclosed embodiments. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary modular container configured to receive multiple loads, consistent with disclosed embodiments. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram of an exemplary modular container configured to receive multiple loads, consistent with disclosed embodiments. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a flow diagram illustrating input data for generating a delivery route consistent with disclosed embodiments. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a flow diagram illustrating output data determined by a route generator consistent with disclosed embodiments. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A illustrates an exemplary rear loading delivery vehicle having multiple positions within a cargo area, consistent with disclosed embodiments. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B illustrates an exemplary side load delivery vehicle having multiple positions within a loading area, consistent with disclosed embodiments. [Figure 8A]FIG. 8A illustrates an exemplary display of a visual representation of a determined loading order, the display comprising a printout, consistent with a disclosed embodiment. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B illustrates an exemplary display of a visual representation of the determined loading order, the display comprising a display on a screen of a device, consistent with disclosed embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the drawings and the following description refer to: , the same reference numbers are used to refer to the same or similar parts. Although exemplary embodiments are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to the components and steps shown in the drawings. Often, the exemplary methods described herein may be implemented by substituting or rearranging steps in the disclosed methods. Therefore, the following detailed description may be modified by adding, removing, or adding The disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments and examples. Rather, the appropriate scope of the invention is , as defined by the appended claims.

[0013] Embodiments of the present invention are configured to optimize sorting and loading of packages for delivery. The present invention covers systems and methods for sorting and loading packages. The order of sorting and loading may be based on the block area specified by the system. The information can be represented by a visual representation sent to a display device.

[0014] Referring to FIG. 1A, a computer system for communication that enables shipping, transportation, and logistics operations. 1 is a schematic block diagram 100 illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a system including a computerized system. As shown in FIG. 1A, the system 100 can include various systems. , each of which may be connected to one another via one or more networks. The stems may also be connected to each other via a direct connection, for example using a cable. The illustrated system includes a Shipping Authorization Technology (SAT) system 101, an external front-end system systems 103, internal front-end systems 105, transportation systems 107, mobile devices 107A, 107B, 107C, Seller Portal 109, Shipping and Order Tracking (SOT) System 111, Fulfillment Optimization (FO) System 113, Fulfillment FMG115, Supply Chain Management (SCM) System systems 117, workforce management systems 119, mobile devices 119A, 119B, 11 9C (shown as being inside a fulfillment center (FC) 200), a third-party fulfillment center (FC) 200, Fulfillment Systems 121A, 121B, 121C, Fulfillment Center Authentication Systems Includes 123 systems (FC certified) and 125 labor management systems (LMS).

[0015] The SAT system 101, in some embodiments, provides order status and delivery status information. For example, the SAT device 1 may be implemented as a computer system that monitors the 01 determines if an order has passed its promised delivery date (PDD) and opens a new order Reshipping items on undelivered orders and canceling undelivered orders appropriate action, including cancelling the order or initiating contact with the customer to place the order. The SAT device 101 can output (the number of shipments shipped during a particular period) items) and inputs (such as the number of empty cardboard boxes received for use in shipping) The SAT system 101 may also monitor other data, including It acts as a gateway between different devices within the 10 3 and communication between devices such as the FO system 113 (e.g., store-and-forward or using other techniques).

[0016] In some embodiments, the external front-end system 103 is configured to allow an external user to A computer system that allows interaction with one or more systems in 100. For example, the system 100 may be implemented as In an embodiment that allows an external front-end system to place an order for an item, The system 103 receives the search request, presents the item page, and requests payment information. For example, the external front-end system 103 may be implemented as an application server. Patch HTTP Server, Microsoft Internet Information Services, Implementing software such as NGINX on a computer or as a computer In other embodiments, the external front-end system 103 may be an external device (e.g., For example, receiving a request from a mobile device 102A or a computer 102B and processes and retrieves information from databases and other data stores based on those requests. ,customer designed to provide a response to a received request based on the information obtained. The computer may run web server software.

[0017] In some embodiments, the external front-end system 103 is a web caching system. system, database, search system, or payment system. In one aspect, the external front-end system 103 may include In another embodiment, the external front-end system 1 03 is an interface connected to one or more of these systems (e.g. , server-to-server, database-to-database, or other network connections).

[0018] The exemplary set of steps illustrated by FIGS. 1B, 1C, 1D, and 1E It is helpful to explain some of the operations of the external front end system 103. End system 103 may be configured to provide a It can receive information from a system or device, e.g., an external front end The system 103 may host or serve one or more web pages containing search results. can be: Single Detail Page (SRP) (e.g., Figure 1B), Single Detail Page (SDP) (e.g., , Figure 1C), card page (e.g., Figure 1D), or order page (e.g., Figure 1E). Using a user device (e.g., mobile device 102A or computer 102B) ) navigates to the external front-end system 103 and enters in the search box A search can be requested by the external front-end system 103. can be requested from one or more systems in system 100. For example, the external front-end system 103 may send information satisfying a search request to the FO system 11. 3. The external front-end system 103 may also request the For each item, a Promised Delivery Date or "PDD" is requested (from the FO system 113) and received. You can also believe.

[0019] In some embodiments, the PDD determines when a package containing the product will arrive at the user's desired location. Or, if the product is ordered within a certain period, for example, by 11:59 p.m. This can represent an estimate of the date by which the item is promised to be delivered to the user's desired location (PD D is an external front-end system (described further below with respect to the FO system 113) 103 can prepare an SRP (e.g., FIG. 1B) based on that information. may contain information that satisfies a search request. For example, it may contain information about products that satisfy a search request. SRP can also include a photo of each product, or the respective price for each product. Enhanced shipping options, PDD, weight, size, offers, discounts, etc. for products The external front-end system 103 may include information related to the ) SRP can be sent to the requesting user device.

[0020] The user device then, for example, clicks or taps on the user interface. or use another input device to select the product represented on the SRP. The user device can select a product from the SRP by Creating a request for a product and sending it to the external front-end system 103 In response, the external front-end system 103 can display the information about the selected product. For example, information can be requested about the products on each SRP. It may contain additional information beyond that presented in the product description. This may include, for example, shelf life. , country of origin, weight, size, number of items in the package, instructions, or other information related to the product. The information may also include information about the product and at least one other Similar products (based on big data and / or machine learning analysis of customers who have purchased the product) recommendations, answers to frequently asked questions, customer reviews, manufacturer information, It may include photographs etc.

[0021] The external front-end system 103 performs the following operations based on the received product information: A single detail page (SDP) (e.g., Fig. 1C) can be prepared. P is a "Buy Now" button, "Add to Card" button, quantity field, item It can also contain other interactive elements such as photos of the product. The SDP is a list of sellers offering the product. The listings are ordered based on the prices offered by each seller. As a result, sellers offering products at the lowest prices are often listed at the top. The listings may be ranked by seller, with the highest ranked sellers listed at the top. Seller rankings may be based on, for example, sellers who hold PDDs. The formula may be based on multiple factors, including the past track record of external fluorine. The front-end system 103 delivers the SDP to the requesting user device (e.g., over a network). It is possible.

[0022] The requesting user device may receive an SDP listing the product information. Upon receiving P, the user device can interact with the SDP. For example, The device user clicks the "Add to Cart" button on the SDP or other This allows you to interact with the shopping cart associated with the user. Add a product. The user device sends this request to add a product to the shopping cart. (103)

[0023] The external front-end system 103 generates a cart page (e.g., FIG. 1D). The cart page, in some embodiments, allows users to create a virtual "shopping cart." List the products you add to your device and view them on your SRP, SDP, or other pages. You can request a cart page by clicking the icon or interacting with it in other ways. In some embodiments, the cart page may request a user to add items to the shopping cart. Based on all the products you add, as well as the quantity of each product, the price per product, and the associated quantity Price of each product, PDD information, delivery method, shipping cost, products in the shopping cart user interface elements for modifying the Options to order products or set up recurring deliveries of products, interest payments options to configure settings, user interface elements to proceed with a purchase, etc. The user of the user device can list information about the products in the shopping cart. To initiate a purchase of a product in the shopping cart, a user interface element (e.g., "Now") is clicked. Clicking on a button that reads "Buy Now" or any other user interface element The user device can then interact with this list to initiate a purchase. A quest can be sent to an external front-end system 103 .

[0024] The external front-end system 103 receives a request to initiate a purchase. An order page (e.g., Figure 1E) can be generated accordingly. In some embodiments, relisting items from a shopping cart, payment, and shipping For example, an order page prompts the purchaser for items in a shopping cart. information about the recipient (e.g., name, address, email address, telephone number); Information (e.g., name, address, phone number, delivery information), shipping information (e.g., delivery and / or or collection speed / method), payment information (e.g., credit card, bank transfer, check, memory credit), user interface elements for requesting cash receipts (e.g., tax For example, an external front-end system 1 may include a partition that requests 03 can send the order page to the user device.

[0025] The user device enters information into the order page and sends that information to an external front-end system. Clicking or otherwise responding to a user interface element that sends a From there, the external front-end system 103 can Various methods within the system 100 are used to enable the creation and processing of new orders using the products. It is possible to send information to the system.

[0026] In some embodiments, the external front-end system 103 may be configured to allow the seller to It may further be configured to allow for sending and receiving information.

[0027] The internal front-end system 105 may, in some embodiments, be a system (employee of the entity that owns, operates, or leases the system 100) Implemented as a computer system that allows interaction with one or more systems For example, the system 100 may prompt the user to order an item. In an embodiment that allows for the execution of a statement, the internal front-end system 105 Allows internal users to view diagnostic and statistical information about an order, change item information, and The system may be implemented as a web server that allows users to view statistics about the system. For example, the built-in front-end system 105 may include an Apache HTTP server, a Microsoft Runs software such as Internet Information Services (IIS) and NGINX. In other embodiments, the present invention may be implemented as a computer or a computer system. If the front-end system 105 is a system or device shown in system 100 ( and other devices not shown) and acts on those requests. retrieves information from databases and other data stores based on the information retrieved, and Custom web server software designed to provide responses to requests received via A can be executed.

[0028] In some embodiments, the embedded front-end system 105 is a web caching system. systems, databases, search systems, payment systems, analysis systems, order monitoring systems In one aspect, the internal front-end system may include one or more of: System 105 may comprise one or more of these systems, and in other embodiments An internal front-end system 105 connects to one or more of these systems. the interface (e.g., server-to-server, database-to-database, or other network connection) It can be prepared.

[0029] The transport system 107 may, in some embodiments, be a system or device within the system 100. and a computer system that enables communication between the mobile devices 107A to 107C. In some embodiments, the transportation system may be implemented as a The system 107 includes one or more mobile devices 107A to 107C (e.g., mobile phones). , smartphone, PDA, etc.). For example, in some embodiments In this state, the mobile devices 107A to 107C are devices operated by delivery personnel. Delivery workers may be full-time, temporary, or shift workers. , including products ordered by users using the mobile devices 107A to 107C. For example, to deliver a package, a delivery worker must Notifications on your mobile device indicating if a package should be delivered and where it should be delivered Upon arriving at the delivery location, the delivery person can pick up the package (e.g., in a truck) behind the luggage box or on the luggage box, and then use your mobile device to scan the identification information on the luggage. Scan relevant data (e.g., barcodes, images, strings, RFID tags, etc.) Or capture and leave the luggage (for example, at the front door or leave a security guard there) In some embodiments, the delivery may be Workers can capture photos of packages and / or use mobile devices The mobile device can acquire a signature using, for example, the time, date, PS location, photo, identifiers associated with the delivery worker, and identifiers associated with the mobile device The information can be sent to the transportation agency 107, including information about the delivery, such as the identifier. Transportation system 107 may be used to provide access to other systems within system 100. This information may be stored in a database (not shown). In some embodiments, this information is used to prepare tracking data indicating the location of a particular package; It can be sent to other systems.

