Automated logistics management system using sensor module provided in forklift truck and logistics management method using same

Abstract

Provided are an automated logistics management system using a sensor module provided in a forklift truck and a logistics management method using the same. The automated logistics management system using a sensor module provided in a forklift truck according to various embodiments of the present invention comprises: the forklift truck which travels inside a logistics warehouse and performs loading and unloading operations in the logistics warehouse; and a logistics management server that stores and manages information about items stored in the logistics warehouse. On the basis of sensor data collected through a sensor module installed in the forklift truck, the logistics management server automatically updates information about items to be loaded or unloaded by the forklift truck among information about items stored in the logistics warehouse.

Description

Automated logistics management system using a sensor module installed in a forklift and a logistics management method using the same

[0001] Various embodiments of the present invention relate to an automated logistics management system using a sensor module equipped on a forklift and a logistics management method using the same.

[0002] Typically, factory-produced goods must undergo several stages of logistics processing before they can be sold and delivered to consumers. While the specific logistics process may vary depending on the type of product being sold, once manufactured at a factory, the goods are typically loaded into containers in fixed quantities and transported by trucks or other means of transportation to logistics centers operated by logistics companies located throughout the country. These centers then transport the goods to regional dealerships or distribution centers, before ultimately delivering them to retailers or consumers for sale.

[0003] In particular, in the logistics processing process, there are many cases where goods are loaded into a logistics warehouse after being shipped from the factory until they are finally delivered to a retail store or consumer. Therefore, it is very important to accurately grasp the status of goods being received or shipped into or out of a logistics warehouse during the logistics processing process, or the status of the inventory currently loaded into the logistics warehouse, that is, logistics management performed within the logistics warehouse.

[0004] Meanwhile, in conventional logistics warehouses, the management of inventory and loading of goods has been inconvenient in that it has been carried out manually, such as workers or managers managing the inventory status searching for the current inventory status of the relevant goods from the warehouse server computer installed in each logistics center, then printing out the searched inventory status and going directly to the warehouse loading dock to check the goods.

[0005] In addition, if the searched inventory status does not match the actual inventory status confirmed at the loading dock, there is a problem of considerable inefficiency in that the process of checking the inventory status must be repeated and performed one by one, such as returning to the warehouse server computer and modifying the inventory status of the corresponding item.

[0006] In addition, the warehouses in the logistics center where goods are loaded are relatively large in size because goods gathered from all over the country or goods to be sent to all over the country must be loaded for a certain period of time. In order to manage such a large warehouse, there is the problem of requiring a large number of people.

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an automated logistics management system using a sensor module installed in a forklift, which stores and manages information on goods stored in a logistics warehouse and / or goods stored on each shelf installed inside the logistics warehouse for the purpose of solving the above-described conventional problem, and which can manage information on goods more efficiently by installing a sensor module in each forklift that runs in the logistics warehouse and automatically updating information on goods based on sensor data collected through the sensor module in the process of performing a loading and unloading operation of goods using the forklift, and a logistics management method using the same.

[0008] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0009] An automated logistics management system using a sensor module installed in a forklift according to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-described problem includes a logistics management system including a forklift that runs inside a logistics warehouse and performs loading and unloading work within the logistics warehouse and a logistics management server that stores and manages information about goods stored in the logistics warehouse, wherein the logistics management server can automatically update information about goods loaded and unloaded by the forklift among information about goods stored in the logistics warehouse based on sensor data collected through a sensor module installed in the forklift.

[0010] In various embodiments, the sensor module is installed in at least a portion of the front part of the forklift and includes a camera sensor that photographs the front direction of the forklift, and when an event of loading and unloading goods using the forklift occurs, the logistics management server analyzes sensor data collected through the camera sensor to derive attribute information of the goods - the attributes of the goods including information on the type, size, and shape of the goods - and can specify the type and quantity of goods to be loaded and unloaded using the forklift based on the derived attribute information of the goods.

[0011] In various embodiments, the sensor module includes an RFID sensor that identifies a tag by receiving a frequency output from a tag installed on each of a plurality of shelves arranged in the logistics warehouse, and the logistics management server can determine the location of the forklift based on the tag identified through the RFID sensor, and can specify the location in the x-axis direction of the shelf on which the forklift performs a loading operation based on the determined location of the forklift.

[0012] In various embodiments, the sensor module includes a height measurement sensor that measures the height of a fork of the forklift, and the logistics management server can specify the position in the y-axis direction of a shelf on which a loading operation is to be performed by the forklift based on sensor data collected through the height measurement sensor.

