Method, recording medium, and apparatus for managing logistics

Abstract

Provided is a technology for managing logistics. A method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is performed by an apparatus comprising one or more processors and one or more memories storing instructions to be executed by the one or more processors, and the method may comprise the steps of: in response to acquiring a product identification code attached to a target product from a worker terminal of a worker group comprising one or more packaging workers, generating, by the one or more processors, packaging information comprising information related to packaging of the target product; transmitting the packaging information to the worker terminal; and in response to acquiring, from an external apparatus that classifies, according to a delivery destination, a parcel for which packaging is completed, a box identification code attached to a target parcel in which the target product is packaged, generating a mapping relationship between the target parcel and box information comprising the type of a box used to package the target parcel.

Description

Methods for managing logistics, recording media, and devices

[0001] The present disclosure relates to technology for managing logistics.

[0002] Due to the development of communication technology, e-commerce services for trading goods online are being widely used. The scope of products covered by e-commerce services is being expanded to include services as well as goods.

[0003] As e-commerce services expand in this manner, the demand for elemental technologies related to logistics, such as technologies for receiving customer orders, shipping goods corresponding to those orders, and delivering goods to customers, is also increasing.

[0004] At least one embodiment of the present disclosure can improve the work efficiency of packaging workers.

[0005] At least one embodiment of the present disclosure can monitor the logistics process leading to the packaging, dispatch, and delivery of a product.

[0006] At least one embodiment of the present disclosure can manage a parcel packed in a box of a type that requires retrieval.

[0007] At least one embodiment of the present disclosure can manage the inventory of boxes used for packaging.

[0008] At least one embodiment of the present disclosure can improve the efficiency of identifying the type of box used in packaging.

[0009] The technical problems of the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description in the specification.

[0010] A method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is performed in a device comprising one or more processors and one or more memories in which instructions to be executed by said one or more processors are stored, wherein the one or more processors may include the steps of: generating packaging information including information related to the packaging of said product in response to obtaining a product identification code attached to said product from a worker terminal of a worker group including one or more packaging workers; transmitting said packaging information to said worker terminals; and generating a mapping relationship of box information including said product and a box type used to package said product in response to obtaining a box identification code attached to said product packaged in said product from an external device that sorts said packaged parcels according to a delivery destination.

[0011] In one embodiment, in response to obtaining a shelf identification code of a shelf storing the target product, the method may further include the step of determining a packaging area of ​​one or more products included in the shelf—the packaging area being a physical area for packaging the product—and the step of transmitting packaging area information indicating the packaging area to the worker terminal.

[0012] In one embodiment, the step of generating the packaging information may include generating the packaging information based on a determination that the target product is the product for which the last product identification code was obtained among the products to be included in the target parcel.

[0013] In one embodiment, the step of transmitting the packaging information to the worker terminal may include the step of obtaining scan information, which is information obtained by scanning an invoice output from the worker terminal in response to the receipt of the packaging information, and the step of determining the processing status of the target parcel as a packaging completed state in response to the acquisition of the scan information.

[0014] In one embodiment, based on the determination that it is impossible to create the mapping relationship for the target parcel, the method may further include the step of sending a notification to the delivery terminal of the delivery person who delivered the target parcel after the target parcel has been delivered, instructing them to check the box type of the target parcel.

[0015] In one embodiment, based on the mapping relationship, the method may further include the step of determining whether the target parcel is packaged in a type of box requiring retrieval by a delivery person, and the step of sending a notification to the delivery person's terminal of the delivery person who delivered the target parcel to retrieve the target parcel.

[0016] In one embodiment, based on the mapping relationship, the method may further include the step of identifying the type of box used to package the target parcel and, based on the identification of the box type, the step of managing the inventory of the boxes used by the worker group for packaging the product.

[0017] In one embodiment, based on the mapping relationship, the method may further include the step of comparing the box type recommendation information included in the packaging information with the box type used to package the target parcel, and the step of calculating the performance indicator of the worker group based on the comparison of the recommendation information and the box type used to package the target parcel.