[0030] In some embodiments, a user may use one type of mobile device. (e.g., permanent workers may use barcode scanners, styluses, and other devices) (You can use a dedicated PDA with any custom hardware) but other users Other types of mobile devices can be used (e.g., temporary or mobile workers). can use off-the-shelf mobile phones and / or smartphones).

[0031] In some embodiments, the transport system 107 associates a user with each device. For example, the transportation system 107 may identify a user (e.g., a user identifier, an employee identifier, , or phone number) and mobile device (e.g., International Mobile Equipment Identifier (IMEI) , International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI), phone number, Universally Unique Identifier (UUID), or Group It stores the association between the The transportation agency 107 can use this association along with the data received on the delivery. to determine, among other things, worker location, worker effectiveness, or worker speed In order to do so, the data stored in the database can be analyzed.

[0032] The seller portal 109 may, in some embodiments, be a seller or other external entity. a computer that allows the computer to electronically communicate with one or more systems in the system 100. For example, the seller may implement the computer system (see FIG. (not shown) allows sellers to use seller portal 109 to access the system 100 Upload or provide product information, order information, contact information, etc. for the products you want to sell. It can be provided.

[0033] The shipping and order tracking system 111 may, in some embodiments (e.g., device 10 2A-102B) to locate the parcel containing the product ordered by the customer. The present invention may be implemented as a computer system that receives, stores, and transmits information about a device. In some embodiments, the shipping and order tracking device 111 includes the products ordered by the customer. The information is retrieved from a web server (not shown) operated by a shipping company that delivers the package. Can be quested or memorized.

[0034] In some embodiments, a shipping and order tracking system 111 is shown in the system 100. It can request and store information from systems that have been configured, such as shipping and ordering. The sentence tracking system 111 can request the transport system 107. Thus, transportation 107 may be a user (e.g., a delivery worker) or a vehicle (e.g., a delivery van). One or more mobile devices 107A to 107C associated with one or more of 107C (e.g., mobile phones, smartphones, PDAs, etc.) In some embodiments, the shipping and order tracking device 111 is located at a fulfillment center. To determine the location of an individual product within a warehouse (e.g., fulfillment center 200), You can also request it from your Workforce Management System (WMS) 119. Shipping and Order Tracking The tracking system 111 may be one or more of the transportation system 107 or the WMS 119. Requests data from the device, processes it, and sends it to the device (e.g., user device) upon request. The information can be presented to the sensors 102A and 102B.

[0035] The Fulfillment Optimization (FO) system 113 may, in some embodiments, be a systems (e.g., external front-end systems 103 and / or shipping and order tracking systems) as a computer system that stores information about customer orders from the tracking system 111 The FO system 113 may also be implemented to determine where a particular item is held or stored. For example, a particular item may be included in one fulfillment. Certain items are stored in only one fulfillment center, while certain other items are stored in multiple fulfillment centers. In yet other embodiments, a particular fulfillment center may be associated with a particular session. may be designed to store only certain items (e.g., fresh produce or frozen products). The FO system 113 collects this information and related information (e.g., quantity, size, receipt, etc.). Stores the date, expiration date, etc.

[0036] The FO system 113 may also calculate the corresponding PDD (promised delivery date) for each product. The PDD can be based on one or more factors in some embodiments. For example, the FO system 113 may consider the historical demand for a product (e.g., the amount of demand for that product during a period of time). how many times it has been ordered), the expected demand for the product (e.g., how many orders will be placed for that product in the coming period) (how many customers are expected to order) and how many products are ordered during a period. historical demand across the network, how many products are expected to be ordered in the coming period, The network-wide forecasted demand, which indicates the expected demand, is stored in each fulfillment center 200. One or more counts of a product ordered, each product for that product, forecasted or current orders, etc. Based on this, the PDD for the product can be calculated.

[0037] In some embodiments, the FO system 113 periodically (e.g., hourly) Determine the PDD for each product and use it to search or other systems (e.g., external front-end System 103, SAT System 101, Shipping and Order Tracking System 111) In another embodiment, the FO system 113 One or more systems (e.g., external front-end system 103, SAT system receiving electronic requests from the customer's system 101, shipping and order tracking system 111, and The PDD can be calculated as follows:

[0038] The fulfillment messaging gateway 115 may, in some embodiments, be a FO system. One or more systems in system 100, such as system 113, may provide a single format or receives a request or response in one protocol and converts it into another format or protocol. and convert it to a WMS 119 or third-party file in a converted format or protocol. to another system, such as instrument system 121A, 121B, or 121C. , may be implemented as a computer system.

[0039] The supply chain management (SCM) system 117, in some embodiments, includes a forecasting function. For example, the system can be implemented as a computer system that executes the SCM system. 117, for example, historical demand for the product, projected demand for the product, network Overall historical demand, forecasted demand across the network, and each fulfillment center20 0, based on the number of products stored, forecasts or current orders for each product, etc. The level of demand for the product can be predicted. This predicted level and all Depending on the volume of each product across the fulfillment center, the SCM system 117 may A system of purchasing and stocking sufficient quantities to meet forecasted demand for a particular product. One or more purchase orders may be generated.

[0040] A Workforce Management System (WMS) 119 monitors the workflow in some embodiments. For example, the WMS 119 may be implemented as a separate computer system. Event data indicating the event is sent to individual devices (e.g., devices 107A to 107C) For example, the WMS 119 can receive Event data may be received indicating the use of one of these devices to scan an object. During the execution process, as discussed below with respect to fulfillment center 200 and FIG. Then, the baggage identifier (e.g., barcode or RFID tag data) is sent to the machine at a specific stage. can be scanned or read by a Scanners, RFID readers, high-speed cameras, tablets 119A, mobile devices / P DA 119B, computer 119C, and other devices). WMS 119 uses the baggage identifier, along with the time, date, location, user identifier, or other information, into a corresponding database (as shown in Each event indicating a scan or read of a package identifier can be stored without the need for a This information can be provided to other systems (e.g., shipping and order tracking system 111). This can be done.

[0041] In some embodiments, the WMS 119 may be configured to communicate with one or more devices (e.g., 107A-107C or 119A-119C) to one or more It is possible to store information that associates a single user with a single user or with multiple users. For example, in some situations indicates that a user (such as a part-time or full-time employee) owns a mobile device. (e.g., the mobile device is a smartphone) In other situations, a user may temporarily access a mobile device. (e.g., users check out their mobile devices at the beginning of the day and associated with a mobile device in that you use it during the day and return it at the end of the day It may be possible.

[0042] The WMS 119, in some embodiments, manages the activities of each user associated with the system 100. A log can be maintained. For example, WMS 119 can (e.g., unloading trucks, picking items from pick zones, (rebin) wall work, packing items), user identifier, location (e.g., floor or zone within the fulfillment center 200), and employees move through the system. Number of units moved (e.g., number of items picked, number of items packed) the number of devices), identifiers associated with the devices (e.g., devices 119A-119C), etc. In some embodiments, WM can store information related to each employee, including S 119 is a timekeeping system that operates on devices 119A to 119C. Receive check-in and check-out information from your timekeeping system can.

[0043] In some embodiments, third-party fulfillment (3PL) systems 121A-12 1C is a computer system related to logistics and third-party product providers. For example, some products (as explained below with respect to Figure 2) While some products are stored at the delivery center 200, other products may be stored off-site. They may be produced on demand or stored in a fulfillment center 200. The 3PL systems 121A to 121C may not be available for the FO system 113. may be configured to receive orders from (e.g., via FMG 115), and and / or may provide services (e.g., delivery or installation) directly to customers. In some embodiments, one or more of the 3PL systems 121A-121C In other embodiments, the 3PL system 121A-121B may be part of the system 100. 1C may be external to the system 100 (e.g., a third-party provider) (owned or operated by a third party).

[0044] The fulfillment center automation system (FC authentication) 123, in some embodiments, It may be implemented as a computer system with various functions. In some embodiments, FC authentication 123 may be used for one or more other systems within system 100. It can act as a single sign-on (SSO) service, e.g., FC authentication. 123 allows users to log in through an internal front-end system 105 and a user accessing resources in the shipping and order tracking system 111. determine that both users have similar privileges and can access them without requiring a second login process. In other embodiments, FC authentication 123 may allow access to these privileges. allows users (e.g., employees) to associate themselves with specific tasks For example, some employees may have electronic devices (such as Devices 119A-119C) Some do not have a fulfillment center, and instead, during the course of a day, Within a FC, you can move from task to task and from zone to zone. 123 allows those employees to know what work they do and how they work at various times. The device may be configured to allow the user to indicate whether the user is in a certain area.

[0045] The labor management system (LMS) 125, in some embodiments, manages employees (full-time and A computer system that records attendance and overtime for employees (including full-time and part-time employees) For example, the LMS 125 may be implemented as a FC authentication 123, a WMA 11 9, devices 119A-119C, transport device 107, and / or device 107 It can be received from A~107C.

[0046] The particular configuration shown in FIG. 1A is merely an example. For example, FIG. 1A illustrates a FO system 113 Although the FC authentication system 123 shown is connected to the In fact, in some embodiments, the systems in system 100 Internet, Intranet, WAN (Wide Area Network), MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) Wireless LAN (Return Area Network), IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n standard One or more public or private networks, including wired networks, leased lines, etc. In some embodiments, the systems in system 100 may be connected to each other via a network. One or more of these may be deployed in a data center, server farm, or other similar location, along with one or more virtual servers. It may be implemented as

[0047] FIG. 2 shows a fulfillment center 200. The fulfillment center 200 An example of a physical location that stores items for shipping to customers at a given time. The maintenance center (FC) 200 can be divided into a number of zones, each of which is shown in FIG. In some embodiments, these "zones" are used to receive items. The different processes of receiving, storing items, retrieving items, and shipping items It can be thought of as a virtual division between stages, and hence the "zones" shown in Fig. ,Other divisions of zones are possible, and the zones of FIG. 2 may be omitted, duplicated, or Or it can be corrected.

[0048] Inbound zone 203 is a zone for sellers who wish to sell products using system 100 of FIG. 1A. Represents the area of the FC 200 where the item is received from the seller. For example, the seller may Items 202A and 202B can be delivered using item 201. 02A represents a single item large enough to occupy its own shipping pallet. and item 202B can be stacked together on the same pallet to save space. It can represent a set of stacked items.