[0013] In various embodiments, the sensor module includes an RFID sensor that identifies a tag by receiving a frequency output from a tag installed on each of a plurality of shelves arranged in the logistics warehouse, and the logistics management server can track the movement path of the forklift based on the tag identified through the RFID sensor when an item is loaded onto the forklift.

[0014] In various embodiments, the sensor module includes a weight measurement sensor that measures a weight applied to a fork of the forklift, and the logistics management server calculates a change in the weight applied to the fork of the forklift based on sensor data collected through the weight measurement sensor, derives information about a loading and unloading operation performed by the forklift based on the calculated change in weight, and updates information about an item loaded by the forklift based on the derived information about the loading and unloading operation.

[0015] In various embodiments, the logistics management server may measure the weight applied to the fork of the forklift using sensor data collected from the weight measurement sensor in a situation where the forklift is stopped and the fork of the forklift maintains a preset height for a preset period of time or longer.

[0016] In various embodiments, the sensor module includes a lidar sensor, and the logistics management server can generate a plurality of shelf models corresponding to each of a plurality of shelves arranged in the logistics warehouse based on a point cloud collected through the lidar sensor, and record and store information about items stored on each of the plurality of shelves in each of the plurality of generated shelf models.

[0017] In various embodiments, when a specific item stored on a first shelf is loaded onto a forklift, the logistics management server may temporarily store information about the specific item recorded in a first shelf model corresponding to the first shelf in a forklift model corresponding to the forklift and delete information about the specific item recorded in the first shelf model; and when the specific item loaded onto the forklift is transferred to a second shelf, the forklift model may record information about the specific item temporarily stored therein in a second shelf model corresponding to the second shelf, and the forklift model may delete information about the specific item temporarily stored therein.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, an automated logistics management method using a sensor module installed in a forklift is provided, in a method performed through a logistics management system, including a step of storing and managing information about goods stored in a logistics warehouse through a logistics management server, and the step of storing and managing information about goods stored in the logistics warehouse may include a step of collecting sensor data through a sensor module installed in a forklift that drives inside the logistics warehouse and performs a loading and unloading operation within the logistics warehouse, and a step of automatically updating information about goods loaded and unloaded by the forklift among information about goods stored in the logistics warehouse based on the collected sensor data.

[0019] Other specific details of the present invention are included in the detailed description and drawings.

[0020] According to various embodiments of the present invention, information on goods stored in a logistics warehouse and / or goods stored on each shelf installed inside the logistics warehouse is stored and managed, and a sensor module is installed in each forklift driving in the logistics warehouse, and information on goods is automatically updated based on sensor data collected through the sensor module during the process of loading and unloading goods using the forklift, thereby enabling more efficient management of information on goods.

[0021] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an automated logistics management system using a sensor module equipped on a forklift according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIGS. 2 to 7 are drawings illustrating examples of forklifts with sensor modules installed in various embodiments.

[0024] FIGS. 8 to 11 are drawings illustrating sensor modules installed on a forklift in various embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 12 and FIG. 15 are diagrams illustrating, by way of example, a user interface (UI) that provides an automated logistics management service provided by a logistics management server in various embodiments.

[0026] Figure 16 is a flowchart of an automated logistics management method using a sensor module equipped in a forklift according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 17 is a drawing for explaining a process of identifying the location of a forklift and items loaded on a forklift based on a sensor module in various embodiments.

[0028] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a logistics management server that performs an automated logistics management method using a sensor module equipped on a forklift according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided solely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the present invention, and the present invention is defined solely by the scope of the claims.

[0030] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments only and is not intended to limit the present invention. In this specification, the singular also includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise. As used herein, the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components in addition to the mentioned components. Like reference numerals refer to like components throughout the specification, and "and / or" includes each and any combination of one or more of the mentioned components. Although "first", "second", etc. are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another. Therefore, it should be understood that a first component mentioned below may also be a second component within the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0031] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein may be used in their common sense to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Furthermore, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not to be interpreted ideally or excessively unless explicitly and specifically defined otherwise.

[0032] The term "part" or "module" as used herein refers to a software or hardware component such as an FPGA or ASIC, and the "part" or "module" performs certain functions. However, the "part" or "module" is not limited to software or hardware. The "part" or "module" may be configured to reside on an addressable storage medium and may be configured to execute one or more processors. Thus, by way of example, the "part" or "module" includes components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components, as well as processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuitry, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables. The functionality provided within the components and "parts" or "modules" may be combined into fewer components and "parts" or "modules" or further separated into additional components and "parts" or "modules."

[0033] Spatially relative terms such as "below," "beneath," "lower," "above," and "upper" can be used to easily describe the relationship between one component and other components as depicted in the drawings. Spatially relative terms should be understood to include different orientations of the components during use or operation in addition to the orientations depicted in the drawings. For example, if a component depicted in the drawings were flipped over, a component described as "below" or "beneath" another component could end up "above" the other component. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can include both the above and below orientations. Components can also be oriented in other directions, and thus spatially relative terms can be interpreted accordingly.