[0018] In one embodiment, the step of generating the mapping relationship may include generating the mapping relationship in response to obtaining at least one of a first box identification code attached to a first location of the target parcel and a second box identification code identical to the first box identification code attached to a second location of the target parcel that is distinct from the first location.

[0019] In one embodiment, the method may further include the step of predicting the type of box used to package the target parcel in response to acquiring an image of the target parcel taken from a camera installed on the external device.

[0020] In one embodiment, the method may further include the step of generating the mapping relationship for the target parcel using a box type predicted based on the image, based on a determination that the target parcel is a type of box that does not require retrieval by the delivery person based on the image, and that the mapping relationship for the target parcel is impossible to generate based on the image.

[0021] In one embodiment, the method may further include a step of determining that the mapping relationship for the target parcel is impossible to generate, and determining that the mapping relationship is impossible based on a determination that the target parcel is a type of box requiring retrieval by a delivery person based on the image.

[0022] In one embodiment, the method may further include the step of transmitting a notification to an operator terminal of an operator operating the device, indicating the occurrence of an error regarding the camera, based on a determination that the box type predicted based on the image and the box information are inconsistent.

[0023] In one embodiment, the method may further include the step of predicting the type of box used to package the target parcel in response to obtaining an image of the target parcel from the delivery terminal of the delivery person who delivered the target parcel.

[0024] A non-transient computer-readable recording medium according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is a non-transient computer-readable recording medium that records instructions to be executed by one or more processors, wherein, upon execution of the instructions, the one or more processors may be configured to execute the steps of: generating packaging information including information related to the packaging of a target product in response to obtaining a product identification code attached to a target product from a worker terminal of a worker group including one or more packaging workers; transmitting the packaging information to the worker terminal; and generating a mapping relationship of box information including a target parcel and a box type used to package the target parcel in response to obtaining a box identification code attached to a target parcel containing the target product from an external device that sorts the packaged parcels according to a delivery destination.

[0025] An apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure comprises one or more processors and one or more memories in which instructions to be executed by the one or more processors are stored. When the instructions are executed, the one or more processors may be configured to perform the steps of: generating packaging information including information related to the packaging of a target product in response to obtaining a product identification code attached to a target product from a worker terminal of a worker group including one or more packaging workers; transmitting the packaging information to the worker terminal; and generating a mapping relationship of box information including a target parcel and a box type used to package the target parcel in response to obtaining a box identification code attached to a target parcel containing the target product from an external device that sorts the packaged parcels according to a delivery destination.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the work efficiency of packaging workers can be improved.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the logistics process leading to the packaging, dispatch, and delivery of a product can be monitored.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a parcel packed in a box of a type requiring retrieval can be managed.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the inventory of boxes used for packaging can be managed.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the efficiency of identifying the type of box used in packaging can be improved.

[0031] The effects according to the technical concept of the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art of the present disclosure from the description in the specification.

[0032] FIG. 1 illustrates an environment in which a device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied.

[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates a device capable of implementing a device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart showing a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart showing a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart showing a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic diagram for explaining a packaging operation of a group of workers that may be referenced in various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic diagram for explaining the sorting operation of a parcel of an external device that may be referenced in various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0040] The various embodiments described in this disclosure are illustrative for the purpose of clearly explaining the technical concept of this disclosure and are not intended to limit it to specific embodiments. The technical concept of this disclosure includes various modifications, equivalents, alternatives, and embodiments selectively combined from all or part of each embodiment described in this disclosure. Furthermore, the scope of the technical concept of this disclosure is not limited to the various embodiments presented below or the specific descriptions thereof.

[0041] Terms used in this disclosure, including technical or scientific terms, may have the meaning generally understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains, unless otherwise defined.

[0042] Expressions used in this disclosure, such as “comprising,” “may compose,” “possessing,” “possessing,” “having,” and “possessing,” mean that the subject feature (e.g., function, operation, or component, etc.) exists and do not exclude the existence of other additional features. That is, such expressions should be understood as open-ended terms implying the possibility of including other embodiments.