[0049] The worker receives the item in inbound zone 203 and, optionally, Inspecting items for damage and authenticity using a computer system (not shown) For example, a worker can use a computer system to track items 202A and 202B. The quantity in 02B can be compared to the ordered quantity of the item. If the quantities do not match, the The employee may reject one or more of items 202A or 202B. If the quantities match, the worker places those items (e.g., dolls, handrails, forklifts, etc.) The object can be moved (using a robot or manually) to the buffer zone 205. For example, the item 205 may be placed in a picking zone in sufficient quantities to meet the expected demand. Temporary storage for items that are not currently needed in the picking zone because they are within In some embodiments, the forklift 206 may buffer the items. Around Zone 205 and between Inbound Zone 203 and Drop Zone 207 If item 202A or 202B is needed in the picking zone, If (e.g., due to anticipated demand), the forklift is can be moved to the drop zone 207.

[0050] The drop zone 207 is where items are placed before being moved to the pick zone 209. It may be an area of the FC 200 that stores the work assigned to the picking task. A worker ("picker") approaches items 202A and 202B in the picking zone and Scan the barcode in the picking zone and use your mobile device (e.g., device 11) 9B) to scan the barcodes associated with items 202A and 202B The picker then places the item in the picking zone 209 (e.g., It can be taken in by placing it on a cart or by carrying it.

[0051] The picking zone 209 is a FC where items 208 are stored in storage units 210. In some embodiments, the storage unit 210 may be a physical Including one or more of the following: shelves, bookshelves, boxes, totes, refrigerators, freezers, refrigerators, etc. In some embodiments, the picking zone 209 is organized into multiple floors. In some embodiments, the worker or machine may be, for example, a forklift, elevator, Beta, conveyor belt, cart, hand truck, dolly, automated robot or device Items may be moved to the picking zone 209 in a number of ways, including by chair or manually. For example, the picker may place items 202A and 202B in drop zone 207. and items 202A and 202B are placed on a hand truck or cart in the picking zone. You can walk to No. 209.

[0052] The picker may select a picking zone 20, such as a specific space on a storage unit 210. Receiving orders to place (or "put away") an item in a specific spot within the 9 For example, the picker can use a mobile device (e.g., device 119B) to The device can scan the item 202A, for example, to identify the aisle, shelf, and location. A system indicating where the picker should put item 202A can be used. The device can then perform a barcode scan at that location before storing item 202A at that location. The device can prompt the picker to scan the card. 19 (e.g., via a wireless network) and item 202A is stored in that location by a user using device 119B. It can be shown that this has been done.

[0053] When a user places an order, the picker selects one or more items 210 from the storage unit 210. A command can be received on device 119B to pick up 08. The picker Pick up the item 208, scan the barcode on the item 208, and send it to the transporter. The transport mechanism 214 is depicted as a slide, but may be any suitable mechanism. In some embodiments, the transport mechanism may be a conveyor belt, an elevator, a cart, a forklift, May be embodied as one or more of a hand truck, dolly, cart, etc. The items 208 can then arrive at a packing zone 211.

[0054] The packing zone 211 is where the items are received from the picking zone 209 and finally FC 200 area to be packed into boxes or bags for shipping to customers In the packing zone 211, the received items ("rebin operation") may be A worker assigned to the picking zone 209 picks up the item 208. For example, a rebin worker determines which order it corresponds to. Use a device such as computer 119C to scan the barcode on system 208. The computer 119C can then determine which order item 208 is associated with. This can be done, for example, by visually indicating the amount of space on the wall 216 that corresponds to the order. or "cells." Once an order is completed (e.g., a cell contains all the (This includes all items) and the rebin crew will pack the order to ensure it is complete. The packer can then remove the items from the cell and show them to the packer (or "packer"). They can then be packed into boxes or bags for shipping. , via forklift, cart, dolly, hand truck, conveyor belt, or Boxes or bags can be sent to the hub zone 213 in other ways.

[0055] The hub zone 213 transports all boxes or bags ("packs") from the packing zone 211. It may be an area of FC 200 that receives the goods. The machine searches the packages 218 and determines the portion of the delivery area where each package is intended to go. and route the package to the appropriate camp zone 215. For example, , if the delivery area has two smaller sub-areas, the package will be sent to two camp zones 21 5. In some embodiments, a human or machine (e.g., Scan your luggage (using one of the chairs 119A-119C) to find out its final destination. Routing the load to the camp zone 215 can be done even if For example, determining the portion of the geographic area to which the package is destined (e.g., based on a zip code). and determining camping zones 215 associated with portions of a geographic area. and

[0056] In some embodiments, the camp zone 215 may include one or more buildings, one or more A physical space or area may comprise one or more areas, and the load may be routed and / or received from the hub zone 213 for classification into subroutes. While in some embodiments the camp zone 215 is physically separated from the FC 200, In other embodiments, the camp zone 2015 may form part of the FC 200. .

[0057] Workers and / or machines within the camp zone 215 may, for example, be Matching routes and / or sub-routes, work load per route and / or sub-routes The calculation of the load, the time, the shipping method, the cost of shipping the package 220, and the items in the package 220 Based on the attached PDD, etc., the route and / or sub-route on which the baggage 220 is to be In some embodiments, a worker or The machine scans the bag (for example, using one of devices 119A-119C). The package 220 may be routed via a particular route and / or route map to determine its final destination. Once assigned to a sub-route, workers and / or machines are assigned to the sub-route to be shipped. In the exemplary FIG. 2, the camp zone 215 is The vehicle includes a car 222, a car 226, and delivery workers 224A and 224B. In an embodiment, truck 222 may be driven by delivery worker 224A. Truck 222 is a full-time employee who delivers packages for FC 200. owned, leased, or operated by the same company that owns, leases, or operates 200 In some embodiments, the vehicle 226 is delivered or operated by a delivery worker 224B. The delivery worker 224B may be driven by the delivery driver 224B, where the delivery worker 224B delivers the goods as needed (e.g., seasonally). The vehicle 226 is driven by a delivery worker 224B. may be owned, leased, or operated by a third party.

[0058] According to the present invention, in some embodiments, the transport device 107 delivers packages to delivery vehicles. The device may be configured to optimize sorting and loading. Determine the block areas to which the delivery will be made and determine the order in which to service each block area. and deliveries so that parcels can be easily placed when each block area is serviced. The order in which the vehicles are loaded is determined, and a loader or an autonomous robot transfers the packages to the delivery vehicles according to the loading order. By generating a visual representation of the loading order on the device so that the This allows for the optimization of the sorting and loading of luggage. and an exemplary method 300 for optimizing loading. may be executed by a system, the system including one or more processors and one or more for optimizing package sorting and loading when executed by a processor in and a memory for storing instructions that cause the system to perform operations. Any of the systems included in system 100, any combination of systems included in system 100, It may be a system not included in system 100, or a combination thereof. In embodiments, one or more of the systems or devices shown in FIG. 1A One or more steps of 300 may be performed.

[0059] According to the present invention, it is possible to configure the system to receive information about a package to be delivered. For example, method 300 may include receiving 301 data relating to a plurality of packages to be delivered. This may include package identification information, customer order, delivery address, desired delivery date, product The data may include information about the contents, dimensions of the package, etc. Data generated by 13, for example, related to the fulfilment of orders placed by customers The data may additionally or alternatively include, for example, customer order orders and For example, data related to monitoring delivery status and delivery status may be sent to the SAT device 101. For example, the transport system 107 may include data generated by Data regarding one or more packages prepared for delivery can be received, and the data can be , which may include a shipping address for each of the packages.

[0060] The data may be received from any system or device disclosed herein. For example, data may be transmitted from a mobile device such as device 119A or device 119B. Additionally or alternatively, the data may be received from a data center or a mobile phone company. A system that stores or generates data, such as a SAT system 101, a FO system 11, 3, may be received from a shipping and order tracking system 111, a WMS 119, etc.

[0061] This information can be received at any stage in the processing of the package, for example, if the package falls When transporting from zone 207 to picking zone 209, the picker The data can be received in response to scanning a bar code with the sensor 119B. In this example, data may be stored, for example, in a packing zone 211 or when items are moved to a hub for shipping. When items are transported to Zone 213 or Camp Zone 215, they are packaged for shipment. The information may be received when the information is transmitted.

[0062] Consistent with this disclosure, the system may be configured to determine multiple block areas. For example, method 300 may include step 303 of determining a plurality of block areas to which the package will be delivered. The block area may include a block area in which at least one of the plurality of packages is delivered. Each block area may be a geographical area that contains at least one of the multiple packages. One may be distributed continuously, unbroken, or over a contiguous geographic area. A geographic area is a region in which one or more packages are delivered, minimizing the use of delivery vehicles. If it has qualities that make it easy to The physical area is where delivery people need to park their delivery vehicles in one location and move their delivery vehicles. Block Area: When a large number of packages can be delivered within a geographic area without the need for a As another example, the geographic area may be determined by the delivery person being located at a first location within the area. parking the delivery vehicle and delivering one or more packages within a first portion of the area, and then, e.g. , located at a secondary location within the area without having to travel on a highway or other major transportation The vehicle may be moved to deliver one or more packages within a second portion of the area. A blocked area is a designated area for the purpose of storing a specific quantity or size of load. It may also be an area within a geographical region where goods are delivered. For example, multiple parcels of approximately equal size may be grouped together. Group the parcels into size groups and use geographic information to correspond to each group of parcels. Block areas can be determined. Examples of block areas, their locations, and dimensions The process for determining etc. is described below with respect to FIG.

[0063] According to the invention, a device for optimizing sorting and loading of parcels is provided, The baggage can be divided into multiple groups. For example, the method 300 may classify the data into groups according to the data determined in step 303. The method may include a step 305 of sorting the parcels into groups corresponding to the selected block areas. Classification is performed by correlating each package in a group with one of the determined block areas. and positioning each load with other loads corresponding to the same block area. The transport system 107 is located in or included in the block area. It uses data about block areas, such as addresses, and then uses that data from each package. Compared with the data, it can determine which block area each package should be delivered to. .

[0064] The transport device 107 can automatically sort packages into groups or Instructions can be provided to a worker or machine, including the proper classification of the package. For example, , using a conveyor belt, e.g., using a divider on the conveyor belt, Sorts packages into groups by separating packages at various points on the belt. For example, the load associated with block area 401 is placed at a first point on the conveyor belt. The material may be removed from the conveyor belt by a separator in block area 409 The associated baggage is then separated from the conveyor belt by a separator at a second point on the conveyor belt. In another example, the device may be removed from the mobile device 107A or device By providing instructions on the GUI on the 119A, it is possible to determine how luggage is distributed among multiple groups. and provide instructions to the worker. You can manually sort your parcels according to the following:

[0065] Luggage should be grouped in Hub Zone 213, Camp Zone 215, or a combination of both. For example, a worker or machine can move a load 21 within a hub zone 213. When searching for 8, the luggage is scanned and associated with a block area. Then the luggage is , may be grouped based on association with block areas. When the baggage 220 is processed in the camp zone 215, it is divided into groups corresponding to the block area. Additionally or alternatively, packages may be sorted into groups in the hub zone 213. The loops are divided into groups corresponding to multiple block areas, and each subgroup It is contemplated that the blocks may be divided into subgroups corresponding to the block areas. In the example, packages delivered to the geographic region 400 shown in FIG. 4 are packaged together within the hub zone 213. They will be grouped and transported to Camp Zone 215. Once in Camp Zone 215, The luggage is further divided into seven subgroups, each of which has seven blocks. In one of areas 401, 403, 405, 407, 409, 411, or 413 handle.

