A "live streaming" warehouse management system based on UHF RFID technology.

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a "live streaming" warehouse management system based on UHF RFID technology. 【Solution means】 The present invention relates to a "live streaming" warehouse management system based on UHF RFID technology and belongs to the technical field of warehouse management. The system includes a data processing center, an RFID automatic picking cart, an RFID tunnel gate, and an automatic sorting line. The RFID automatic picking cart is configured with a picking processor, the RFID tunnel gate is configured with a first inspection processor, and a DWS device is also provided on the automatic sorting line, and a second inspection processor is provided in the DWS device. The data processing center integrates each order according to a preset multi-dimensional order integration strategy to generate a multi-picking task. The RFID automatic picking cart simultaneously completes all processes from multi-picking of multiple orders to packing and sealing based on the multi-picking plan, not only saving the space required for subsequent processes, but also improving the multi-picking efficiency. The picking processor completes the first inspection during the multi-picking process, and the first and second inspection processors complete the second and third inspections respectively, ensuring that the shipping accuracy can reach 100% through the three inspections.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a "live streaming" warehouse management system based on UHF RFID technology and belongs to the technical field of warehouse management.

Background Art

[0002] In the technical field of warehouse management, the two most basic methods of warehouse picking operations are "pick-and-place" picking and "sowing" picking. The so-called "pick-and-place" picking means picking for each order, and the picking worker or equipment walks around each cargo location, takes out the items on the order to be processed, packs them, and is named "pick-and-place" picking by analogy with the appearance of picking fruits. "Sowing" picking, also called "pick first and sow later" picking, collects multiple orders into one batch, first takes out the quantities of various commodities together, and is named by analogy with the appearance of picking fruits. Next, for multiple orders, the commodities are sorted and packed by type, and are named "pick first and sow later" picking by analogy with the appearance of sowing seeds.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] Of the two methods described above, the "seed-planting" picking method is widely used because it is far more efficient than the "pick-and-plant" method, as it can simultaneously pick and plant for multiple, even dozens or hundreds, orders. However, it has the following drawbacks: Firstly, it requires a high level of skill from picking workers and is highly reliant on manual labor. Secondly, the picking route is long, and picking must be done first before planting. Thirdly, it requires a relatively large workspace, especially when sorting by product type for multiple orders after "picking." Fourthly, the work process is long and involves many steps. These processes, such as picking, planting, inspection, packaging, and case code printing, must be completed in different locations, and there is a strict sequence between each process; other processes cannot begin until one process is completed. If an error occurs in any process, all subsequent processes must also be stopped.

[0004] In the problems described above, while advanced skills are not required for picking work in actual applications, the high turnover rate of picking workers means that picking workers generally cannot achieve a high level of proficiency. Regarding the multi-picking needs of warehouses handling large volumes of goods, on the one hand, it takes time for pickers to know the storage locations of items, and on the other hand, the high turnover rate of picking workers makes it difficult for them to achieve a high level of proficiency. This contradiction leads to a high picking error rate. Furthermore, the long picking routes and large workspaces result in high costs for companies and low efficiency per square foot. Most importantly, there is still room for improvement in picking efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] To solve the problems of conventional technology, the present invention provides a "live streaming" warehouse management system based on UHF RFID technology, comprising a data processing center, an RFID automatic picking cart 1, an RFID tunnel-type gate 2, and an automatic sorting line 3. The RFID automatic picking cart 1 is configured to include a picking processor 11, the RFID tunnel gate 2 is configured to include a first inspection processor, the RFID tunnel gate 2 is provided at the container input port of the automatic sorting line 3, a DWS device 4 is also provided on the automatic sorting line 3, the DWS device 4 is equipped with a second inspection processor and is positioned in front of each sorting chute of the automatic sorting line 3, the picking processor 11 is connected to the data processing center via wireless LAN, the first inspection processor and the second inspection processor are connected to the data processing center via wireless LAN or wired LAN, data upload and download are enabled via the network so that the data processing center can complete processing and tracking of the relevant orders based on the information fed back from the picking processor 11, the first inspection processor and the second inspection processor, the picking processor 11 completes the first inspection of each order during the picking process, the first inspection processor completes the second inspection of each order and the second inspection processor completes the third inspection of each order.

[0006] Alternatively, the RFID automated picking cart is configured to include an RFID reader and a corresponding RFID scanning area 12, and a printer 13, the RFID reader being used to read the RFID tag information of items placed within the RFID scanning area 12, the RFID reader and printer 13 being connected to the picking processor 11 via a wireless LAN or data transfer cable, the RFID automated picking cart 1 having S container placement positions, the data processing center integrating each N order according to a pre-configured multidimensional order integration strategy to generate one multi-picking task and a corresponding multi-picking plan, and the picking processor 11 is data The picking processor 11 receives multi-picking tasks from the processing center, generates corresponding multi-picking instructions based on the multi-picking plan, and enables picking workers to complete the multi-picking tasks according to the multi-picking instructions. The multi-picking plan includes the specifications and number of containers required for each order in the multi-picking task, and the corresponding multi-picking route. During the multi-picking process, the picking processor 11 performs multi-picking and a first inspection for N orders using each component of the RFID automatic picking cart 1, and completes the packing process, which includes sealing, printing and attaching case codes, where S ≥ N.

[0007] Alternatively, the multidimensional order integration strategy includes dimensions such as order delivery time, delivery destination, items in the order, overlap rate of picking locations for items in the order, order size, and weather and road conditions at the delivery destination, and the specific order integration process is determined by rearranging the dimensions.

[0008] Alternatively, the picking processor 11 may also be configured to include an interactive display unit and a voice interaction system, and the picking worker can interact with the picking processor 11 via the interactive display unit and the voice interaction system.

[0009] Alternatively, the system further comprises an inventory replenishment processor connected to the data processing center via a wired or wireless LAN.