[0043] Singular expressions used in this disclosure may include the meaning of the plural form unless otherwise indicated by the context, and this applies likewise to singular expressions described in the claims.

[0044] Expressions such as "first," "second," or "first," "second," etc., used in this disclosure are used to distinguish one object from another when referring to a plurality of objects of the same kind, unless otherwise indicated in the context, and do not limit the order or importance of the objects.

[0045] Expressions used in the present disclosure, such as “A, B and C,” “A, B or C,” “at least one of A, B and C,” or “at least one of A, B or C,” may mean each of the listed items or all possible combinations of the listed items. For example, “at least one of A or B” may refer to (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, and (3) at least one A and at least one B.

[0046] The expression “based on” as used in this disclosure is used to describe one or more factors affecting an act or action of a decision or judgment described in the phrase or sentence containing this expression, and this expression does not exclude additional factors affecting said act or action of a decision or judgment.

[0047] As used in the present disclosure, the expression that a certain component (e.g., a first component) is "connected" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component) may mean that the said certain component is not only directly connected or connected to the said other component, but is also connected or connected through a new other component (e.g., a third component).

[0048] As used in this disclosure, the expression "configured to" may have meanings such as "set to," "capable of," "modified to," "made to," or "capable of." This expression is not limited to the meaning of "specifically designed in hardware." For example, a processor configured to perform a specific operation may mean a generic-purpose processor capable of performing that specific operation by executing software, or a special-purpose computer structured through programming to perform that specific operation.

[0049] Hereinafter, various embodiments described in this disclosure will be explained with reference to the attached drawings. In the attached drawings and the description thereof, identical or substantially equivalent components may be given the same reference numerals. Furthermore, in the description of the various embodiments below, the description of identical or corresponding components may be omitted, but this does not mean that such components are not included in the embodiments.

[0050] FIG. 1 illustrates an environment (100) to which a device (110) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be applied. This environment (100) may include a device (110), a worker terminal (120), and / or an external device (130). FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which one worker terminal (120) is applied to the device (110), but this is merely for convenience of understanding, and the number of worker terminals (120) may vary. In addition, FIG. 1 illustrates only one embodiment for achieving the purpose of the present disclosure, and some components may be added as needed. For example, an operator terminal used by an operator who is the entity managing the device (110), or a delivery terminal of a delivery person delivering a parcel released under the management of the device (110), may be added to the environment (100).

[0051] The device (110) may be a server device for managing logistics, such as packaging of goods, sorting of parcels containing packaged goods, and initiating delivery to parcels. This device (110) may be a device that performs all known operations for managing the entire process of logistics.

[0052] However, the device (110) may be any general-purpose type of server device, not limited to the examples described above. By implementing the method, etc. according to the present disclosure, such device (110) may perform various operations, such as recommending a packaging method associated with a product to a packaging worker, monitoring a packaged parcel, or identifying and managing the type of box used to package the parcel and required to be returned. Various embodiments of the present disclosure to be specified below may, for example, relate to the shipment of a product (or a parcel containing a product).

[0053] The device (110) may be implemented as one or more computing devices. For example, all functions of the device (110) may be implemented in a single computing device. As another example, the first function of the device (110) may be implemented in the first computing device, and the second function may be implemented in the second computing device. As a specific example, if the device (110) is a server device for managing logistics, the first function for managing logistics may be implemented in the first computing device, and the second function, which is distinct from the first function, may be implemented in the second computing device. Even if the first computing device and the second computing device exist physically separated, the first computing device and the second computing device may be referred to as the device (110) as an abstract concept that integrates them.

[0054] The aforementioned computing device may be, for example, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, an application server, a proxy server, or a cloud server, but is not limited thereto, and any type of device equipped with computing functions may be a computing device.

[0055] The worker terminal (120) may be a terminal of a packaging worker. Alternatively, the worker terminal (120) may be a terminal of a worker group including one or more packaging workers. The operator of the device (110) can maximize the efficiency of the packaging operation by adjusting the number of packaging workers using the worker terminal (120).