[0066] According to the present invention, the step of sorting the parcels comprises dividing each group of parcels into one or more The method may include sorting the materials into modular containers. It may be any container capable of temporarily storing one or more items. The container may be reusable and configured to be easily loaded onto a delivery vehicle. For example, the modular container may have wheels and be moved around the FC 200. or by machinery such as a forklift 206. Modular containers can be configured to be portable. It may have one or more compartments, e.g., selectively removable walls or compartments. Constructed to include cutouts to allow compartments to be added or removed A parcel related to a block area may be transported by one or more modules between sorting and delivery. It may be stored in a modular container. Also, the load associated with two or more block areas may be It is also contemplated that items may be stored on a single modular container. Examples of expression containers are described below with respect to Figures 5A and 5B.

[0067] Data relating to the sorted packages may be transmitted to other systems within the system 100. For example, the transport system 107 may be configured as described above. and send the information to the FO system 113, the shipping and order tracking system 111, or or other systems that can process the data. How many parcels are sorted into each group? How many parcels are sorted into each group? the dimensions of the packages classified into groups, the package identifiers associated with the packages in each group, and the location of each group This may include information about the location of each group, the modular containers associated with each group, etc.

[0068] According to the invention, a device for optimizing sorting and loading of parcels is provided for a delivery route. The delivery route may be configured to determine a route for the determined block area. For example, the method 300 may determine the The method may include step 307 of determining a delivery route based on the determined block area. Additionally or alternatively, the transport device 107 may store data relating to the sorted packages. based on historical delivery data or operational data, or a combination of these Based on this, a delivery route can be determined.

[0069] A delivery route may include an order for delivering multiple packages. For example, a delivery route may include: The order in which each of the plurality of block areas is served can be included. For example, The delivery route is to first deliver the package to block area 413, then to block area 411. The route can be such that the parcel is sent to the block area 407 and then delivered to the block area 407. The route may also or alternatively include a physical route through a geographic area, e.g. For example, directions for navigating a delivery vehicle through a delivery route and transporting packages along the route. and instructions on how and / or where to deliver. An example of route determination is described below with respect to Figures 6A and 6B.

[0070] According to the invention, a device for optimizing sorting and loading of parcels is provided for loading delivery vehicles. The loading order may be configured to determine an order in which each of the plurality of groups of parcels is loaded. For example, the method 300 may include the order in which the items are loaded based on the order determined in step 305. Step 309 for determining a loading sequence for loading the group of selected packages onto a delivery vehicle. The loading sequence may include determining the order in which each package or group of packages is placed in the delivery vehicle. The loading order can be adjusted to the delivery vehicle. The loading order for the delivery vehicles may be determined, for example, by determining whether a delivery vehicle having a cargo area configured in a first configuration is used for delivery. or when a delivery vehicle having a cargo area with the second configuration is used for delivery. For example, if a cargo area has multiple physical compartments, the loading order may be different. , the order of loading the first compartment and the order of loading the second compartment. Additionally, the loading order may be determined by the location of the doors or doorways of the delivery vehicle. Examples of configurations and loading sequences that may be associated with each are shown with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B. This is discussed below.

[0071] As mentioned above, multiple packages delivered to a geographic area may be sent to block edges within the geographic area. The cargo may be classified into modular containers associated with the rear. Grouping items into containers can simplify the process for determining loading order. For example, the loading sequence may include the order in which each of the plurality of modular containers is loaded onto the delivery vehicle. This can be done.

[0072] According to the invention, a device for optimizing sorting and loading of luggage comprises: An instruction can be generated to display a visual representation of the loading sequence, for example: The method 300 generates instructions for displaying the determined loading order in step 309. The instructions may include a step 311 for displaying some type of For example, the instructions may include instructions for instructing the computer system to Instructions for printing the visual representation, displaying the visual representation in a GUI on a mobile device, instructions for causing a computer system to transmit a visual representation to multiple devices; It can include a visual representation and instructions for displaying it. Examples of commands are described below with respect to Figures 8A and 8B.

[0073] FIG. 4 shows a number of block areas 401, 403, 404 mapped onto a geographic region 400. 405, 407, 409, 411, and 413. Geographic area 400 is a highway system 19, road system 417, and rail system 415. It contains a lock, several buildings (unnumbered) and pond 421. Each block area The package is associated with a delivery location for one or more of the packages.

[0074] As can be appreciated from this disclosure, the block area can be of any size. For example, Many packages are stored in a single building, such as an apartment building or office building. If the delivery is to a building, the block area can include only that building. Lock area 405 is an example of a block area that contains one building. A lock area can be the size of several city blocks and can contain multiple buildings, houses, or The block area 403 may include two or more of the geographical areas 400. This is an example of a block area that covers one block and contains multiple buildings. It is also conceivable that a querier may include only a portion of a building. For example, The office building has multiple blocks depending on the amount of parcels delivered to each tenant. As can be appreciated from this disclosure, the block area may be divided into any The block area 407 may be one of the block areas that is approximately rectangular. For example, block area 411 is an example of a block area that is irregular in shape.

[0075] The boundaries of the block area may be existing physical boundaries, artificial boundaries, or a combination of both. Physical boundaries may be defined by, for example, a body of water, a highway or road system, These boundaries can include railroads, buildings, tree lines, etc. Artificial boundaries can be area codes, postal codes, street codes, This may include boundaries related to service areas, neighborhoods, other block areas, etc. The park area 409 is bounded by a pond 421 on one side, a highway system 419 on both sides, and a is an example of a block area defined by physical boundaries that includes the road system 417 of The block area 411 is the outer boundary of the geographic region 400 on two sides and the adjacent Block area 405 and defined by highway system 419 This is an example of a blocked area, and both are artificial boundaries.

[0076] Also, the block area may be determined based on information about multiple packages to be delivered. As mentioned above, for example, in step 301 of method 300, data received by the system The data may include a delivery address for the package. The system uses the delivery address to determine the geographic area that corresponds to the address and You can determine the block area associated with the dress. The block area is a part of the existing land. For example, the system may be configured to handle multiple loads. You can receive data about your delivery address and associate the address with one or more postal codes. Next, a first group of packages is delivered to a first subarea of the zip code, and the packages are Determine that a second group of items is to be delivered to a second sub-area of the postal code, etc. The area defined by the postal code can then be divided into multiple block areas. Each block area corresponds to one or more of the identified sub-areas within the postal code. Respond.

[0077] Block areas may be defined by historical delivery data, e.g., previous deliveries Based on this, the transportation agency 107 may, for example, determine whether a sub-area of a geographic area consistently receives a large number of packages. This area can be determined as a known block area, for example. It may be stored on a memory device or database in communication with the system 100 . Future analysis will consider transport if the geographic area served includes known block areas. The system 107 identifies the portion of the geographic area that corresponds to the known block area as a first block. automatically classify it as an area, thereby dividing it into multiple block areas of a geographic area. For example, if block area 413 consistently carries a large amount of cargo, If associated with a business park receiving, then multiple for geographic area 400 When determining the block area of the The analysis can begin by automatically classifying historical data as This may include data regarding rear natural boundaries or ease of service to the area. For example, in the case of block area 411, the block area 411 is divided into two areas. The highway system 419 acts as a natural boundary, and the block area 411 is divided into two blocks. However, historical data The system allows delivery drivers to easily access both sides of highway system 419 within block area 411. This is the driver feedback. , monitored effectiveness of delivery within that area, or the information provided to or used by the device. The decision is based on other metrics determined by the chair.

[0078] The blocked area may be determined automatically by the system, e.g., a transportation system. The system 107 receives the data described above and uses, for example, a neural network or other computer Using the data learning method, multiple block areas can be determined as described above. The advantage of automatically determining the block area is that the computing system Additional data that may be automatically analyzed by the operation or transmitted to other systems Another example is that a blocked area may be created by one or more workers. For example, a worker may decide to move two adjacent block areas. They may have practical knowledge from previous experience that justifies making another In an embodiment, a computer system determines a plurality of block areas and can be displayed to one or more workers, and then The staff can adjust or confirm the boundaries of the determined block area by interacting with the system. have the opportunity to acknowledge

[0079] Data regarding the determined block area may be transmitted to other systems and memorized. The information may be stored in a remote device or database, or may be transmitted by the system 100 to another device or database. The data may be processed in the following manner: the position, size, or dimensions of the block area, It can also include information about the block area of the luggage, luggage size, luggage The information may include information about the parcels delivered to each block area, such as a parcel identifier for each parcel. .

[0080] FIG. 5A provides a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a modular container 501, and FIG. 5B provides a front view of the same. 5 provides a side view of an exemplary modular container 501. The modular container 501 has a back The modular container 501 includes a front side 503, a right side 505, and a left side 507. The removable front face may be configured to have a hinge. Loading and unloading of cargo into double-walled, double-walled, or modular containers 501 The rear surface 503, the right side surface 505, and other portions that can be selectively moved to allow the The left and right sides 507 are each shown as being made up of a number of vertical bars 510. However, this structure is merely exemplary and each side 503, 505, 507 may be of any configuration. Please understand that this is okay.

[0081] The modular container 501 also functions as a bottom shelf to accommodate multiple loads. For example, a load 514 rests on the top surface of the bottom 509. 9 is an attachment point for a means for making the modular container 501 movable. For example, the wheel 513 can be moved by any means known in the art. The wheels 513 can be attached to the bottom 509 by the side 503. 505, 507 or may be attached to the bottom 509 and the sides 503, 5 It is also contemplated that the modular enclosure may be mounted in combination with the 05, 507 modular enclosure. 501 also includes a removable storage compartment located between the bottom shelf and the upper edge of the modular container 501. The divider 511 is a shelf that supports a group of luggage. For example, the load 512 rests on the top surface of the divider 511. The divider 511 , attached to modular container 501 by any means known in the art. For example, divider 511 can be formed by dividing the vertical bars on right side 505 and left side 507. 510 by mechanical fasteners 513. Divider 511 may The container 501 has a bottom 509 and sides 503, 505, and 507. The casing may be removed to have one compartment defined by the casing and the casing.

[0082] The modular container 501 can be stored in a space-saving configuration when not in use. It is contemplated that the plurality of modular containers may be configured to be loaded onto a delivery vehicle. The package may be transported to the delivery destination or may remain in the delivery vehicle after delivery. Configuring a modular container to convert to a configuration is done within the modular container. After removing the previously loaded cargo, workers place the empty modular container into the delivery vehicle. This allows the delivery vehicle to be stored in a small space, thereby freeing up space inside the vehicle. For example, the modular container 501 may be folded into a substantially flat configuration. As another example, the modular container 501 may have a foldable design. For example, it can be disassembled by removing mechanical fasteners and removed from assembled modular containers. The optical fiber may be stored in a configuration that requires the least amount of volume.