[0010] Alternatively, each container placement position of the RFID automatic picking cart 1 is also provided with a display mark 16, which is electrically connected to the picking processor 11 and used to inform the picking worker of the corresponding container placement position in accordance with the multi-picking instruction.

[0011] Alternatively, the RFID tunnel gate 2 is configured to include a case code scanning device and an RFID reader / writer, the case code scanning device and the RFID reader / writer being connected to a first inspection processor via a wireless LAN or wired LAN, the case code scanning device being used to read case code information on a container when the container passes through the RFID tunnel gate 2 and to obtain product information inside the container based on the case code information, the RFID reader / writer being used to directly read the RFID tags of the products inside the container when the container passes through the RFID tunnel gate 2 and to obtain corresponding product information, and the first inspection processor being used to compare the product information inside the container obtained by the case code scanning device with the product information inside the container read by the RFID reader / writer to complete the second inspection of the order.

[0012] Alternatively, the DWS device 4 is used to measure the weight and / or volume of the container and scan the case code information before the container enters the sorting chute, and the second inspection processor calculates the theoretical weight and / or volume of the container based on the case code information and compares it with the measured container weight and / or volume to complete the third inspection of the order.

[0013] Alternatively, each sorting chute in the automated sorting line is configured based on the receiving address of all orders in the order pool, and the positional order of each sorting chute in the automated sorting line is configured based on the total number of sorting chutes, using all orders in the order pool.

[0014] Alternatively, the RFID automatic picking cart may be equipped with a drive unit and a robotic arm, and all tasks that would normally be completed by a picking worker within the system may be completed by the drive unit and robotic arm. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] One of the advantageous effects of the present invention is that it provides a "live streaming" warehouse management system based on UHF RFID technology, which improves the picking efficiency of pickers by integrating each order using a multidimensional order integration strategy before multi-picking to generate a multi-picking task that includes multiple orders. In the multi-picking process, an RFID automated picking cart equipped with a picking processor, RFID reader, printer, display mark, interactive display unit, and earphone is provided. After receiving a multi-picking task, the picking processor generates multi-picking instructions accordingly, prompting the picker to perform the corresponding operation. Furthermore, the accuracy of multi-picking is guaranteed from multiple angles by the display mark, interactive display unit, and earphone, eliminating reliance on the picker's experience and skill level. Additionally, the onboard printer can print as needed for the picker to use for sealing, thus eliminating the subsequent packaging process and minimizing errors in the multi-picking, boxing, and packaging processes. At the same time, the picking processor is responsible for closed-loop verification of instructions in the multi-picking process, achieving the first inspection during the multi-picking process. The first inspection processor performs a second inspection on the container before it enters the automated sorting line, and the second inspection processor completes a third inspection of each order before the container leaves the automated sorting line and enters each sorting chute, ensuring that the shipping accuracy reaches 100% with three inspections. Furthermore, the space required for this system is used only for the installation of the warehouse and automated sorting line, eliminating the need for sorting, packing, and inspection areas compared to conventional "pick first, plant later" picking warehouse management systems, significantly reducing warehouse costs for companies and improving space efficiency.

[0016] Hereinafter, in order to clearly explain the technical means within the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings that may be used to describe the embodiments will be briefly described. The accompanying drawings described below are merely some embodiments of the present invention, and those skilled in the art can obtain other accompanying drawings based on these, assuming no creative activity is required. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of data transmission between the components of a "live streaming" warehouse management system based on UHF RFID technology provided by the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of a "live streaming" warehouse management system based on UHF RFID technology provided by the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart of the multidimensional order integration strategy provided by the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an RFID automated picking cart in a "live streaming" warehouse management system based on UHF RFID technology provided by the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] As is well known, goods are generally stored in areas divided by category, and the apparel industry, for example, is usually classified into three levels. There are major categories, medium categories, and minor categories. Major categories include children's clothing, women's clothing, and men's clothing. Medium categories refer to further subdivided categories within each major category; for example, the range of women's clothing is further subdivided into medium categories including shirts, T-shirts, skirts, etc. Minor categories refer to further subdivided categories within each major category; for example, women's clothing - skirts is further subdivided into minor categories including dresses and skirts.

[0019] According to the classification of the apparel industry, clothing storage warehouses are divided into multiple areas, each area storing all products of a major or medium category. Within each area, multiple product shelves are installed based on subdivided medium and minor categories within that category, and these are further subdivided from specific minor categories into SKUs (Stock Keeping Units) which are then stored on corresponding product shelves.

[0020] Conventional Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) include a purchasing management module, a warehouse management module, a sales management module, and a report generation module, and are equipped with query functions. Warehouse centers can select the corresponding functional modules according to their actual needs (in this application, "warehouse" means storage warehouses and distribution centers). Generally, warehouse centers receive orders from headquarters or individual stores and complete multi-picking and shipping according to those orders. However, conventional Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) use conventional "pick-and-go" picking or "live streaming" picking when performing multi-picking and shipping according to orders, resulting in problems such as low efficiency, long picking routes, and the need for large workspaces. Therefore, this application provides a "live streaming" warehouse management system based on UHF RFID technology. This system optimizes the entire process from order processing to multi-picking, re-inspection, packaging, and shipping, reducing reliance on picking workers, minimizing the error rate, improving order processing efficiency, reducing the demand for workspace, and significantly improving space efficiency. Embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0021] (First embodiment) This embodiment provides a "live streaming" warehouse management system based on UHF RFID technology, which includes a data processing center, an RFID automatic picking cart 1, an RFID tunnel gate 2, and an automatic sorting line 3. The RFID automatic picking cart 1 is configured with a picking processor 11. The RFID tunnel gate 2 is configured with a first inspection processor, and the RFID tunnel gate 2 is provided at the container inlet of the automatic sorting line 3. A DWS (Dimension - volume, Weight - weighing, scanning - code scanning) device 4 is also provided on the automatic sorting line 3. The DWS device 4 includes a second inspection processor and is arranged in front of each sorting chute of the automatic sorting line 3. The picking processor 11 is connected to the data processing center via a wireless LAN. The first inspection processor and the second inspection processor are connected to the data processing center via a wireless LAN or a wired LAN. The data processing center can complete the processing and tracking of corresponding orders based on the information fed back from the picking processor 11, the first inspection processor, and the second inspection processor, and realizes the upload and download of data through the network.