[0034] In this specification, the term "computer" refers to any type of hardware device including at least one processor, and may also be understood to encompass software components operating on the hardware device, depending on the embodiment. For example, the term "computer" may be understood to encompass, but is not limited to, smartphones, tablet PCs, desktops, laptops, and all user clients and applications running on each device.

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0036] Although each step described in this specification is described as being performed by a computer, the subject of each step is not limited thereto, and at least some of each step may be performed by different devices depending on the embodiment.

[0037]

[0038] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an automated logistics management system using a sensor module installed in a forklift according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 2 to 7 are drawings illustrating forklifts with sensor modules installed therein according to various embodiments, and FIGS. 8 to 11 are drawings illustrating sensor modules installed in forklifts according to various embodiments.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 11, an automated logistics management system using a sensor module equipped in a forklift according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a logistics management server (100), a sensor module (200), a user terminal (300), an external server (400), and a network (500).

[0040] Here, the automated logistics management system using the sensor module equipped in the forklift illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 11 is according to one embodiment, and its components are not limited to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 11, and may be added, changed, or deleted as needed.

[0041] In one embodiment, the logistics management server (100) may perform an automated logistics management process for the purpose of more efficient logistics management. For example, the logistics management server (100) may store and manage information regarding goods stored within a logistics warehouse, and may automatically update information regarding goods that changes according to reloading and loading operations performed within the logistics warehouse (e.g., information regarding newly stored goods within the logistics warehouse, information regarding goods shipped out of the logistics warehouse, and / or information regarding goods moving within the logistics warehouse, etc.), thereby assisting users in more convenient logistics management.

[0042] In various embodiments, the logistics management server (100) can collect sensor data from a sensor module (200) installed in a forklift (10), and based on the collected sensor data, can derive information about a loading and unloading operation performed by the forklift (10) (e.g., type of operation performed by the forklift (10), type and quantity of loaded goods, loaded location, etc.), and can update previously stored data based on the derived information.

[0043] In various embodiments, the logistics management server (100) can operate an AI warehouse logistics management platform.

[0044] Currently, all import and export logistics warehouses around the world have the problem of having to measure and record the weight and size information of cargo before loading it into containers or aircraft.

[0045] However, the AI ​​warehouse logistics management platform utilizes the AI ​​Vision Kit (e.g., sensor module (200)) equipped on the forklift to collect various information about the goods (e.g., goods information, size, shape, weight (loading amount), and loading location information, etc.) during the process of the forklift loading and unloading the goods, maps the collected information and pallet ID, and transmits it to the AI ​​warehouse logistics management platform to implement an environment in 3D identical to the actual one, thereby drastically reducing the logistics shipment time compared to the existing method, preventing human error, and automating large-scale logistics processing processes.

[0046] In addition, the AI ​​warehouse logistics management platform can handle problems commonly experienced by logistics warehouses around the world (e.g., inventory discrepancies due to random first-in, first-out, limitations in field data collection, occurrence of human errors, and problems with manual measurement of logistics size / weight in import / export warehouses, etc.) in a batch manner using the AI ​​Vision Kit (e.g., sensor module (200)).

[0047] In addition, the AI ​​warehouse logistics management platform can replace the existing system that cannot reflect real-time data of dynamic industrial sites, and realize real-time, reality-enhanced DX that reflects real-time field data. The problem with the previous industrial environment DX is that it cannot reflect the rapidly changing field in real time by using the system built once. However, the AI ​​warehouse logistics management platform operated by the logistics management server (100) has the advantage of being able to collect environment / space / logistics / location information that changes every moment through the AI ​​Vision Kit (e.g., sensor module (200)) and reflect this in real time to implement a 3D space identical to the actual field.

[0048] Additionally, by collecting only information on moving objects such as people, forklifts, and logistics, excluding fixed objects such as walls, shelves, and racks from massive sensor data (e.g. point cloud data (PCD)) and transmitting it to the platform, dynamic industrial environments can be 3Dized in real time.

[0049] In addition, it can overcome the limitations of existing digital twins that were difficult to update once built, and realize true logistics warehouse DX by infusing real-time functionality. 3D modeling-based digital twins used in various industrial sites have the problem that, once built, spatial and industrial information of dynamically changing industrial sites are not reflected in real time. However, the AI ​​warehouse logistics management platform collects and transmits spatial information, logistics information, and object movement information that change in real time using the AI ​​Vision Kit (e.g., sensor module (200)), and the platform can implement real-time updated data as a 3D industrial digital twin that reflects reality.