[0083] The cargo corresponding to each block area is sorted on modular containers 501. The cargo from a single block area may be packed into one modular container 501. For example, if there are multiple packages to be delivered to block area 411, The first modular container 501 may contain cargo destined for the block area 411. The amount of cargo can be determined by the module with the divider 511 removed. The amount may be sufficient to fill the entire container 501. , a group of luggage destined for block area 409 and a group of luggage destined for block area 407. There may be a modular group of luggage for the block area 409. The container 501 may be disposed in a first compartment, the first compartment having a bottom 509 and a partition 5 11, and the luggage for block area 407 is the same modular The container 501 may be disposed in a second compartment, the second compartment being above the partition 511. It is defined by an area.

[0084] Modular containers offer several advantages for sorting and loading cargo. As an example, a modular container in a first location, e.g., hub zone 213, may be provided with a block element. Rear-sorted packages are resorted when loaded onto Camp Zone 215 delivery vehicles. Modular containers also minimize wasted space and are easier to transport on delivery vehicles. For example, the modular enclosure 501 can be intelligently sized to fit: The height may correspond to the height of the cargo area of the delivery vehicle. may have a width that is a proportion of the dimensions of the delivery vehicle. For example, a modular container The width of the cargo area of the delivery vehicle may be one-third of the width of the cargo area of the delivery vehicle, so that the delivery vehicle Carrying three modular containers minimizes wasted space in the vehicle's cargo area The efficiency generated by sorting and loading into modular containers is This could lead to delivery benefits such as improved speed and fuel economy.

[0085] The parcels may be sorted by any means consistent with the present invention and may be packaged in modular containers. It should be understood that the transport device 107 does not necessarily have to be classified as a The classification of the baggage can be determined in substantially the same manner as described above. An instruction can be generated to classify each parcel into multiple groups. a luggage identifier for each luggage group, a group ID for each luggage group, and a corresponding The classification may include instructions for placing the objects into groups. Some embodiments may also include manual classification. .

[0086] The device can determine one or more delivery routes based on multiple factors. The rate preference may be used to determine delivery routes. provided by or determined by the device and related to the efficiency of delivering the package. For example, the first priority is efficiency, and right turns are made under red light. Right turns are preferred to left turns because they can be easily accomplished and are otherwise easier to execute. Another example of a priority on efficiency is, for example, Delivery vehicles must be at least 80% full of cargo, and delivery vehicles must be at least 80% full of cargo. Only when the truck is full can it depart for delivery. Another example of prioritizing efficiency is that two routes do not overlap each other. Also, for example, it is possible to deliver luggage to the block area with the highest luggage load before other areas. The efficiency priorities provided here are merely examples, and any efficiency priorities may be used. It will be appreciated that may be included in the route determination.

[0087] The resource data may be used to determine delivery routes. , any data related to a resource that can be used in delivery. Examples of resource data include: Number and type of delivery vehicles available (e.g., two trucks and one passenger car), Number of delivery workers available (e.g., one full-time worker and two part-time workers) the number of support machines or systems available for delivery (e.g., one dog cart or an autonomous robot); The resource data includes data about the device 119A, These may be provided to the system via input or by a system such as WMS 119. The number of times the ...

[0088] The package data may also be used to determine delivery routes. Item identifier, quantity of package, package dimensions, area to which package is being delivered, how package is being classified The package information can be input or sent by the system from another system. For example, the package data may be received in step 301 of method 300. data generated in step 303 of method 300; data generated in step 304 of method 300; 5, or a combination thereof.

[0089] The factors used to determine the delivery route are as mentioned above, the delivery route is the It may depend on whether the classification into groups corresponding to the locked area is determined before or after. For example, the system receives data about a geographic area 400 and determines whether the geographic area 400 is available. Create routes to deliver packages to each block area based on efficiency preferences and terrain. The resulting route can be determined, for example, by accessing each block area. For example, the most efficient route to The efficient route starts from block area 409, starts from block area 413, Starting from block area 411, starting from block area 407, starting from block area 4 It starts with 05, starts with block area 401, and ends with block area 403. Conversely, if the luggage is already classified into groups, some of the block areas may be divided into other areas. Contains much more or less luggage than or part of a block area It is possible that the luggage is being sorted in the same modular container. For example, block area 407 is the block area with the most luggage in geographic area 400. The volume is so large that the cargo in block areas 411 and 405 is sorted into the same modular container. If so, the system first delivers the entire package for block area 407, and then Block areas 411 and 405 are contiguous because they are contained in the same modular container. Determine the order in which packages are delivered to other block areas that have the condition that they be delivered in accordance with the order. You might find that this is the most efficient way to do it.

[0090] FIG. 6A is an illustration of an exemplary flow chart showing inputs to the route generator. As can be seen in Figure 6A, the input can include several different types of data: Each type of data can contain multiple pieces of information. For example, the delivery data 601 can contain The identity of the block areas and the quantity or volume of packages delivered to each block area and data on the identity of the modular container into which the parcel is sorted. For example, the input represented by FIG. 6A may be one of step 307 of method 300. The delivery data 601 may be generated in step 303 of the method 300. data about the blocked area and the probability that it occurred during step 305 of method 300 and data relating to the sorting of parcels into modular containers. 601 is merely illustrative and may include data not shown in FIG. 6A or Some of the data shown in A may be excluded.

[0091] Inputs are resource data related to the resources available to accomplish the delivery of a package. In the example of FIG. 6A, the resource data 603 may include the availability of delivery vehicles, The capabilities of each delivery vehicle (e.g., the number of modular (measured in containers), and the availability and condition of personnel who can deliver the shipment. Resource data 603 includes data about the number of delivery vehicles available, the preferences or limitations (e.g., two-wheel drive vehicles cannot service areas with mountains or other tremor-prone terrain) This may include other information such as the fuel consumption of each delivery vehicle.

[0092] Inputs may include efficiency priorities 605 related to pre-established or determined standards. Efficiency Priority 605 is any efficiency that an entity that affects delivery wishes to achieve. It may be a rate standard, or any standard that the system or worker values. For example, Efficiency standards require the use of the fewest possible delivery vehicles to deliver packages to each block area. The second efficiency criterion is the desire to avoid making left turns during deliveries, and the third efficiency criterion is The rate standard is to have all delivery vehicles over 80% ready before leaving for delivery. It can be.

[0093] The input may also include geographic data 607. The geographic data 607 is shown in the map of FIG. Although shown as corresponding maps, the data may be presented in the form of visual representations (e.g., maps), descriptions of areas (e.g., GPS coordinates or topographical information), or a combination thereof The geographic data 607 includes the block areas 401, 403, This may include the location, position, dimensions, etc. of 405, 407, 409, 411, 413. In addition to the listed data, include additional data as inputs, such as historical delivery data Delivery data 601, resource data 603, efficiency priority 605, geographic data 6 07, and other input data are provided to a route generator 611 for processing. It is served.

[0094] The route generator 611 generates a delivery route 612 containing a sequence for delivering multiple packages. one or more algorithms for processing input data to determine The route generator 611 may include hardware, software, firmware, Or it can be implemented as a combination thereof. ,to group resources and match them to packages to be delivered, e.g. A matching algorithm is configured to determine which resources are needed. For example, the matching algorithm may include matching the delivery data 601 to the resource data Compared to resource data 603, both of the delivery vehicles identified in resource data 603 are included in delivery data. required to transport the nine modular containers identified in Data 601. This decision may determine whether to use six modular containers for the delivery vehicle (first delivery vehicle). and four modular containers for the second delivery vehicle) are calculated based on the delivery data 60 Two deliveries, not enough to accommodate the nine modular containers identified in 1 Based on the determination that the total capacity of the vehicle is sufficient to accommodate nine modular containers The matching algorithm can also determine, for example, which worker is matched with each of the delivery vehicles. which areas of FC 200 (e.g., Camp Zone 215, Shipping Zone 216) should be Zones 217, etc.) should be matched with each delivery vehicle, and other logistics issues The matching algorithm may also determine the information in the delivery data 601. Recognizing specific requirements and identifying those shipments with specific requirements in resource data 603 For example, the number of packages may be matched with the appropriate resource. If a group of 1 requires refrigeration, the matching algorithm will match these packages with the refrigeration capacity. The vehicle is matched with a delivery vehicle having the same function.

[0095] The route generator 611 calculates the route for balancing the load between the first delivery vehicle and the second delivery vehicle. The load may be balanced based on any criteria. For example, the device can determine whether each delivery vehicle leaves FC 200 at approximately the same rate. To ensure completeness, each delivery vehicle travels substantially the same distance on its delivery route. or any other balancing criteria. In the example, the balancing algorithm (with a capacity of 6 modular containers) Larger delivery vehicles should have more modular containers than smaller delivery vehicles. Determine which modular containers should be assigned to each delivery vehicle. The balancing algorithm can, for example, determine which modular containers are mutually exclusive. by determining which modules have delivery destinations in close proximity to each other, or By determining the total distance required to deliver the container, and the distance required to deliver the two containers, The total distance between the vehicles is substantially equal, or the size, fuel economy, or other factors of each delivery vehicle are By dividing proportionally by the criteria, the analysis can be performed with geographic data and with high efficiency. The destination 605 may be considered.

[0096] Matching and balancing algorithms determine multiple potential routes For example, the matching algorithm may be used for distribution and balancing. Vehicles, workers, and FC 20 that can be used to complete the singling algorithm Multiple possible combinations of 0 regions may be determined, meeting efficiency priorities 605 and other criteria. The route generator 611 may determine multiple possible routes to add together. It is contemplated that the route may be reported or displayed to the user. Additionally or alternatively, the route generator 611 may generate one or more preferred routes. The root generator 611 can determine the root of the radian. For example, historical delivery data, data on weather conditions, or data affecting delivery routes. It is contemplated that the route generator 611 may consider other factors that may affect the route. The algorithm may include input data in any order or substantially simultaneously. It is contemplated that the data can be processed.

[0097] For example, the route generator 611 may be configured to determine one or more possible routes. In some embodiments, the root generator 611 may implement the functionality of Route generator 611A, route optimizer 611B, and sequence optimizer 611C. The basic route generator 611A may generate a first route for delivering a plurality of packages. The input to the basic route generator is the resource data, as described above. For example, the inputs may include a number of available delivery vehicles, The capacity of each delivery vehicle, preferences for each vehicle, and the intended volume of cargo for each block area , distance between block areas, etc. The method may include a heuristic algorithm to identify all possible routes to Heuristic algorithms use each input only once in a decision. This allows the system to determine the minimum route required to deliver a package. The route may be determined randomly or based on a number of predefined settings. For example, if the input corresponds to that of FIG. 6A, the basic route The generator 611A can determine two delivery routes corresponding to each delivery vehicle; Each block area and each delivery driver was randomly assigned to one of two routes. It can be done.