[0056] The worker terminal (120) can identify a code attached to a product (e.g., product identification code). For this identification, the worker terminal (120) may include an imaging means (e.g., camera). The worker terminal (120) can obtain the identification result of the code attached to the product and transmit the identification result to the device (110).

[0057] A worker terminal (120) can receive information related to the packaging of a product provided by the device (110) (e.g., packaging information). Here, the information related to the packaging of the product may correspond to the identification result of a code attached to the product provided to the device (110) by the worker terminal (120). A packaging worker or a group of workers can check the information related to the packaging of the product received by the worker terminal (120) and perform packaging for the product.

[0058] The worker terminal (120) can display a web page with a user interface provided by the device (110) on the display. In order to enable a packaging worker or group of workers to perform packaging work efficiently, a web browser or an application may be installed on the worker terminal (120). This worker terminal (120) may be any one of devices such as, for example, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a wearable device, or a smartphone, but is not limited thereto, and any type of device equipped with computing functions may be the worker terminal (120).

[0059] In one embodiment, the worker terminal (120) may include an output means (e.g., a printer) capable of outputting documents, etc. Here, when the worker terminal (120) receives information related to the packaging of a product from the device (110), it may output a document (e.g., an invoice) corresponding to the information related to the packaging through the output means. The output document may be attached to a parcel containing the packaged product.

[0060] In another embodiment, the worker terminal (120) may include a scanning means (e.g., a scanner) capable of scanning documents, etc. Here, the worker terminal (120) can scan a document corresponding to information related to packaging when outputting the document through an output means. Additionally, the worker terminal (120) can transmit the result (e.g., scan information) after scanning the document to the device (110).

[0061] The external device (130) may be a device for sorting packaged parcels according to their delivery destinations. For this sorting, the external device (130) may identify various codes (e.g., box identification codes) attached to the parcels and perform sorting of the parcels based on the results of the identification.

[0062] For the identification of the code, the external device (130) may include one or more imaging means (e.g., a camera). A first camera included in the external device (130) may capture one or more codes attached to the parcel. Additionally, a second camera included in the external device (130) may capture the parcel itself.

[0063] The external device (130) can transmit information (e.g., box information) obtained from the identification of various codes attached to the parcel to the device (110). Here, the device (110) can manage logistics regarding the parcel based on the information obtained from the external device (130).

[0064] The aforementioned external device (130) may be, for example, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, an application server, a proxy server, or a cloud server, but is not limited thereto, and any type of device equipped with computing capabilities may be the external device (130).

[0065] The device (110), the worker terminal (120), or the external device (130) can communicate through a network. This network can be implemented as any type of wired or wireless network, such as, for example, a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Mobile Radio Communication Network (MRCN), or WiBro (Wireless Broadband).

[0066] FIG. 2 illustrates a device (200) capable of implementing a device (110) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the present disclosure, the device (200) may be referred to interchangeably with "computing device."

[0067] The device (200) may include one or more processors (210), one or more memories (220), or a communication interface (230). In one embodiment, some components may be removed from the device (200), or other components (e.g., a display or an input device, etc.) may be added to the device (200). Additionally, some components may be implemented by being integrated or by being implemented as a single or multiple entities. In the present disclosure, one or more processors (210) may be referred to as processors (210). Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term processors (210) may mean a set of one or more processors. Also, in the present disclosure, one or more memories (220) may be referred to as memories (220). Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term memory (220) may mean a set of one or more memories.

[0068] The processor (210) can perform operations or information processing regarding the control or communication of each component of the device (200). Specifically, the processor (210) can control at least one component of the device (200) connected to the processor (210) by running software (or computer program) received from another component. As an example, the processor (210) can load instructions (e.g., instructions, code, or code segments) or information into memory (220), process instructions or information stored in memory (220), and store result information resulting from the processing in memory (220). Additionally, the processor (210) can be operatively connected to the components of the device (200) to perform various operations such as operations, processing, generation, or processing related to the present disclosure.