[0050] In addition, the AI ​​warehouse logistics management platform operated by the logistics management server (100) can bring about innovation in the logistics processing of conventional warehouses by solving problems of existing logistics warehouses through linkage of the AI ​​Vision Kit (e.g., sensor module (200)) and the warehouse logistics management platform.

[0051] Furthermore, the AI ​​warehouse logistics management platform operated by the logistics management server (100) can provide integrated control monitoring to prevent industrial accidents and improve individual work process efficiency in industrial sites where people, robots, and heavy equipment work together. Furthermore, the AI ​​warehouse logistics management platform supports simultaneous monitoring and management of the location information of workers, robots, heavy equipment, and logistics in industrial sites. This platform offers the advantage of preventing safety accidents in rapidly changing industrial sites by providing integrated control, from improving the operational efficiency of forklifts and robots to managing logistics information and safety monitoring.

[0052] In various embodiments, the logistics management server (100) may be connected to a user terminal (300) via a network (500) and may provide an automated logistics management service to the user terminal (300). For example, the logistics management service provided by the logistics management server (100) may be implemented in the form of a web or application, and by driving the web or application via the user terminal (300), the logistics management service provided by the logistics management server (100) is executed, thereby providing a UI (e.g., FIGS. 12 and 15) that provides the logistics management service.

[0053] Here, the user terminal (300) may refer to any type of entity(ies) in a system having a mechanism for communicating with the logistics management server (100). For example, the user terminal (300) may include a personal computer (PC), a notebook, a mobile terminal, a smart phone, a tablet PC, a wearable device, etc., and may include all types of terminals capable of connecting to a wired / wireless network. In addition, the user terminal (300) may include any computing device implemented by at least one of an agent, an Application Programming Interface (API), and a plug-in. In addition, the user terminal (300) may include an application source and / or a client application.

[0054] In addition, here, the network (500) may refer to a connection structure that enables information exchange between each node, such as a plurality of terminals and servers. For example, the network (500) may include a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet (WWW), a wired and wireless data communication network, a telephone network, a wired and wireless television communication network, a controller area network (CAN), and Ethernet.

[0055] Wireless data communication networks may include, but are not limited to, 3G, 4G, 5G, 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project), 5GPP (5th Generation Partnership Project), LTE (Long Term Evolution), WIMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), Wi-Fi, the Internet, LAN (Local Area Network), Wireless LAN (Wireless Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), PAN (Personal Area Network), RF (Radio Frequency), Bluetooth network, NFC (Near-Field Communication) network, satellite broadcasting network, analog broadcasting network, DMB (Digital Multimedia Broadcasting) network, etc.

[0056] In one embodiment, the sensor module (200) may be installed in a forklift (10) performing a loading and unloading operation within a logistics warehouse, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 6, and may collect various sensor data in a situation where the forklift (10) is driving within the logistics warehouse or performing a loading and unloading operation within the logistics warehouse.

[0057] In various embodiments, the sensor module (200) may include a camera sensor (210), an RFID sensor (220), a height measurement sensor (230), a weight measurement sensor (240), a lidar sensor (250), and a control module (260), as illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0058] Here, the sensor module (200) is not limited to the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, and various types of sensors can be applied.

[0059] The camera sensor (210) may be installed on at least a portion of the front of the forklift (10) and may generate image data as sensor data by capturing the front direction of the forklift (10) (e.g., the fork direction of the forklift (10)). For example, the camera sensor (210) may be a 3D camera (e.g., a TOF vision camera), but is not limited thereto.

[0060] The RFID sensor (220) can identify tags by receiving a frequency output from a tag (RFTAG) installed on each of a plurality of shelves placed within a logistics warehouse. For example, the RFID sensor (220) may be a UHF RFID sensor, but is not limited thereto.

[0061] The height measurement sensor (230) can be installed on the same plane as the plane including the fork of the forklift (10) and can measure the height of the fork of the forklift (10). For example, the height measurement sensor (230) may be an infrared height sensor that measures the height of the fork using infrared light, but is not limited thereto.

[0062] Here, among the multiple sensors included in the sensor module (200), sensors that need to be installed on the front of the forklift (10) (e.g., camera sensor (210), height measurement sensor (230), and / or lidar sensor (250)) can be installed in a structure that does not obstruct the view of the driver operating the forklift (10).

[0063] For example, in the case of the camera sensor (210), in order to collect more accurate image data, it must be located at the center of the forklift (10), but there is a problem that the driver's view may be blocked if the camera sensor (210) is fixedly installed on the main body. Considering this point, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, by installing the camera sensor (210) on a member whose length can be adjusted in the left and right directions, a member whose angle can be adjusted, and / or a member whose height can be adjusted, the position of the camera sensor (210) can be flexibly changed so as not to block the driver's view.