[0098] The Route Optimizer 611B receives the route determined by the Basic Route Generator. It may take a set of inputs and perform a series of transformations on them. The transformations are the optimal combination of inputs for each route. For example, continuing the example above, The 611B is a block area that can be used to transfer data from the first delivery route to the second delivery route and vice versa. One or more of the following may be replaced: Block area, workers, and others. By rearranging the factors, the route optimizer can find multiple possibilities for the first route. generating multiple possible combinations for the first route and multiple possible combinations for the second route; The route optimizer 611B optimizes each of the possible first routes into a possible second route. and selecting a first route and a second route based on the comparison. For example, the route optimizer 611B may be configured to optimize the route based on one or more factors. The first route can be selected by minimizing the difference with the second route. For example, it may be implemented using a 1 / 0 programming model. It can be the volume of the goods, and the route optimizer will calculate the volume of goods per route. Select the first and second routes based on the first and second routes with the smallest difference between them. In other words, the first route selected may be approximately the same as the second route selected. Other choices of the first route or the second route with the same luggage amount are The difference in volume between the routes of the route optimizer 611B is not smaller. The output is a list of combinations for each route, e.g., the indicators of the delivery vehicles to be used, the service This may include areas to be serviced, packages to be delivered, etc.

[0099] The sequence optimizer 611C uses the output from the route optimizer to You can determine the sequence of each route. The sequence is determined by the number of blocks in each block area. The sequence optimizer 611C may include, for example, ,represent each block area as a node, and the distance between each node and its adjacent nodes is and determine the shortest distance to travel to each node. Determining the shortest distance to travel to a block area is a problem called the Traveling Salesman Problem (T This can be achieved in essentially the same way as solving the sequence of operations (SP). The optimizer 611C optimizes the vector by connecting each node to its two nearest neighbors. The baseline distance can be determined and the total distance required calculated by this model. The sequence optimizer can then swap one or more nodes. If the swap results in a shorter total distance traveled, the sequence optimizer will If the swap results in a longer total distance traveled, the sequence option The optimizer can then perform a different swap and repeat the process. may be randomized, or the sequence optimizer 611C may determine which node We use heuristic models or neural networks to estimate which After several iterations of the swapping process, each block The shortest possible route for travel to the area is determined.

[0100] The sequence optimizer 611C realizes that the shortest route is not necessarily the optimal sequence. It is conceivable that additional constraints could be included, such as: The aim is to avoid crossovers, and the sequence optimizer will Use that information to avoid performing swaps that cross themselves. The output of the performance optimizer is a set of delivery routes, the blocks associated with each route, and the Queriers, workers, delivery vehicles, etc., and a sequence of service for each block area It may also be a list.

[0101] In this example, a basic route generator 611A, a route optimizer 611B, and an ordering optimizer 611C are used. Each of the optimizers 611C uses a matching algorithm or the balancing algorithm described above. It may be included in any of the rhythms, be complementary to it, or be a balun. may be used instead of a matching and / or This route generator 611A may be included in a matching algorithm, and the route optimizer The balance algorithm includes the optimizer 611B and the sequence optimizer 611C. In another embodiment, the route generator 611 may use a matching algorithm and order. The route optimizer 611B and the system optimizer 611C may be included. Using the Basic Root Generator 611A in Combination with the Sequence Optimizer 611C That is, the generated routes could otherwise be generated randomly or by brute force. This provides an efficiency advantage.

[0102] Figure 6B provides an illustration of the data types that may be output from the route generator 611. The output of the root generator 611 shown in FIG. 6B corresponds to the input data shown in FIG. 6A. In the example, the route generator 611 generates two routes, Route 1 613A and Route 2 613B. For each route, the route generator 611 determines which delivery vehicles to use and which Which workers will deliver the packages, which modular containers will be included in each delivery vehicle, and which routes will be used. the number of parcels delivered on the route, the block area served by each route, Generated data identifying the order in which Queriers are served, e.g., Route 1 6 13A is the name of the delivery vehicle used and the workers assigned to deliver the parcels along the route. The route details 615A include route details identifying the resource data Note that route details 615A correspond to the route data 603. Other logistics issues, such as whether Zone 215 should be used to load delivery vehicles It is believed that the information may include data identifying the route. The data generated for 13A holds the package number, package number, and package number to be delivered on the route. Package details identifying the modular container and the block area to which the package corresponds The package details 617A may include a shipping address corresponding to each package, It is contemplated that the information may include other information about the packages, such as the dimensions of the package, the weight of each package, etc. The totality of the delivery data 601 provided to the route generator 611 is the route of the package details 617A. Note that the difference between Route 1 613A and Route 2 613B of Package Detail 617B is taken into account. The information generated for each route includes the order of delivery of packages or the service schedule for a block area. For example, Route 1 613A is a The order in which each block area is served and the number of blocks corresponding to each block area are to be served. and one or more modular containers to be delivered. Thus, the order in which block areas are served is determined by the priority of efficiency 605 and geographic data 606. The delivery order 619A may be determined by several factors, including the Additional navigation directions to and between each block area It is contemplated that the data may include:

[0103] The route generator 611 is designed to recognize exceptions to the efficiency preferences 605 and It is contemplated that the route may be configured to generate a specialized route if this is not the case. For example, shipments delivered within a given time frame may be reflected in delivery data 601. If so, the route generator 611 assigns them a baggage priority, thereby , and their location along the delivery route to ensure they are delivered within the time frame. You can change their position.

[0104] The data generated by the route generator 611 may be further processed, stored, or It may be transmitted to any system within the system 100 or to an external system. Route details 615A are used by workers or robotic systems to deliver the data within route details 615A. Prepare the delivery vehicle identified in and perform one or more tasks related to the delivery within FC 200 to WMS 119 so that it can be assigned to a worker or system. Similarly, package details 617A and 617B can be sent to workers or The system will place the modular container identified by package detail 617A in the first camp zone. 215 and place the modular container identified in shipment description 617B in the second container. 107A to a device such as device 107A so that it can be transported to zone 215. Similarly, delivery order 619A and delivery order 619B can be sent to the FO system 1. 13 to determine the PDD, or to the shipping and order tracking system 111 and may be used to assist in tracking package shipments.

[0105] 7A is a top view of an exemplary delivery vehicle 700. The delivery vehicle has a passenger area 701 and a cargo area 702. The cargo area 703 has two doors 705A and 705B. Within the load area 703 are a number of locations A, B, C, D, E, and F where a group of loads or Positions A, B, C, D, E, and F are for loading modular containers. It is possible that the regions do not represent physically separate areas within region 703. It can be seen from FIG. Thus, areas A and B are closest to the front of the delivery vehicle 700 and are closest to the doors 705A and 705B. In this example, the preferred loading order is Area A and B may be filled before regions C and D, and before regions E and F. Alternatively, areas equidistant from doors 705A and 705B may be given priority over adjacent areas. For example, door 705A may open independently of door 705B, and door 705C may open independently of door 705C. Door 705B may only be opened if door 705A is already open. Position F has priority over position E, and position F is loaded before position E. In this case, position E is associated with the first parcel to be delivered, and the parcel is finally loaded at location E. At the first stop on the route, a worker delivers the package at location E and returns to location F for the remainder of the delivery. E can remain empty. Then the delivery person can, for example, By passing through the gap and removing it, the package loaded at position F can be delivered, and avoiding the need to open door 705B by connecting one location A, B, C, D, E, F to another There may be additional reasons to prioritize location, and the above examples are not limiting. 7 provides another example of a delivery vehicle 702. The delivery vehicle 702 has doors 715A and 715B for It is substantially the same as delivery vehicle 700, except that it is located on the side of object area 713. Similarly, the preferred loading order is to load the areas furthest from the door first and the areas closest to the door last. It may also be a loading area that is closest to the load.

[0106] In the example shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the configurations of delivery vehicles 700 and 702 are illustrative only. In particular, it should be understood that doors 705A, 705B, 715A, and 715B are It can be placed anywhere on the cargo area 703, 713 and is shown as an opening on a hinge. Although the door is shown as being openable, it may be opened by any means known in the art, such as sliding, rolling, retracting, etc. There may also be multiple doors at multiple locations, e.g. A car may have doors located on both the sides and the rear of the cargo area. Areas 703, 713 may be subdivided into any number of areas, and these areas may be the same or The delivery vehicles 700, 702 may be of varying sizes and positions. A vehicle 224, or any other vehicle that can be used to accomplish a delivery. This can be done.

[0107] The loading order may include loading locations. The locations are predetermined by loading guidelines. These may be determined on an ad-hoc basis, for example, by loading guidelines. indicates that all delivery vehicles are loaded from left to right and front to rear. In this example, the first group of parcels is loaded from the left end and the front end of the delivery vehicle. As another example, the loading order is the direction of loading a group of luggage at the end position. The position may include a direction for initially loading the tape and placing it in a first position. Based on multiple factors such as vehicle size, parcel size, and the block area the parcel belongs to. The positions may be determined, for example, at positions G, H, I, J, K, and L as shown in FIG. For example, the device may be one of the first It is determined that a group should be loaded at location H, and a second group of luggage should be loaded at location H. It can be determined that the first group should be loaded at location H. It may be the right half of position H, the bottom half of position H, or any other division of position H, as shown in FIG. 7B. As can be seen, locations G, H, I, J, K, L are of various shapes and sizes. Determining where to load a group of parcels may involve using information about the location of each parcel. Information can be provided to a delivery person or robotic system as the package is being delivered, further reducing the effort required to locate packages within delivery vehicles As will be appreciated from the present invention, the location may correspond to a delivery vehicle. Cut.

[0108] The loading sequence may be based on previously determined delivery routes, block areas, or a combination thereof. For example, the loading order determined in step 309 of method 300 may be: This may correspond to the delivery route determined in step 307. For example, the route generator Data related to the delivery order 619B generated by 611 is used to determine the order. The loading order may be used such that parcels delivered to the first block area are loaded onto the delivery vehicle last. The location in the delivery vehicle may be determined to be within the determined block area. For example, as shown in FIG. 6B, Route 2 613B is first Deliver the parcel to block area 411, then to block area 407, and finally The cargo is delivered to block area 405. In this example, the cargo loading order is The items in Block Area 407 are loaded onto the delivery vehicle first, then the items in Block Area 408 are loaded onto the delivery vehicle, and finally the items in Block Area 409 are loaded onto the delivery vehicle. For example, the delivery vehicle 702 may be in the direction of loading the parcel of the querier 411. When used to carry out a delivery, the load associated with compartment 405 is the furthest from the door, It may be loaded at position H, which is the position closest to the front of the delivery vehicle 702. The load associated with the check area 407 is then transferred to position G, i.e., the previously loaded position. (i.e., position H) can be loaded at one position closer to the door, etc. The advantage of loading the goods in this order is that when the delivery vehicle goes out to make a delivery, the The first parcel to be delivered is placed closest to the door or access point of the delivery vehicle. Furthermore, as the delivery vehicle travels down the delivery route and the package is removed from the delivery vehicle, The parcels delivered to each subsequent delivery area are closest to the door or doorway. In this way, the parcels are distributed in a way that reduces the need to place them in the delivery vehicle at each delivery area. By reducing the amount of oxygen, it can be delivered more efficiently.

[0109] The loading sequence may include the order in which the modular containers are loaded onto the delivery vehicle. For example, , each of the positions A, B, C, D, E, F is one module Modular container 501 is sized to accept a modular container. Additionally or alternatively, positions A, B, Each of C, D, E, F may be of various sizes, and each may be a modular container, multiple modules The container may be sized to receive a portion of a dura container, or the like. For purposes of the embodiment, each of locations A, B, C, D, E, and F is a single modular container. Although the present invention is sized to accommodate a casing, those skilled in the art will recognize that other sizes and configurations are possible. Recognize.