[0069] The memory (220) may store various information. The information stored in the memory (220) may include software, which is information acquired, processed, or used by at least one component of the device (200). The software may include one or more instructions that cause the processor (210) to perform operations according to various embodiments of the present disclosure when loaded into the memory (220). That is, the processor (210) may perform operations according to various embodiments of the present disclosure by executing the one or more instructions described above. The memory (220) may include, for example, volatile or non-volatile memory. In one embodiment, the program may be software stored in the memory (220) and may include an operating system for controlling the resources of the device (200), an application, or middleware that provides various functions to the application so that the application can utilize the resources of the device (200).

[0070] A communication interface (230) can establish a wired or wireless communication channel with another device and transmit and receive various information with that other device. In one embodiment, the communication interface (230) may include at least one port for connecting to another device via a wired cable in order to communicate with another device via a wired connection. In this case, the communication interface (230) can perform communication with another device that is wired through at least one port. In one embodiment, the communication interface (230) may include a cellular communication module and be configured to be connected to a cellular network (e.g., 3G, LTE, 5G, Wibro, or Wimax). In one embodiment, the communication interface (230) may include a short-range communication module and transmit and receive information with another device using short-range communication (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), UWB). In one embodiment, the communication interface (230) may include a contactless communication module for contactless communication. Contactless communication may include at least one contactless proximity communication technology, such as, for example, NFC (Near Field Communication) communication, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) communication, or MST (Magnetic Secure Transmission) communication. In addition to the various examples described above, the device (200) may be implemented in various known ways for communicating with other devices, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited by the examples described above.

[0071] In one embodiment, the device (200) may include a display. The display may display various screens based on the control of the processor (210). For example, a web browser or a dedicated application may be installed on the device (200) to display screens with various interfaces applied to the display. Additionally, the display may be configured to interact with a user and may receive input from the user. Such a display may be implemented in the form of a touch sensor panel (TSP) capable of recognizing contact or proximity of various external objects (e.g., a finger or a stylus).

[0072] In one embodiment, the device (200) may include an input device (e.g., a mouse or a keyboard). The input device may receive information to be used in a component of the device (200) from outside the device (200).

[0073] The processor (210), memory (220), and communication interface (230) are connected to each other via a bus, GPIO (General Purpose Input / Output), SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), or MIPI (Mobile Industry Processor Interface), etc., to give or receive information or signals.

[0074] Hereinafter, methods according to various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail. It should be noted that although operations are illustrated in a specific order in the drawings below, the operations must not necessarily be executed in the specific order illustrated or in a sequential order, or all illustrated operations must be executed to obtain the desired result.

[0075] Additionally, the operation of the method described below with reference to the drawings may be performed by a computing device. In other words, the operation of the method may be implemented by one or more instructions executed by a processor of the computing device. All operations included in such a method may be performed by a single physical computing device, but the first operation of the method may be performed by a first computing device and the second operation of the method may be performed by a second computing device.

[0076] In the following, the explanation will continue assuming that the operation of the aforementioned method is performed by the device (110). Additionally, for the convenience of explanation, the subject of the operation included in the method may be omitted, but unless otherwise indicated by the context, it should be interpreted that the operation is performed by the device (110).

[0077] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart illustrating a method (S300) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The method (S300) may include a series of operations to increase the efficiency of a packaging operation of a worker group including one or more packaging workers, in conjunction with a worker terminal (120) of a device (110).

[0078] In response to obtaining a product identification code attached to a target product from a worker terminal (120) of a worker group, packaging information including information related to the packaging of the target product may be generated (S310).

[0079] A worker group may be a group of people including one or more packaging workers. A worker terminal (120) may be a terminal used by the worker group and connected to the device (110) for communication. As described above, the operator of the device (110) can maximize the efficiency of the packaging work by adjusting the number of packaging workers using the worker terminal (120), that is, the number of packaging workers included in the worker group.

[0080] The target product may be a product that is the subject of this embodiment. For the convenience of explanation, the target product is described as a single product, but the number of products that can be the subject of this embodiment may vary.

[0081] The product identification code may be a code that enables unique identification of the target product. By obtaining the product identification code attached to the target product by the worker terminal (120) and transmitting it to the device (110), the device (110) can identify the target product.