[0064] In addition, in the case of the height measurement sensor (230), it must be installed on the same line as the fork of the forklift (10) in order to measure the height of the fork of the forklift (10), but depending on the height of the fork, a situation may arise where the driver's view is blocked. Therefore, by installing the height measurement sensor (230) on a member whose length can be adjusted in the left and right directions and / or whose angle can be adjusted, the position of the height measurement sensor (230) can be flexibly changed so as not to block the driver's view.

[0065] The weight measurement sensor (240) can measure the weight applied to the fork of the forklift (10).

[0066] For example, the weight measurement sensor (240) may be a load cell mounted on the fork of a forklift (10).

[0067] As another example, the weight measurement sensor (240) may be an anchor bolt type weight measurement sensor (e.g., an anchor bolt type strain gauge sensor) installed on the fork of a forklift (10), but is not limited thereto.

[0068] The lidar sensor (250) can be installed on at least a portion of the forklift (10), and can collect a point cloud for a predetermined area by scanning the surrounding area of ​​the forklift (10). Here, the lidar sensor (250) is described as being installed on the forklift (10), but is not limited thereto, and in some cases, the lidar sensor (250) can be fixedly installed at a specific location within the logistics warehouse.

[0069] The control module (260) (e.g., the Mini PC of FIGS. 9 to 11) can control the operation of each of the plurality of sensors included in the sensor module (200). Here, in FIGS. 8 to 11, the sensor module (200) is illustrated as including a control module (260), which is a separate component for controlling the operation of various sensors, but is not limited thereto, and the sensor module (200) may be implemented in a form in which the logistics management server (100) does not include the control module (260) and performs the operation of the control module (260).

[0070] In various embodiments, the sensor module (200) may further include an indicator (270) (e.g., a display) that outputs various sensor data (e.g., weight, height measurement value, etc.) measured through the sensor module (200), but is not limited thereto.

[0071] In various embodiments, the logistics management system may further include a notification output module (not shown).

[0072] The notification output module is installed in the forklift (10) and can output a notification corresponding to the status of the forklift (10) (or the status of the sensor module (200) installed in the forklift (10). For example, the notification output module may be an LED indicator, but is not limited thereto.

[0073] In various embodiments, the notification output module may output light of different colors depending on the status of the sensor module (200). For example, the notification output module may output green light when the status of the sensor module (200) is normal, output red light when the communication status of the sensor module (200) is abnormal, output blue light when the camera sensor (210) included in the sensor module (200) is abnormal, output yellow light when the RFID sensor (220) included in the sensor module (200) is abnormal, and output gray light when the height measurement sensor (230) included in the sensor module (200) is abnormal. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0074] In one embodiment, the external server (400) may be connected to the logistics management server (100) via a network (500), and may store and manage various information and data required for the logistics management server (100) to perform an automated logistics management method using a sensor module equipped in a forklift, or may collect, store, and manage various information and data derived as the logistics management server (100) performs an automated logistics management method using a sensor module equipped in a forklift. For example, the external server (400) may be a storage server separately equipped outside the logistics management server (100), but is not limited thereto, and the external server (400) may be a backend server (e.g., AWS server) of the logistics management server (100), but is not limited thereto. Hereinafter, an automated logistics management method using a sensor module equipped in a forklift, which is performed by the logistics management server (100), will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0075]

[0076] Figure 16 is a flowchart of an automated logistics management method using a sensor module equipped in a forklift according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Here, steps S110 and S120 illustrated in FIG. 8 are steps for storing information on goods stored in a logistics warehouse, i.e., for the purpose of performing an automated logistics management method by the logistics management server (100), i.e., for constructing an initial database, and can be performed only when the automated logistics management method is first provided by the logistics management server (100), and can be omitted thereafter.

[0078] That is, when an automated logistics management service is first provided through a logistics management server (100), steps S110 to S140 can be performed, but when an automated logistics management service is subsequently provided through the logistics management server (100), only steps S130 and S140 can be performed. However, this is not limited thereto.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 8, at step S110, the logistics management server (100) can perform modeling for a logistics warehouse for the purpose of providing an automated logistics management service for the logistics warehouse.

[0080] In various embodiments, the logistics management server (100) may create multiple shelf models corresponding to each of multiple shelves arranged within a logistics warehouse.

[0081] More specifically, first, the logistics management server (100) can collect a point cloud for the inside of the logistics warehouse through a forklift (10) driving inside the logistics warehouse and / or a lidar sensor (250) installed inside the logistics warehouse.