[0022] The system further includes an inventory replenishment processor connected to the data processing center via a wired LAN or a wireless LAN.

[0023] The RFID tunnel gate 2 is configured with a case code scanning device and an RFID reader / writer. The case code scanning device and the RFID reader / writer are connected to the first inspection processor via a wireless LAN or a wired LAN. The picking processor 11 completes the first inspection of each order during the picking process. The first inspection processor completes the second inspection of each order. The second inspection processor completes the third inspection of each order.

[0024] In this application, as shown in FIG. 1, the data processing center can obtain order data and warehouse data through a conventional WMS system. The inspection processor in FIG. 1 includes a first inspection processor and a second inspection processor.

[0025] (Second Embodiment) This embodiment provides a "live streaming" warehouse management system based on UHF RFID technology, which includes a data processing center, an RFID automatic picking cart 1, an RFID tunnel gate 2, and an automatic sorting line 3. The RFID automatic picking cart 1 is configured with a picking processor 11. The RFID tunnel gate 2 is configured with a first inspection processor. The RFID tunnel gate 2 is provided at the container inlet of the automatic sorting line 3. A DWS device 4 is also provided on the automatic sorting line 3. The DWS device 4 is arranged in front of each sorting chute and includes a second inspection processor.

[0026] The picking processor 11 is connected to the data processing center via a wireless LAN. The first inspection processor and the second inspection processor are connected to the data processing center via a wireless LAN or a wired LAN. Through the network, data upload and download are realized so that the data processing center can complete the processing and tracking of the corresponding order based on the information fed back from the picking processor 11, the first inspection processor, the weight, and the second inspection processor.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, the "live streaming" warehouse management system based on UHF RFID technology provided in this application requires only a workspace for installing the warehouse 5 and the automated sorting line 3. Within the warehouse, product shelves 6 are arranged in rows, and loading / unloading areas 7 can be provided at both ends of the product shelves 6 according to actual needs. The loading / unloading areas 7 are used to temporarily store packaged containers or empty boxes (which can be placed on the corresponding pallets for transport). Each RFID automated picking cart 1 travels back and forth along the aisles of the product shelves, performing packing processes such as picking multiple orders, initial inspection, sealing, and printing and attaching case codes. The case codes contain product information and corresponding order information within the container. After packing is complete, the picking worker places the packed containers directly in the loading area 7, and the transport worker responsible for transporting the containers carries them to the container input port of the automated sorting line 3 (in actual applications, an automated transport line may be installed, in which case the picking worker places the packed containers directly on the automated transport line, and the automated transport line transports the containers to the container input port of the automated sorting line 3). The containers pass through the RFID tunnel gate 2 and then enter the automated sorting line 3. As the containers pass through the RFID tunnel gate 2, the case code scanning device reads the case code attached to the container to obtain product information inside the container, the RFID reader / writer reads the product information inside the container, and the first inspection processor compares the two pieces of information to complete the second inspection. If an error is found during the inspection, the container enters the incorrect item removal port and is discharged, processed manually, and then placed into the container input port of the automated sorting line 3.If the inspection is successful, the container enters the automated sorting line 3, which is equipped with multiple sorting chutes. Before the container reaches each sorting crevice, the second inspection processor calculates the theoretical weight / volume of the container based on the product information obtained by scanning the container code information via the DWS device 4, and compares it with the actual measured weight / volume to complete the third inspection. Through this third inspection, it is possible to confirm whether the goods in the container are correct, and on the other hand, to check whether the picking worker is using an inappropriate container. For example, in the case of an order containing only 12 items, an A-type container could be used, but the picking worker might use a larger C-type container. The second inspection processor can detect this problem based on the volume comparison and remind the picking worker to use a more appropriate container later. After passing the third inspection, the container enters the corresponding sorting crevice set according to the delivery destination, sorts, and then loads into the vehicle.

[0028] As described above, compared to conventional warehouse management systems based on "pick first, sow later" picking, the "live streaming" warehouse management system based on UHF RFID technology provided in this application eliminates the need for sorting, packing, and inspection areas, thereby shortening the picking workflow. Furthermore, the RFID automatic picking cart 1 in the "live streaming" warehouse management system based on UHF RFID technology provided in this application uses a novel picking method called "live streaming" picking, that is, it directly "sows" for multiple orders while picking, and at the same time as realizing this picking method, it is designed to improve picking efficiency as much as possible. The operating principle of the "live streaming" warehouse management system based on UHF RFID technology provided in this application is as follows.

[0029] (1) Data Processing Center: After receiving an order, the data processing center integrates it according to a pre-configured order integration strategy and generates multi-picking tasks and corresponding multi-picking plans accordingly. Each RFID automated picking cart then receives the multi-picking tasks and corresponding multi-picking plans from the data processing center via a picking processor.

[0030] Each multi-picking task consists of N orders, where 1 ≤ N ≤ S, and S is determined by the number of container placement positions equipped on the RFID automated picking cart 1. The corresponding multi-picking plan includes the container specifications and corresponding quantities required for each order in the multi-picking task, as well as the corresponding multi-picking route.