[0110] For example, the delivery order 619A for Route 1 613A has three stops on the route (i.e. , stops at areas 411, 407, and 405) and five modules delivered along the route. and modular containers (i.e., modular containers 2, 3, 4, 7, and 8). So the preferred order is that the first shipment to be delivered is the last to be loaded and the last to be delivered. In this example, modular container 2, 3 is the last block area served by Route 1613A. Since it corresponds to rear 405, the loading order is to load modular containers 2 and 3 first. If the delivery vehicle 700 is used for route 1 613A, the module The modular containers 2 and 3 are positioned at positions A and B, which are the farthest positions from the doors 705A and 705B. B. Modular containers 2 and 3 are related to the same block area 405. Since modular containers 2 and 3 are connected, both will be delivered at the same time. It does not matter whether the modular container 2 is loaded at position A or at position B. Container 4 is the penultimate container to be served on Route 1 613A. Since it corresponds to the block area 407, it may be loaded next. Positions C and D are the vacant positions furthest from the door. As mentioned above, positions C or D There may be reasons to prefer one of the locations D over the other. For example, placing the module enclosure 4 in location D and finally, the first block served on Route 1 613A. The modular containers 7 and 8 corresponding to the area can be loaded onto the delivery vehicle 700. In this embodiment, modular containers 7, 8 may be loaded into positions C and F, As will be understood by the present disclosure, the use of modular containers is not limited to the transport of multiple loads or multiple groups. Not for each piece of luggage in the loop, but for a relatively small number of modular containers. This provides the advantage of requiring determination of loading order and location.

[0111] The loading order may be determined by a loading optimization algorithm. The algorithm may determine the loading order as described above. Loading Optimization Algorithm It also determines the number of locations in the cargo area, the size of each location, the orientation of each location, and the amount of cargo or How to map cargo areas within delivery vehicles, including mapping of cargo areas or block areas, and combinations thereof For example, a loading optimization algorithm can determine how to split a delivery. The loading area 703 of the vehicle 700 is divided into six equally sized and shaped positions A, B, C, D, It can be determined that the optimal partitioning is into E and F.

[0112] The above example shows the order in which a group of parcels or modular containers are loaded. Although it is discussed that the loading order is determined by determining the The method may include determining an order in which each of the plurality of packages is loaded onto the delivery vehicle. For example, determining the loading order may involve determining the first block area. Each corresponding parcel is loaded into a location within the delivery vehicle associated with that block area. This determination may be performed in substantially the same manner as described above. It can be executed in

[0113] The loading sequence or related data may be transmitted to other systems within the network or external systems. The data is sent to a system, stored, and further processed by the same or a different system, and For example, delivery orders may be displayed on a mobile device, displayed on a device, such as device 107A or mobile device 119A, and can load delivery vehicles according to the loading orders. The data is used in WMS 119, FO system 113, SAT system 1 for further processing. 01, shipping and order tracking system 111, etc. The data regarding the loading order is provided to a robotic system configured to load delivery vehicles according to the loading order. The information may be transmitted to the system.

[0114] Consistent with this disclosure, the loading order data may be used to generate a visual representation of the loading order on a device. The visual representation of the loading order can be further processed to generate instructions for the operator. or any other system that may enable a robotic system to load delivery vehicles according to a loading sequence. For example, the visual representation may include a text description of the loading order, Text direction for loading the delivery vehicle, identifies how the delivery vehicle should be loaded This may include graphs or tables showing the loads, visualized loading maps, or a combination of these. The visualized load map is a diagram or map of the delivery vehicle and the For example, a visualized load map may show a top view of a delivery vehicle. and may include the location of each location determined relative to the loading sequence. For example, the visualized load map may appear substantially similar to the illustration of delivery vehicle 700 in FIG. 7A. The visualized load map shows the loads, load groups, and multiple load identifiers on a delivery vehicle diagram. , modular containers, or a combination thereof. It is also contemplated that the visualized loading map may be three-dimensional. Rather than being limited to the top view depicted in Figure 7A, the visualized loading map can be From the orientation, the loading area 703, the position having the loading area 703, and the objects loaded therein can be seen. The visualized loading map shows the number of packages being loaded into the delivery vehicle. This can include the location of each load, group of loads, or modular container. do.

[0115] FIG. 8A is a diagram of an exemplary printout including a visual representation of the loading sequence, , a table 801 indicating the positions where the plurality of modular containers are loaded onto the delivery vehicle; For clarity, table 801 includes both the character direction for loading the car 803 and the The data and text direction 803 contained in the L, modular containers 1-9 as included in the delivery data 601 of FIG. 6A, and FIG. 6B. As shown at 801, for delivery order 619A, modular container 2 is installed at location A. modular container 3 is loaded in position B, and modular container 7 is loaded in position C. , the modular container 4 is loaded in position D, and nothing is loaded in position E, Modular container 8 is loaded into position F. Table 801 reports this, and text The direction 803 is for loading the modular containers onto the delivery vehicle according to the determined loading order. Figure 8A shows both the table and the text description 803. However, only either the table 801 or the text description 803 can be used to determine the loading order. The visual information on the printout 800 can be transmitted to the computer system or to an operator. Visual representation may be on a device, in a virtual space, or in any other modality. It is understood that the above may be displayed.

[0116] FIG. 8B provides an example display of a visual representation of the loading order. The device 810 may be, for example, a computer, a PDA, or a mobile device. The device may be a computer, a smartphone, a tablet, a tablet computer, a tablet PC ... 810 can be either device 107A, 107B, 107C, or another device. The device 810 may communicate with systems in the system 100 and other devices. It is contemplated that the device 810 may be configured to transmit and receive data over receiving commands generated by the transportation system 107 and displaying visual representations in response thereto; In another example, the device 810 may be displayed, for example, on the device 810. The WMS 119 may store data including information about the visual representation of the device, input on the device 810, etc. The display of the device 810 can be a touch screen 812. Although shown, the display may be any display known in the art. The touch screen 812 has three main display areas: a graphics display area 811 , taskbar 813, and task display area 819. The configuration of touch screen 812 is exemplary only and may include one or more views of the loading sequence. The display may have any one or more regions configured to display a visual representation. It should be understood that, for example, the touch screen 812 may be used to display an interactive 3D visualization of the loading It may have a single display area configured to display a map.

[0117] The taskbar 813 controls what is displayed in each of the display areas 811 and 819. The taskbar 813 may be the primary means of control for navigating between multiple tasks. For example, the task bar 813 may include a means for the user to Touch the navigation arrows 817 to navigate through the list of pending tasks. The navigation arrows 817 may include a navigation arrow 817 configured to: The means for this are drop-down menus, scroll bars, voice-activated navigators, etc. The task bar 813 may include any other means known in the art. A task selection area 815 that may be configured to display the identity of the selected task. The taskbar 813 may be located anywhere on the display of the device 810. It is understood that the taskbar 813 may be omitted entirely, or may be omitted entirely. For example, the taskbar 813 may be , may be omitted entirely, and device 810 will optimize the sorting and loading order as described above. automating a task in response to receiving a system-generated instruction to automate the task. The graphic display area 811 and the task display area Area 819 may be configured to display any visual representation of the loading order. For example, a graphic The visual display area 811 may display a schematic diagram of the delivery vehicle, text instructions for loading the delivery vehicle, or or any other visual representation disclosed herein. Area 819 may contain substantially similar information. In some embodiments, the task The display area 819 can include an interactive display of the task, and can be used by a worker or robotic system. The loading order may be determined to ensure that the delivery vehicles are loaded in accordance with the determined loading order. can.

[0118] In the example shown in FIG. 8(b), the task selection area 815 displays the selected task “Loading delivery truck 1.” As discussed above in connection with FIG. 8B, the selected task is Another example of a book may be generated and corresponds to the information shown in FIG. 6B. can display a schematic diagram of delivery vehicle 1, which corresponds to delivery vehicle 700 of FIG. 7A. The diagram includes multiple locations within the cargo area of the delivery vehicle. The display in task display area 819 shows the task. The task selection displayed in the task selection area 815 corresponds to the task selection displayed in the task area 819. The display includes multiple steps for loading delivery vehicles according to a determined loading order. These steps correspond to those described above in connection with FIG. 8A and text direction 803. The step involves using multiple indicators 821, 823, 824 to monitor task performance. 5. The blank indicator 823 may be the default indicator. It may signal that a step in the project is not yet complete. It is contemplated that the indicator may be a blank indicator 823 before the start of the task. The blank indicator 823 indicates a neutral position, such as the empty box shown in FIG. 8B. The complete indicator 821 may be a symbol with a neutral expression, or an emoji with a neutral expression. A completion indicator may be an indicator that a step in a task has been completed. Indicator 821 may be a modified version of blank indicator 823, The symbol may be different from the symbol of the blank indicator 823 that indicates the completion of the block. For example, the complete indicator 821 is a checked box shown in FIG. It may be a symbol, a pictogram with an associated or achieved expression, etc. When a step is completed, for example by pressing or selecting the indicator, the It is thought that the white indicator 823 can be changed to a full indicator 823. The indicator may be configured to change automatically upon completion of a step. For example, multiple sensor or camera systems may monitor a task, and the task may It may be configured to send a signal to the device 810 when it is complete, and then the device The device 810 changes the blank indicator 823 to the completed indicator 821. An error indicator 825 may be configured to indicate that a step in a task was completed incorrectly. It may also be an indicator that the process has been completed in the wrong order. The blank indicator 825 may be a modified version of the blank indicator 823. and a symbol different from the blank indicator 823 symbol that indicates incorrect completion of a task. For example, the error indicator 825 may be an "X" symbol as shown in FIG. It may be a box, or an emoji with a sad expression, etc. Error indicator 825 If the worker touches the indicators in a different order from the determined loading order, or It is contemplated that the indicator may be displayed when the operator selects the module. Before loading the modular container 7 at position C, the modular container 8 is loaded at position F. In this case, the working display area 819 may be configured to display an error indicator 825. Sensor or camera systems also monitor the loading of delivery vehicles to prevent vehicles from being loaded incorrectly. If an error occurs, instructions may be automatically generated to display the error indicator 825. The error message displayed is related to the error indicator 825. For example, when the error indicator 825 is displayed, The error message 827 may be displayed substantially simultaneously. May include a visual representation of the reason for the error indicator 825, such as a text description of the error. While the error message 827 is displayed, the task display area 819 Prohibits further action unless or until the error is resolved. It is contemplated that the example shown in FIG. 8B is merely illustrative and may be configured to The system may be configured to display a visual representation of the loading order by any means consistent with the present invention. It is understood that the present invention can be configured as follows.

[0119] According to the invention, a device for optimizing sorting and loading of luggage is provided, The system may be configured to generate instructions for displaying information about the delivery route. may be transmitted to the device, and a visual representation of the delivery route may be displayed as described in connection with FIG. 8B. For example, the task selection area 815 may be displayed in substantially the same manner as the task selection area 815. One of the tasks to be acquired may be "Deliver package on Route 1" and displayed in the graphical display area 8 11 and the display in the task display area 819 displays information about the determined delivery route. For example, the graphical display area 811 may correspond to the geographic area 400 of FIG. A map of the delivery route can be displayed, and the work display area 819 can be used to display the delivery route shown in FIG. Shows text directions for accomplishing delivery, including steps corresponding to sequence 619A It is possible.