[0082] Thereafter, the logistics management server (100) can create multiple shelf models corresponding to each of multiple shelves by processing the point cloud for the interior of the logistics warehouse.

[0083] In various embodiments, the logistics management server (100) can set a 3D geofence corresponding to each of a plurality of shelves on a point cloud inside a logistics warehouse, and can create a shelf model corresponding to each of a plurality of shelves using a plurality of points included in the set 3D geofence.

[0084] For example, the logistics management server (100) can provide a user with a UI that outputs a point cloud, and can set a 3D geofence corresponding to each of a plurality of shelves based on user input obtained through the UI.

[0085] As another example, the logistics management server (100) can automatically set a 3D geofence corresponding to a shelf by analyzing a point cloud using a pre-learned artificial intelligence model (e.g., a model learned using a point cloud labeled with information corresponding to a shelf as learning data).

[0086] In step S120, the logistics management server (100) can record and store information about items in each of the multiple shelf models generated through step S110. For example, the logistics management server (100) can record information about items stored on a specific shelf in a shelf model corresponding to the specific shelf. Furthermore, the logistics management server (100) can record information about items stored on a specific level of a specific shelf in an area corresponding to a specific level of a shelf model corresponding to the specific shelf.

[0087] Here, information about items recorded in the shelf model may include, but is not limited to, information about the type, number, size, shape, and loading and unloading history of the items.

[0088] In addition, the method according to FIG. 8 here is described as generating a shelf model corresponding to a specific shelf by modeling a specific shelf, and recording information about items actually stored on the specific shelf in the shelf model of the specific shelf, but this configuration is a configuration for visually showing information about items stored on the shelf by providing a UI (e.g., FIGS. 12 and 15) that outputs the shelf model, and in order to process simpler operations, in some cases, the operation of generating a shelf model may be omitted, and information about items stored on each of a plurality of shelves may be recorded and stored in a DB by dividing them by shelf.

[0089] For example, the logistics management server (100) can construct different storage spaces corresponding to each of a plurality of shelves on the database, and can classify and record and store information about items actually stored on each of the plurality of shelves in the storage spaces corresponding to each of the plurality of shelves.

[0090] At step S130, the logistics management server (100) can collect sensor data through a sensor module (200) installed in a forklift (10) that drives inside the logistics warehouse and performs loading and unloading work within the logistics warehouse.

[0091] In various embodiments, the logistics management server (100) can detect that the operation of the forklift (10) has begun, and can collect sensor data from the sensor module (200) installed in the forklift (10) at predetermined intervals from the time that the operation of the forklift (10) has begun.

[0092] In various embodiments, the logistics management server (100) can detect that a loading operation of a forklift (10) has started, and can collect sensor data from a sensor module (200) installed in the forklift (10) at predetermined intervals from the time when the loading operation of the forklift (10) has started.

[0093] At step S140, the logistics management server (100) can automatically update information about items to be loaded by a forklift (10) among the information already stored in the shelf model (e.g., information about items stored in a logistics warehouse) based on the sensor data collected through step S130.

[0094] In various embodiments, the logistics management server (100) may detect the occurrence of an item transfer event using a forklift (10). Here, the item transfer event using a forklift (10) may mean that a transfer operation is initiated by the forklift (10), but is not limited thereto.

[0095] In various embodiments, when an event of loading and unloading goods using a forklift (10) occurs, the logistics management server (100) can analyze sensor data collected through a camera sensor (210) to determine the type and quantity of goods to be loaded and unloaded using the forklift (10).

[0096] First, the logistics management server (100) can analyze sensor data collected through the camera sensor (210) to identify a code (e.g., QR code) attached to an item to be loaded, and determine the type of item based on the identified code.

[0097] Next, the logistics management server (100) can analyze the sensor data collected through the camera sensor (210) to determine the size (length and width) and shape (size and appearance) of the goods to be loaded, and based on the determined size and shape, can determine the quantity of the goods to be loaded through the forklift (10). However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0098] In various embodiments, the logistics management server (100) can analyze sensor data collected through the sensor module (200) to determine a location where a loading operation is to be performed through a forklift (10).

[0099] First, the logistics management server (100) can analyze the sensor data collected through the sensor module (200) to determine the position in the x-axis direction of the shelf on which the loading and unloading operation is to be performed through the forklift (10). For example, tags for each of a plurality of shelves can be installed on each of a plurality of shelves, and the logistics management server (100) can determine the position of the forklift (10) based on the tag identified through the RFID sensor (220), as illustrated in FIG. 17, and can determine the position in the x-axis direction of the shelf on which the loading and unloading operation is to be performed through the forklift (10) based on the determined position of the forklift (10).