[0031] The scheme of this application designs a multidimensional order integration strategy that takes into account picking efficiency and subsequent packing and shipping efficiency, and specifically integrates the following dimensions: 1. Delivery time required from the order, 2. Delivery destination, 3. Overlap rate of picking locations for items in the order, 4. Order size, 5. Items in the order, 6. Weather conditions, 7. Information on the status of transport vehicles and road conditions, etc.

[0032] As shown in Figure 3, this embodiment uses a warehouse center as an example, which receives orders from stores in cities across the country. The specific order consolidation strategy used is as follows: Step S1: Obtain order information necessary for processing according to pre-set conditions, and classify orders that meet the pre-set conditions into one batch. The pre-set conditions include time, region, product, and others.

[0033] For example, all orders received within a specified time range can be classified into batches based on the order time, orders belonging to the same region as the delivery address can be classified into batches, orders containing specific products can be classified into batches, or other pre-set conditions can be used depending on the actual application scenario.

[0034] In practical applications, orders selected according to specific circumstances can be classified into a single batch. For example, if a weather forecast predicts heavy rain in the Wuhan area in three days, the data processing center can sort all orders destined for Wuhan and process them preferentially before consolidating the orders. Similarly, if the transportation bureau notifies the warehouse center to carry out road repairs on a section of highway in Guangzhou in three days, the data processing center can sort all orders destined for Guangzhou and process them preferentially.

[0035] As another example, if temperatures across the country drop sharply and orders containing a specific product, such as down jackets, need to be processed preferentially, the data processing center will sort those orders containing down jackets into a single batch and process them with priority.

[0036] Order information includes delivery time, product type, size and quantity, and delivery information (including recipient, contact phone number, and delivery address).

[0037] Step S2: The order is pre-consolidated based on the delivery address, delivery time, and location information of the items included in the order, and the location information of the items is pre-stored in the data processing center.

[0038] Step S2.1: In practical applications, considering that there may be multiple dispersed orders from the same store in a short period of time, orders that simultaneously meet the following three conditions can be pre-consolidated: Condition 1: Delivery time is within the same time frame (e.g., on the same day), Condition 2: Delivery address is the same store, Condition 3: The included products are stored in the same area.

[0039] After pre-integration, if multiple separate orders are placed from the same store within a short period, and the picking locations for the included items are in the same area, these orders can be combined into a single order.

[0040] Step S2.2: In actual application, after selecting orders that simultaneously satisfy the three conditions above, order size can be used as a secondary pre-selection criterion. Orders whose size exceeds a pre-set second threshold are not pre-integrated. The said second threshold is an artificially set threshold, and considering that large orders may occur due to multiple distributed orders from the same store in a short period of time, the second threshold is set based on experience, and orders whose size exceeds the second threshold are not pre-integrated.

[0041] After performing steps S2.1 and S2.2 above, the pre-integrated orders are placed into the order pool as a single order along with the orders that have not been pre-integrated, and the following steps are performed.

[0042] Step S3: Determine whether the size of each order in the order pool exceeds a first threshold. If it exceeds the first threshold, generate the order as a separate multi-picking task. If it does not exceed the first threshold, proceed to step S4, where the first threshold is determined by the maximum order size that the RFID automated picking cart can carry. The first threshold is greater than the second threshold.

[0043] In this step, the first threshold is determined by the maximum order size that the RFID picking cart can carry. For example, the first threshold may be set to 800 units, and the second threshold in step S2.2 above may be set to 300 units.

[0044] Step S4: Classify orders whose order size does not exceed the first threshold based on the region to which the order's delivery address belongs, delivery time, and product location information. The region to which the delivery address belongs refers to a region defined by administrative districts or the sales method of the retail business.

[0045] For example, the aforementioned administrative districts include the same city or province, or other administrative districts such as the East China region or the North China region. Districts divided by retail sales methods refer to districts that a company has divided according to its sales method; for example, if a city has two stores, that city is divided into two sales districts.

[0046] For example, orders that simultaneously meet the following three conditions are classified into the same category: Condition 1: The delivery address belongs to the same province. Condition 2: The delivery time is the same time slot, for example, on the same day. Condition 3: The included goods are stored in the same area.

[0047] Step S5: For each order within the same category, a multi-picking task is generated for every N orders according to the overlap rate of picking locations, and the picking location is defined as the aisle where the product location is located, or a specific location in the aisle corresponding to the product location.

[0048] If the picking location is defined as the aisle in which the product location is situated, then the picking locations for all products on the shelves on both sides of the same aisle are the same.

[0049] If a picking position is defined as a specific location in an aisle corresponding to a product location, then the picking positions for products at opposing locations on the shelves on both sides of the same aisle are the same.

[0050] In practical applications, considering the priority given to multi-picking for larger orders, the specific method for generating multi-picking tasks could be either Method 1 or Method 2.

[0051] Method 1: Select the largest order within the same category, calculate the overlap rate of picking locations between the remaining orders and the largest order, and generate a single multi-picking task with the N-1 orders that have the highest overlap rate with the largest order's picking locations, along with the picking locations of the largest order. Then, select the largest order from the remaining orders, recalculate the overlap rate of picking locations between each of the remaining orders and the largest order, and repeat this step until all orders are merged and a multi-picking task is generated. The overlap rate of picking locations refers to the proportion of items in the largest order whose picking locations are the same across all orders, out of the total number of items in the largest order.

[0052] Method 2: Select the largest order within the same category, sequentially calculate the overlap rate of picking locations between the remaining orders and the largest order, merge the order with the largest order that has the highest overlap rate of picking locations with the largest order to form a dummy order, calculate the overlap rate of picking locations between the remaining orders and the dummy order, merge the order with the dummy order that has the highest overlap rate of picking locations with the dummy order to form a larger dummy order, and repeat the above steps until N orders are merged into one dummy order and all orders within the dummy order are generated as one multi-picking task. Then, select the largest order from the remaining orders and repeat this step until all orders are merged and a multi-picking task is generated.