[0120] According to the invention, a device for optimizing sorting and loading of luggage is provided, In response to input from a display of a visual representation of the loading order, For example, as described above, The visualized loading map is displayed on the device, and the workers are determined by the system. If a worker decides to deliver packages in a different order, they can make changes to the route. The system can then receive input regarding the changes. For example, determine a new loading sequence that matches the changed delivery route and create a new To generate instructions for displaying a new visualized loading map, a method The steps of method 300 can be repeated. Similar adjustments can be made to any step of method 300. For example, the worker can calculate the block area determined in step 303 by For example, by changing the size, dimensions, etc. of the block area, or by changing the size of the first block. Block areas can be changed by combining them with a second block area, and then The system then performs the remaining steps of method 300 to determine a loading sequence consistent with the changes. A loop can be performed, and so on.

[0121] In accordance with the present invention, a visual representation of the loading sequence can be used during multiple package deliveries. For example, the instruction to display a visualized loading map is The loading map may be delivered to the device so that the worker can view the loaded map. ,view the visualized loading map on the device display and select the parcel or load to be delivered. See the location of a fleet of items and facilitate delivery of packages without the need to manually sort or scan them in delivery vehicles For example, a delivery person may be located by a transport device 107. While making a delivery, the worker may be prompted to deliver the package along the designated route. For example, a device such as device 810 includes a display of the steps of the delivery in work display area 819. When a worker approaches a first delivery area, such as a first block area, Based on this, the device may, for example, display a visualized loading status on a graphic display 811. On the map, the location of the parcels to be delivered to the delivery area can be displayed. uses this information to quickly and easily locate packages delivered to your area. For example, workers can be notified when packages are placed and / or when they are being placed. When packages are delivered, you can check their delivery status by scanning the barcode attached to them. The device 810 may then provide an input indicating that the item has been placed or delivered. The device 810 can be updated to display the next delivery, This provides a clear advantage over the prior art.

[0122] Although the present disclosure has been shown and described with reference to specific embodiments thereof, the present disclosure may be modified without modification. It will be understood that the present invention may be practiced in other environments. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to depict the precise form or embodiment disclosed. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, given the specification and practice of the disclosed embodiments, Accordingly, modifications and adaptations will become apparent. Although the embodiments are described as being stored in memory, those skilled in the art will appreciate that these aspects may be implemented in hardware, e.g. Hard disk or CD ROM, or other form of RAM or ROM, USB media, DVD Other types of secondary storage devices such as Blu-ray, or other optical drive media It will be understood that the information may be stored on a computer readable medium.

[0123] Computer programs based on the written description and disclosed methods are readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Various programs or program modules are within the skill of the inventor. It can be created using any of the known techniques or existing software For example, a program section or program model can be designed in relation to The modules are .Net Framework, .Net Compact Framework (as well as Visual Basic, C, etc.) related languages), Java, C++, Objective-C, HTML, HTML / AJAX combination, XML, or Ja It can be designed in HTML or by means of a va applet.

[0124] Furthermore, while exemplary embodiments have been described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on this disclosure that As such, it will be understood that equivalent elements, modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g., various embodiments) may be used. Any and all embodiments, including, but not limited to, embodiments (including, but not limited to, embodiments), adaptations, and / or modifications thereof. The scope of the claims. Claim limitations are to be interpreted broadly based on the language used in the claims. and is not limited to the examples set forth herein or as construed during prosecution. The examples should not be construed as exclusive. The steps of the method can be rearranged and / or inserted or It may be modified in any way, including by deleting it. The examples are to be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit being as set forth in the following claims and their equivalents. It is intended that the full scope of equivalents thereof be covered.

Claims

1. 1. A computer-implemented system for optimizing package sorting and stowage, comprising: the computer-implemented system comprises: a memory for storing instructions; at least one processor configured to execute the instructions to perform operations; Equipped with The operation is receiving data including a plurality of package identifiers and delivery locations associated with a plurality of packages; determining a plurality of block areas associated with the delivery locations of the plurality of packages based on the data; determining a first set of routes based on inputs including resource data and delivery data; Including, the first set of routes corresponds to the fewest number of routes required to deliver the plurality of packages, and each route included in the first set of routes includes an order for delivering the plurality of packages; The operation may further include: transforming the first set of routes to determine an optimal combination of inputs for each route in the first set of routes; determining, for each transformed route included in the first set of transformed routes, at least one shortest route by swapping the order of block areas associated with each transformed route; sorting the plurality of packages to determine in which of one or more compartments within the plurality of modular containers the package will be placed; receiving configuration parameters indicative of a configuration of a cargo area of a delivery vehicle, the configuration parameters including available locations within the delivery vehicle where the package may be placed; determining a loading sequence for loading a plurality of modular containers into available locations based on the at least one shortest route; generating instructions for a device that displays a visual representation of the determined loading order; 1. A computer-implemented system comprising:

2. The operation may further include: classifying each of the plurality of packages into one of a plurality of groups of packages, each group corresponding to one of the plurality of block areas; 2. The system of claim 1, wherein determining the loading order includes determining at least one of an order in which each of the groups is loaded onto the delivery vehicle or a location within the delivery vehicle at which each of the groups is loaded.

3. Each section corresponds to one of the plurality of block areas; 2. The system of claim 1, wherein determining the loading order includes determining an order in which the plurality of modular containers are loaded onto the delivery vehicle and determining a location within the delivery vehicle at which each modular container is loaded.

4. determining the plurality of block areas Determining a geographic area to which the plurality of packages will be delivered; and The system of claim 1 , further comprising determining one or more unbreakable areas within a geographic area to which at least one package is to be delivered, each unbreakable area representing one block area.

5. determining the plurality of block areas determining one or more zip codes associated with a plurality of packages to be delivered; and The system of claim 1 , further comprising determining one or more areas within the geographic area represented by the zip code to which the group of packages will be delivered, each area representing one block area.

6. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein determining the delivery route includes determining an order for delivering multiple packages to respective block areas based on one or more of historical data, efficiency priorities, resource data, geographic data, or delivery data.

7. The operation further comprises: transmitting the generated instructions to the device; 2. The system of claim 1, wherein upon receiving the instruction, the device displays a visual representation of the loading order, the visual representation including a visualized loading map of the delivery vehicle and a location relative to each of the plurality of packages.

8. The system of claim 1 , wherein determining the loading order includes determining a location within the delivery vehicle for each of a plurality of packages.

9. 1. A computer-implemented method for optimizing package sorting and stowage, comprising: The computer-implemented method comprises: receiving data including a plurality of package identifiers and delivery locations associated with a plurality of packages; determining a plurality of block areas associated with the delivery locations of the plurality of packages based on the data; determining a first set of routes based on inputs including resource data and delivery data; Including, the first set of routes corresponds to the fewest number of routes required to deliver the plurality of packages, and each route included in the first set of routes includes an order for delivering the plurality of packages; The operation may further include: transforming the first set of routes to determine an optimal combination of inputs for each route in the first set of routes; determining, for each transformed route included in the first set of transformed routes, at least one shortest route by swapping the order of block areas associated with each transformed route; sorting the plurality of packages to determine in which of one or more compartments within the plurality of modular containers the package will be placed; receiving configuration parameters indicative of a configuration of a cargo area of a delivery vehicle, the configuration parameters including available locations within the delivery vehicle where the package may be placed; determining a loading sequence for loading a plurality of modular containers into available locations based on the at least one shortest route; generating instructions for a device that displays a visual representation of the determined loading order; 11. A computer-implemented method comprising:

10. classifying each of the plurality of packages into one of a plurality of package groups, each group corresponding to one of the plurality of block areas; 10. The method of claim 9, wherein determining the loading order includes determining an order in which each of the groups is to be loaded onto the delivery vehicle, and determining a location within the delivery vehicle at which each of the groups is to be loaded.

11. Each section corresponds to one of the plurality of block areas; 10. The method of claim 9, wherein determining the loading order includes determining an order in which the plurality of modular containers are to be loaded onto the delivery vehicle, and determining a location within the delivery vehicle at which each modular container is to be loaded.

12. determining the plurality of block areas Determining a geographic area to which the plurality of packages will be delivered; and 10. The method of claim 9, comprising determining one or more unbreakable areas within a geographic area to which at least one package is to be delivered, each unbreakable area representing one block area.

13. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein determining the delivery route includes determining an order for delivering multiple packages to respective block areas based on one or more of historical data, efficiency priorities, resource data, geographic data, and delivery data.

14. and transmitting the generated instructions to a device, the device transmitting the instructions to the device.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein upon receipt, a visual representation of the loading order is displayed.

15. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the visual representation of the loading sequence includes a visualized loading map of the delivery vehicle, the visualized loading map including a location for each of the plurality of packages.

16. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein determining the loading order includes determining a location within the delivery vehicle for each package of the plurality of packages.

17. 1. A system for optimizing package sorting and loading, comprising: The system comprises: a computer-implemented system comprising a memory and a processor; a classification device; a loading device; Including, the memory stores instructions that cause the processor to perform operations; The operation is receiving data including a plurality of package identifiers and delivery locations associated with a plurality of packages; determining a plurality of block areas associated with the delivery locations of the plurality of packages based on the data; determining a first set of routes based on inputs including resource data and delivery data; Including, the first set of routes corresponds to the fewest number of routes required to deliver the plurality of packages, and each route included in the first set of routes includes an order for delivering the plurality of packages; The operation may further include: transforming the first set of routes to determine an optimal combination of inputs for each route in the first set of routes; determining, for each transformed route included in the first set of transformed routes, at least one shortest route by swapping the order of block areas associated with each transformed route; sorting the plurality of packages to determine in which of one or more compartments within the plurality of modular containers the package will be placed; receiving configuration parameters indicative of a configuration of a cargo area of a delivery vehicle, the configuration parameters including available locations within the delivery vehicle where the package may be placed; determining a loading sequence for loading a plurality of modular containers into available locations based on the at least one shortest route; generating instructions for a device that displays a visual representation of the determined loading order; transmitting said instruction; Including, The classification device comprises: receiving the transmitted instructions; and Sequencing the plurality of packages according to the determined loading order; configured to perform operations including The loading device receiving the transmitted instructions; and displaying a visual representation of the loading order; 12. A system configured to perform operations including:

18. 20. The system of claim 17, wherein determining the loading order includes determining an order in which the plurality of modular containers are loaded onto a delivery vehicle and determining a location within the delivery vehicle to load each modular container, and wherein sorting the plurality of packages includes sorting each package of the plurality of packages into one or more compartments within the plurality of modular containers, each compartment corresponding to one of a plurality of block areas.

19. 20. The system of claim 17, wherein the visual representation includes a visualized load map depicting at least one of the cargo area of the delivery vehicle or a location within the cargo area for each package of the plurality of packages.

20. 20. The system of claim 17, wherein the loading device is configured to display the visual representation by printing the visual representation, by transmitting the visual representation to one or more mobile devices, by displaying the visual representation on a screen, or a combination thereof.

Images