[0100] Next, the logistics management server (100) can analyze the sensor data collected through the sensor module (200) to determine the position in the y-axis direction of the shelf on which the loading and unloading operation is to be performed through the forklift (10). For example, the logistics management server (100) can calculate the fork height of the forklift (10) through the sensor data collected through the height measurement sensor (230), and based on the calculated fork height of the forklift (10), can determine the position in the y-axis direction of the shelf on which the loading and unloading operation is to be performed through the forklift (10), i.e., the end position of the shelf on which the loading and unloading operation is to be performed.

[0101] In various embodiments, the logistics management server (100) can analyze sensor data collected through the sensor module (200) to derive information on a loading and unloading operation performed by the forklift (10). More specifically, the logistics management server (100) can calculate a change in weight applied to the fork of the forklift (10) based on sensor data collected through the weight measurement sensor (240), and can derive information on a loading and unloading operation performed by the forklift (10) based on the calculated change in weight.

[0102] For example, if the logistics management server (100) determines that the weight applied to the fork of the forklift (10) has increased based on sensor data collected through the weight measurement sensor (240), it can determine that an item is loaded on the forklift (10).

[0103] In addition, if the logistics management server (100) determines that the weight applied to the fork of the forklift (10) has decreased based on sensor data collected through the weight measurement sensor (240), it can determine that the goods loaded on the forklift (10) have been transferred to the shelf.

[0104] Meanwhile, the logistics management server (100) can determine that no particular work is being performed by the forklift (10) if there is no change in the weight applied to the fork of the forklift (10) based on sensor data collected through the weight measurement sensor (240).

[0105] As another example, the logistics management server (100) can determine the type and quantity of goods loaded on the fork of the forklift (10) based on the increase in the weight applied to the fork of the forklift (10), and can determine the type and quantity of goods transferred from the fork of the forklift (10) to the shelf based on the decrease in the weight applied to the fork of the forklift (10). However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0106] In various embodiments, the logistics management server (100) may measure the weight applied to the fork of the forklift (10) based on sensor data collected through the measurement sensor (240) when the forklift (10) satisfies a predetermined condition for the purpose of more accurately measuring the weight applied to the fork of the forklift (10).

[0107] For example, the logistics management server (100) can measure the weight applied to the fork of the forklift (10) using sensor data collected from the weight measurement sensor (240) in a situation where the fork of the forklift (10) is maintained at a preset height (e.g., 20 cm) or higher for a preset time (e.g., 2 seconds) or longer while the fork is stopped.

[0108] As another example, when goods are loaded onto a forklift (10) in such a way that a pallet loaded with goods is coupled to the forklift (10), the logistics management server (100) can measure the weight applied to the fork of the forklift (10) using sensor data collected from the weight measurement sensor (240) when the fork of the forklift (10) is inserted into the pallet by more than 90%.

[0109] In various embodiments, the logistics management server (100) may track the movement path of the forklift (10) when it is determined that an item is loaded on the fork of the forklift (10). For example, the logistics management server (100) may determine the location of the forklift (10) whenever a tag is identified through the RFID sensor (220) of the moving forklift (10), and may track the movement path of the forklift (10) based on this.

[0110] In various embodiments, the logistics management server (100) can automatically update information about logistics management server items by a forklift (10) among information about items stored in the logistics warehouse.

[0111] More specifically, when a specific item stored on the first shelf is loaded onto a forklift (10), the logistics management server (100) can temporarily store information about the specific item recorded in the first shelf model corresponding to the first shelf in the forklift model corresponding to the forklift (10), and can delete information about the specific item recorded in the first shelf model.

[0112] Thereafter, when a specific item loaded on a forklift (10) is transferred to a second shelf, the logistics management server (100) can record information about the specific item temporarily stored in the forklift model in the second shelf model corresponding to the second shelf, and can delete information about the specific item temporarily stored in the forklift model.

[0113] That is, when goods stored on the first shelf are transferred to the second shelf by a forklift (10), information about the goods is also automatically moved and recorded in accordance with the movement path of the goods in the same manner as described above, thereby automatically updating information about the goods without direct intervention of the worker, and thereby there is an advantage in that more efficient information management can be performed.

[0114] In various embodiments, when a loading and unloading operation is performed by a plurality of forklifts (10) located within a logistics warehouse, the logistics management server (100) can derive information about a plurality of loading and unloading operations performed by each of the plurality of forklifts (10) based on sensor data collected from the sensor modules (200) of each of the plurality of forklifts (10), and can automatically update previously stored data using the information about the plurality of loading and unloading operations.

[0115] At this time, the logistics management server (100) can automatically update the stored data by giving top priority to information on the reloading operation derived by reloading high-priority items based on the importance of the reloaded items (e.g., a priority set in advance).