[0053] Step S6: Generate priorities for each multi-picking task. In practical applications, priorities can be set according to the total number of items included in a multi-picking task, or according to delivery time, recipient address and its ownership, or other factors.

[0054] For example, the total number of items included in each multi-picking task is calculated, and multi-picking tasks with a large total number of items are processed preferentially.

[0055] For example, based on the delivery time considered in step S4, multi-picking tasks with shorter delivery times are prioritized.

[0056] For example, the priority of each province, city, or region is customized according to the recipient address considered in step S4.

[0057] For example, considering the inventory levels of each product in the warehouse center, multi-picking tasks for products with high inventory levels are prioritized.

[0058] The subsequent multi-picking process allows for multi-picking by distributing items to RFID picking carts according to the set priority order.

[0059] In the steps described above, some steps can be adaptively adjusted according to the actual situation. For example, if the pre-set condition in step S1 is a region, that is, orders belonging to the same region are classified and processed in one batch. When step S4 classifies orders whose order size does not exceed a first threshold based on the region to which the order's delivery address belongs, the delivery time, and the location information of the goods included in the order, it takes into consideration that the region to which the order's delivery address belongs may be a region of the next tier. For example, after step S1 classifies orders belonging to the same province into one batch, step S4 classifies orders according to the region to which the order's delivery address belongs, it can classify them by the same city or by a region of a different tier.

[0060] (2) RFID Automated Picking Cart: RFID Automated Picking Cart 1 receives multi-picking tasks and corresponding multi-picking plans from the data processing center via a configured picking processor.

[0061] The data processing center, after integrating the orders, generates multiple multi-picking tasks, each multi-picking task consisting of N orders. Each RFID automated picking cart 1 receives the multi-picking tasks and corresponding multi-picking plans from the data processing center via a configured picking processor. The picking processor generates corresponding multi-picking instructions based on the multi-picking plans, and picking workers can complete the multi-picking tasks according to the multi-picking instructions.

[0062] The configuration of the RFID automatic picking cart 1 is shown in Figure 4. To ensure 100% picking accuracy in the "live streaming" picking method and to significantly improve picking efficiency, the RFID automatic picking cart 1 provided in this application comprises a picking processor 11, an RFID reader and corresponding RFID scan area 12 (the RFID reader is not shown in Figure 4), a printer 13, a display mark 16, and an earphone (the earphone is not shown in Figure 4, considering that it can be provided as a Bluetooth® wireless earphone). The picking processor 11 is provided with a display unit which may be an interactive display unit (an input keyboard may also be provided considering actual applications). By controlling the reading distance of the RFID reader with an improved RFID antenna, it is possible to read only products placed within the RFID scan area 12 without misreading products on the shelves, and to scan multiple products simultaneously. The RFID reader and printer 13 may be connected to the picking processor 11 via a wireless LAN or a data transfer cable. The earphones can be connected to the picking processor 11 via Bluetooth® or a data transfer cable. The display mark 16 is electrically connected to the picking processor 11. The RFID automatic picking cart 1 is also equipped with a voice interaction system, allowing picking workers to have simple voice interactions with the picking processor 11 via Bluetooth® earphones.

[0063] In actual applications, the picking processor 11 may be a mobile handheld terminal such as a tablet, i.e., a device in which the processor and display unit are integrated, or it may be a stationary computer installed on an RFID automatic picking cart, and may be equipped with an input keyboard and display according to actual needs, and the display unit may be a movable interactive display unit.

[0064] The RFID automatic picking cart 1 further includes a frame body 15 which can be configured in a single-tier or multi-tier structure depending on the needs of the actual application scenario. In Figure 4, as an example, it is configured in a two-tier structure and has S container placement positions, each container placement position is provided with an indicator mark 16, which may be an indicator light or an electronic display board, informing the picking worker of the corresponding product placement position in accordance with the multi-picking instruction issued from the picking processor 11. The RFID automatic picking cart 1 further includes a replaceable rechargeable battery 14.

[0065] In actual application, after a picker receives the RFID automated picking cart 1, they enter their employee ID number and click "Start Multi-Picking" on the interactive display. After the data processing center receives this click information, it sends the multi-picking task with the highest priority to the RFID picking cart. The data processing center also changes the status of the N orders included in the multi-picking task to "Multi-Picking in Progress" and associates the RFID automated picking cart ID with the picker ID.

[0066] After receiving a multi-picking task, the picking processor 11 generates a corresponding multi-picking instruction according to the corresponding multi-picking plan and prompts the picking worker to perform the corresponding operation via the interactive display and earphone. The corresponding multi-picking plan includes the specifications and number of containers required for each order in the multi-picking task, and the corresponding multi-picking route (the data processing center considers the optimal multi-picking route when generating a multi-picking task, so the multi-picking route for the multi-picking task is also determined when the multi-picking task is generated).

[0067] As shown in Figure 4, the RFID automatic picking cart 1 has, for example, S=6 container placement positions. Therefore, if a multi-picking task received by an RFID automatic picking cart 1 includes six orders, referred to as Order 1 to Order 6, the specifications and number of containers required for each of the six orders will be displayed on the interactive display unit.

[0068] When multi-picking is initiated, the multi-picking instructions prompt the picker to take the container with the corresponding specifications for each of the orders 1 through 6 and place it in the designated container location. For example, if the multi-picking instruction is "Place container A in the first position on the top shelf," the indicator light in the first position on the top shelf of the RFID automated picking cart will light up, instructing the picker to place container A in that location.

[0069] During the multi-picking process, the picking processor 11 issues a multi-picking instruction to the picker, such as "Drive to the P-th location on the first row of shelves," according to the multi-picking route. Upon arrival at the location, the picker can respond via the voice dialogue system with "Arrived." At this point, the picking processor 11 issues another multi-picking instruction, "Pick up three items of product B." The picker places the three items of product B from the location into the RFID scan area 12. The RFID reader then reads the product information, displays the result on the screen, and announces a corresponding voice instruction. If the product information is incorrect, it may indicate a quantity shortage. , or specific errors such as over-quantity or mix-ups are indicated. For example, if a picker picks up only two items, the RFID reader reads the product information, and the picking processor 11, after verification, issues the instruction "You picked up two items of product B, please pick up one more." If the product information is correct, it issues a multi-picking instruction "Place three items of product B3 in the first position on the top shelf," and the indicator light at the first position on the top shelf of the RFID automatic picking cart 1 lights up. If the picker does not place the item in the correct position, the RFID automatic picking cart can also issue a notification. This function can be implemented using weight detection or AI image recognition. When implemented using weight detection, weighing scales are installed under S container placement positions, and the picking processor can determine whether the weight of the corresponding position has increased based on the weight change information. For example, if the weighing scale installed under the first position on the top shelf does not detect an increase in weight, the picking processor 11 compares the results and issues a "misplacement" instruction. When implemented using AI image recognition, a camera needs to be installed on the RFID automated picking cart. Depending on the actual scenario, the camera can be placed in a location that can simultaneously capture the positions of S containers on the RFID automated picking cart, and the AI ​​image recognition results can be used to determine whether the containers were placed correctly.

[0070] During the multi-picking process described above, the picking processor performs an initial inspection through RFID reader, multi-picking instructions, display marks, and weight detection or AI image recognition to maximize the accuracy of multi-picking. Furthermore, the installation of an interactive display unit shows the progress of multi-picking in real time, and there are corresponding voice instructions, allowing pickers to continue multi-picking even if they leave their workstations midway and return. The picking processor uploads the progress of multi-picking to the data processing center in real time, and if a picker has an errand, a cart malfunctions, or any other emergency occurs, the data processing center can transfer the multi-picking task to another picker or another RFID automated picking cart to continue multi-picking.

[0071] When the picking processor 11 detects that a container at a specific location is full (which can be determined based on the container's specifications and the information of the goods placed inside), it notifies the picking worker with the message, "The container is full. Do you need to print the case code?" The picking worker can then select "Print case code" via the interactive display unit or voice interaction system, and the picking processor 11 issues a print command to the printer 13 for the case code. The case code contains all the product information and corresponding order information within the container, and at the same time, the case code is noted to indicate which container it is for the corresponding order.

[0072] After the case codes have been printed, the picking processor 11 affixes the case codes to the containers at the appropriate locations (indicated to the picking workers via indicator marks 16), and stores them in the nearest loading dock 7 after packing and sealing. Empty boxes are also stored in the loading dock 7 so that after the sealed containers are placed in this location, the picking workers can take empty boxes and continue multi-picking. After the case codes have been printed, the picking processor 11 transmits the case code information to the data processing center so that the data processing center can associate the case codes with the corresponding orders.

[0073] When the picking processor 11 detects that all items for an order (let's assume it's order 1) have been picked, regardless of whether the last container is full (in a multi-picking plan, the appropriate container specifications are usually determined based on the order size, but sometimes the container is not exactly full), it notifies the picking worker with the message "Multi-picking for order complete, please print the case code." The picking worker then prints the case code, affixes it to the container at the appropriate location, packs and seals it, and stores it in the nearest loading dock 7. After the data processing center receives the last case code information for an order, it changes the status of that order to "Multi-picking complete."

[0074] After the picking worker arrives at the last picking location for the multi-picking task and completes the multi-picking at that location, the picking processor 11 checks whether the ordered item is out of stock. If it is not out of stock, the picking processor 1 returns to its initial state until the picking worker clicks "Start Multi-Picking" on the interactive display to activate a new multi-picking task.

[0075] During the multi-picking process, if a picker notices that an item required for an order is out of stock, they send "stock replenishment required information" to the warehouse center's data processing center via the picking processor 11. This stock replenishment information includes the number of items out of stock and the order information corresponding to the out-of-stock items. The data processing center immediately notifies the warehouse manager of the stock replenishment requirement via the stock replenishment processor. After the warehouse manager replenishes the stock, they send "stock replenishment completed information" to the data processing center via the stock replenishment processor. Upon receiving the stock replenishment completed information, the data processing center changes the status of the "stock replenishment required information" to "completed". The replenishment processor may be a handheld scanner or other device.

[0076] After the picking processor 11 transmits the inventory replenishment requirement information, it continues to prompt the picking worker to pick up the remaining items included in the order. After all order multi-picking tasks in a multi-picking task are completed, the picking worker can click "Multi-picking Complete" on the interactive display. After the picking processor 11 receives this click information, it checks if there are any orders that are out of stock. If there are, the data processing center reads the status of the transmitted "Inventory Replenishment Requirement Information". If the status is "Completed", the picking processor 11 prompts the picking worker to go to the relevant location, perform multi-picking of the out-of-stock items, and then complete subsequent operations such as printing case codes and sealing, and store them in the nearest loading dock 7. If the status of "Inventory Replenishment Required Information" is "Pending Processing," the picking processor 11 records the out-of-stock information and prompts the picking worker to place the container in the appropriate area (an out-of-stock area can be set up near the loading area 7 to place containers that are out of stock and have not been processed) so that the inventory replenishment staff can process it together. At the same time, it uploads the out-of-stock information to the data processing center, which changes the order information corresponding to the out-of-stock information to an out-of-stock state.

[0077] In practical applications, the data processing center periodically calculates the quantity information of all products currently on the shelves and notifies warehouse managers to replenish inventory as needed if the quantity of a particular product falls below the minimum stock level.

[0078] In addition to completing the multi-picking task described above, the picking processor 11 immediately monitors the battery level, the condition of the printer paper, and whether there are any malfunctions in the indicator lights, and displays the abnormal information on the interactive display unit if an abnormality occurs.