[0116]

[0117] The automated logistics management method using a sensor module equipped in the aforementioned forklift has been described with reference to the flowchart illustrated in the drawings. For the sake of simplicity, the automated logistics management method using a sensor module equipped in a forklift has been described by illustrating it as a series of blocks. However, the present invention is not limited to the order of the blocks, and some blocks may be performed in a different order or simultaneously from that illustrated and described in the present specification. In addition, new blocks not described in the present specification and drawings may be added, or some blocks may be deleted or modified. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 18, the hardware configuration of the logistics management server (100) that performs the automated logistics management method using a sensor module equipped in a forklift will be described.

[0118]

[0119] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a logistics management server that performs an automated logistics management method using a sensor module equipped on a forklift according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 18, in various embodiments, the logistics management server (100) may include one or more processors (110), a memory (120) for loading a computer program (151) executed by the processor (110), a bus (130), a communication interface (140), and a storage (150) for storing the computer program (151). Here, only components related to the embodiment of the present invention are illustrated in FIG. 18. Therefore, a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand that other general components may be included in addition to the components illustrated in FIG. 18.

[0121] The processor (110) controls the overall operation of each component of the logistics management server (100). The processor (110) may be configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), an MCU (Micro Controller Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or any other type of processor well known in the technical field of the present invention.

[0122] Additionally, the processor (110) can perform operations for at least one application or program for executing a method according to embodiments of the present invention, and the logistics management server (100) can have one or more processors.

[0123] In various embodiments, the processor (110) may further include a Random Access Memory (RAM, not shown) and a Read-Only Memory (ROM, not shown) that temporarily and / or permanently store signals (or data) processed within the processor (110). In addition, the processor (110) may be implemented in the form of a system on chip (SoC) that includes at least one of a graphics processing unit, RAM, and ROM.

[0124] The memory (120) stores various data, commands, and / or information. The memory (120) can load a computer program (151) from the storage (150) to execute methods / operations according to various embodiments of the present invention. When the computer program (151) is loaded into the memory (120), the processor (110) can perform the method / operation by executing one or more instructions constituting the computer program (151). The memory (120) may be implemented as a volatile memory such as RAM, but the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0125] The bus (130) provides a communication function between components of the logistics management server (100). The bus (130) can be implemented as various types of buses, such as an address bus, a data bus, and a control bus.

[0126] The communication interface (140) supports wired and wireless Internet communication of the logistics management server (100). Furthermore, the communication interface (140) may support various communication methods other than Internet communication. To this end, the communication interface (140) may be configured to include a communication module well known in the technical field of the present invention. In some embodiments, the communication interface (140) may be omitted.

[0127] Storage (150) can temporarily store a computer program (151). When performing an automated logistics management process using a sensor module equipped in a forklift through a logistics management server (100), storage (150) can store various information necessary to provide an automated logistics management process using a sensor module equipped in a forklift.

[0128] Storage (150) may be configured to include non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), flash memory, a hard disk, a removable disk, or any type of computer-readable recording medium well known in the art to which the present invention pertains.

[0129] The computer program (151) may include one or more instructions that, when loaded into the memory (120), cause the processor (110) to perform a method / operation according to various embodiments of the present invention. That is, the processor (110) may perform the method / operation according to various embodiments of the present invention by executing the one or more instructions.

[0130] In one embodiment, the computer program (151) may include a step of storing and managing information about items stored in a logistics warehouse through a logistics management server, and the step of storing and managing information about items stored in the logistics warehouse may include one or more instructions for performing an automated logistics management method using a sensor module installed in a forklift, including a step of collecting sensor data through a sensor module installed in a forklift that runs inside the logistics warehouse and performs loading and unloading work within the logistics warehouse, and a step of automatically updating information about items in the logistics management server by the forklift among information about items stored in the logistics warehouse based on the collected sensor data.

[0131] The steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with an embodiment of the present invention may be implemented directly in hardware, implemented as a software module executed by hardware, or implemented by a combination thereof. The software module may reside in a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), a flash memory, a hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of computer-readable recording medium well known in the art to which the present invention pertains.

[0132] The components of the present invention may be implemented as programs (or applications) and stored on a medium to be executed in conjunction with a computer, which is hardware. The components of the present invention may be implemented as software programs or software elements. Similarly, the embodiments may be implemented in a programming or scripting language such as C, C++, Java, or an assembler, including various algorithms implemented as a combination of data structures, processes, routines, or other programming components. Functional aspects may be implemented as algorithms that are executed on one or more processors.

[0133]

[0134] While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without altering the technical concept or essential features thereof. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive.

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