[0079] (3) RFID tunnel gate: After the picking worker places the sealed container in the loading area 7, the transporter responsible for transporting the container transports it to the container input port of the automatic sorting line 3. As shown in Figure 1, the automatic sorting line 3 can be provided with multiple container input ports, and one RFID tunnel gate 2 is provided at each container input port. The RFID tunnel gate 2 is equipped with a first inspection processor. When a container enters the automatic sorting line 3 through the RFID tunnel gate 2, the first inspection processor obtains product information from the container based on the case code information on the container read by the case code scanning device, and obtains product information by reading the RFID tags of the products inside the container with an RFID reader. The first inspection processor then compares the two pieces of information to complete the second inspection. If an abnormality occurs, the container flows to the mis-item removal port and triggers an alarm.

[0080] (4) DWS device: After sealing, the containers are transported on the automatic sorting line 3 and pass through the DWS device 4 before reaching each sorting chute. The DWS device 4 measures the weight and / or volume of the containers and scans the case code information. Based on the case code information, it calculates the theoretical value of the weight and / or volume of the corresponding container and compares it with the measured weight and / or volume of the container to complete the third inspection of the containers. If there is a discrepancy, the containers are sent to the mis-item removal port and the corresponding discrepancy information is displayed.

[0081] On the other hand, it is possible to verify whether the specified container type is being used strictly through measurement and comparison of weight and volume. When using a volume measuring device, it can be calculated using a volume measuring instrument or directly based on the specification information in the case code, and some error may occur considering situations where the container is not full.

[0082] After passing through the DWS device 4, the containers arrive at their respective sorting chutes according to their purpose, where they are shipped or loaded onto vehicles.

[0083] (5) Automatic sorting line: The automatic sorting line is equipped with multiple sorting chutes, and each sorting chute is positioned according to the delivery address of all orders in the order pool. For example, if statistics show that the multi-picking orders in the morning mainly consist of items to be shipped to five cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Wuhan, and Shenzhen, the sorting chutes of the automatic sorting line can be positioned accordingly. At the same time, the data processing center will aggregate the number of items to be shipped to the five cities, adjust the position order of each sorting chute according to the number of items to be shipped to each city, and, taking into account the wear and lifespan of the automatic sorting line machinery, place the boxing location for the city with the most items in the nearest sorting chute.

[0084] Some steps in embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in software, and the corresponding software programs can be stored on a readable storage medium such as an optical disc or a hard disk.

[0085] While the above has been described using only preferred embodiments, it is not limited to these embodiments. Various modifications, substitutions with equivalents, and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit and principles of the present invention, and these should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0086] (Note) (Note 1) A "live streaming" warehouse management system based on UHF RFID technology, comprising a data processing center, an RFID automatic picking cart (1), an RFID tunnel gate (2), and an automatic sorting line (3), wherein the RFID automatic picking cart (1) is configured to include a picking processor (11), the RFID tunnel gate (2) is configured to include a first inspection processor, and the RFID tunnel gate (2) is provided at the container input port of the automatic sorting line (3), and a DWS device (4) is also provided on the automatic sorting line (3), the DWS device (4) is positioned in front of each sorting chute of the automatic sorting line (3), and includes a second inspection processor, and the picking processor ( 11) is connected to the data processing center via wireless LAN, the first inspection processor and the second inspection processor are connected to the data processing center via wireless LAN or wired LAN, and data upload and download are enabled via the network so that the data processing center can complete processing and tracking of the relevant orders based on the information fed back from the picking processor (11), the first inspection processor and the second inspection processor, and the picking processor (11) completes the first inspection of each order during the picking process, the first inspection processor completes the second inspection of each order, and the second inspection processor completes the third inspection of each order, characterized in that the system is configured such that

[0087] (Note 2) The RFID automatic picking cart is configured to include an RFID reader and a corresponding RFID scan area (12), and a printer (13). The RFID reader is used to read the RFID tag information of products placed within the RFID scan area (12). The RFID reader and the printer (13) are connected to the picking processor (11) via a wireless LAN or data transfer cable. The RFID automatic picking cart (1) is provided with S container placement positions. The data processing center integrates each N order according to a pre-configured multi-dimensional order integration strategy to generate one multi-picking task and a corresponding multi-picking plan. The picking processor (11) is connected to the data processing center. The system as described in Appendix 1, characterized in that the picking processor (11) receives the multi-picking task, generates a corresponding multi-picking instruction based on the multi-picking plan, enables the picking worker to complete the multi-picking task in accordance with the multi-picking instruction, the multi-picking plan includes the specifications and number of containers required for each order in the multi-picking task, and the corresponding multi-picking route, and in the multi-picking process, the picking processor (11) performs multi-picking and a first inspection for N orders using each component of the RFID automatic picking cart (1), and completes the packing process, the packing process includes sealing, printing and attaching case codes, where S ≥ N.

[0088] (Note 3) The multidimensional order integration strategy is characterized by including dimensions such as order delivery time, delivery destination, items in the order, overlap rate of picking locations for items in the order, order size, and information on weather and road conditions at the delivery destination, and by determining a specific order integration process by rearranging the dimensions. This is the system described in Appendix 1.

[0089] (Note 4) The system as described in Appendix 1, wherein the picking processor (11) is configured to also include an interactive display unit and a voice interaction system, and the picking worker realizes information interaction with the picking processor (11) via the interactive display unit and the voice interaction system.

[0090] (Note 5) The system according to Appendix 1, further comprising an inventory replenishment processor connected to the data processing center via a wired LAN or wireless LAN.

[0091] (Note 6) The system as described in Appendix 2, characterized in that each container placement position of the RFID automatic picking cart (1) is also provided with a display mark (16), the display mark (16) is electrically connected to a picking processor (11), and is used to inform the picking worker of the corresponding container placement position in accordance with the multi-picking instruction.

[0092] (Note 7) The system as described in Appendix 6, wherein the RFID tunnel gate (2) comprises a case code scanning device and an RFID reader / writer, the case code scanning device and the RFID reader / writer are connected to the first inspection processor via a wireless LAN or wired LAN, the case code scanning device is used to read case code information on a container when the container passes through the RFID tunnel gate (2) and to obtain product information in the container based on the case code information, the RFID reader / writer is used to directly read the RFID tags of the products in the container when the container passes through the RFID tunnel gate (2) and to obtain corresponding product information, and the first inspection processor is used to compare the product information in the container obtained by the case code scanning device with the product information in the container read by the RFID reader / writer and to complete the second inspection of the order.

[0093] (Note 8) The system according to Appendix 7, wherein the DWS device (4) is used to measure the weight and / or volume of the container and scan case code information before the container enters the sorting chute, and the second inspection processor calculates the theoretical weight and / or volume of the container based on the case code information and compares it with the measured weight and / or volume of the container to complete the third inspection of the order.

[0094] (Note 9) The system according to Appendix 8, characterized in that each sorting chute in the automatic sorting line is set based on the receiving address of all orders in the order pool, and the positional order of each sorting chute in the automatic sorting line is set based on the total number of sorting chutes for all orders in the order pool.

[0095] (Note 10) The system according to Appendix 9, characterized in that the RFID automatic picking cart is provided with a drive unit and a robotic arm, and all operations that would normally be completed by the picking worker within the system are completed by the drive unit and the robotic arm.

Claims

1. A "live streaming" warehouse management system based on UHF RFID technology, comprising a data processing center, an RFID automatic picking cart (1), an RFID tunnel gate (2), and an automatic sorting line (3), wherein the RFID automatic picking cart (1) is configured to include a picking processor (11), the RFID tunnel gate (2) is configured to include a first inspection processor, and the RFID tunnel gate (2) is provided at the container input port of the automatic sorting line (3), and a DWS device (4) is also provided on the automatic sorting line (3), the DWS device (4) is positioned in front of each sorting chute of the automatic sorting line (3), and is equipped with a second inspection processor, and the picking The picking processor (11) is connected to the data processing center via a wireless LAN, the first inspection processor and the second inspection processor are connected to the data processing center via a wireless LAN or wired LAN, and data upload and download are enabled via the network so that the data processing center can complete order processing and tracking based on the information fed back from the picking processor (11), the first inspection processor and the second inspection processor, the picking processor (11) completes the first inspection of each order during the picking process, the first inspection processor completes the second inspection of each order, and the second inspection processor completes the third inspection of each order. The RFID automatic picking cart (1) is configured to include an RFID reader and a corresponding RFID scan area (12), and a printer (13), the RFID reader is used to read the RFID tag information of products placed in the RFID scan area (12), the RFID reader and the printer (13) are connected to the picking processor (11) via a wireless LAN or data transfer cable, and the RFID automatic picking cart (1) is provided with S container placement positions. The data processing center integrates each of the N orders according to a pre-configured multidimensional order integration strategy to generate a single multi-picking task and a corresponding multi-picking plan. The picking processor (11) receives the multi-picking task from the data processing center and generates a corresponding multi-picking instruction based on the multi-picking plan, enabling the picking worker to complete the multi-picking task according to the multi-picking instruction. The multi-picking plan includes the specifications and number of containers required for each order in the multi-picking task, and the corresponding multi-picking route. In the multi-picking process, the picking processor (11) performs multi-picking and a first inspection for N orders using each component of the RFID automatic picking cart (1), and completes the packing process, which includes sealing, printing and attaching a case code, where S ≥ N, and the case code contains all product information and corresponding order information within the container, and simultaneously notes which container it is for the corresponding order. The RFID tunnel gate (2) is configured to include a case code scanning device and an RFID reader / writer, the case code scanning device and the RFID reader / writer are connected to the first inspection processor via a wireless LAN or wired LAN, the case code scanning device is used to read case code information on a container when the container passes through the RFID tunnel gate (2) and to obtain product information in the container based on the case code information, the RFID reader / writer is used to directly read the RFID tags of the products in the container when the container passes through the RFID tunnel gate (2) and to obtain corresponding product information, and the first inspection processor is used to compare the product information in the container obtained by the case code scanning device with the product information in the container read by the RFID reader / writer to complete the second inspection of the order. The DWS device (4) is used to measure the weight and / or volume of the container and scan the case code information before the container enters the sorting chute, the second inspection processor calculates the theoretical weight and / or volume of the container based on the case code information and compares it with the measured weight and / or volume of the container to complete the third inspection of the order. The multidimensional order integration strategy is a system characterized by including dimensions of information such as order delivery time, delivery destination, items in the order, overlap rate of picking locations for items in the order, order size, and weather and road conditions at the delivery destination, and determining a specific order integration process by rearranging the dimensions.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the picking processor (11) is configured to also include an interactive display unit and a voice interaction system, and the picking worker realizes information interaction with the picking processor (11) via the interactive display unit and the voice interaction system.

3. The system according to claim 1, further comprising an inventory replenishment processor connected to the data processing center via a wired LAN or wireless LAN.

4. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that each container placement position of the RFID automatic picking cart (1) is also provided with a display mark (16), the display mark (16) is electrically connected to a picking processor (11), and is used to inform the picking worker of the corresponding container placement position in accordance with the multi-picking instruction.

5. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the sorting chutes in the automatic sorting line is set based on the receiving addresses of all orders in the order pool, and the positional order of each of the sorting chutes in the automatic sorting line is set based on the total number of sorting chutes based on all orders in the order pool.

6. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the RFID automatic picking cart is provided with a drive device and a robotic arm, and all operations that would normally be completed by the picking worker within the system are completed by the drive device and the robotic arm.

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