[0082] The acquisition of a product identification code by the worker terminal (120) can be performed, for example, by an imaging means included in the worker terminal (120).

[0083] The information of the target product retrieved by obtaining the product identification code may include information that enables unique identification of the target product, such as, for example, the name of the target product, the manufacturer of the target product, and the serial number of the target product. Such product identification code and the information of the retrieved target product may be interrelated and stored in the device (110).

[0084] The aforementioned product identification code can be attached to the target product in various forms, such as, for example, barcodes and QR codes.

[0085] Packaging information may be information related to the packaging of the target product. Specifically, packaging information may include recommendation information that suggests a box type suitable for packaging the target product. Additionally, packaging information may include, for example, information regarding other products included in the parcel in which the target product is packaged, delivery destination information, delivery recipient information, etc.

[0086] In this operation (S310), the device (110) can generate packaging information for a target product in response to obtaining a product identification code attached to the target product from a worker terminal (120). Specifically, upon obtaining the product identification code from the worker terminal (120), the device (110) can identify the target product using information of the target product stored in association with the product identification code, and generate packaging information corresponding to the target product.

[0087] For the generation of packaging information according to this operation (S310), at least some of the information of the target product stored in association with the product identification code may be used. For example, if the serial number of the target product is a "food product," "cooling box" may be generated as packaging information as recommended box type information.

[0088] In addition, for the generation of packaging information according to this operation (S310), at least some of the information included in the order of the customer requesting delivery of the target product (e.g., delivery destination information, delivery recipient information, etc.) may be used.

[0089] In one embodiment, the operation (S310) may include generating packaging information based on a determination that the target parcel included as the target product is the last product among the products to be included that has a product identification code obtained. For example, if the target product is "Product B", and "Product A" and "Product B" must be included in the target parcel, and the product identification code of "Product A" has already been obtained by the device (110), packaging information may be generated based on a determination that the product identification code of "Product B" has been obtained. As in this example, when multiple products are packaged as one parcel in one box, packaging information may be generated by at least partially referencing the information of "Product A" and the information of "Product B", respectively. According to this embodiment, by enabling the generation of a single packaging information for multiple products packaged as one parcel, the efficiency of the packaging work of a worker group can be improved.

[0090] Packaging information can be transmitted to a worker terminal (120) (S320). In this operation (S320), the device (110) can transmit the generated packaging information to the worker terminal (120).

[0091] As described above, when the worker terminal (120) receives packaging information from the device (110), it can display the packaging information on the display of the worker terminal (120). By referring to the packaging information displayed on the display of the worker terminal (120) in this manner, a worker group can perform packaging work for the target product.

[0092] In one embodiment, the operation (S320) may include an operation of obtaining scan information, which is information obtained by scanning an invoice output from a worker terminal (120) in response to receiving packaging information, and an operation of determining the processing status of a target parcel as a packaging completed state in response to obtaining the scan information. Specifically, the worker terminal (120) may output an invoice when it receives packaging information from the device (110). Additionally, the worker terminal (120) may generate scan information by scanning the invoice based on the output of the invoice. Additionally, the worker terminal (120) may transmit the scan information to the device (110). Here, the device (110) may obtain scan information from the worker terminal (120) and determine the processing status of the target parcel as a packaging completed state in response to such acquisition. According to the present embodiment, depending on the process of outputting and scanning the invoice, the processing status of the target parcel corresponding to the invoice may be computerically switched from a "packaging incomplete state" to a "packaging completed state." Thus, monitoring of logistics for the target parcel can be initiated.

[0093] The method (S300) illustrated in FIG. 3 described so far can be applied to, for example, the following packaging operation. According to the method (S300) illustrated in FIG. 3, the efficiency of the packaging operation can be enhanced by making it possible to perform the packaging operation based on packaging information (or invoice) in units of worker groups.

[0094] <When a single parcel contains a single item>

[0095] The first packaging worker of the worker group looks up the product identification code for each product that needs packaging through the worker terminal (120).

[0096] Next, when packaging information is received by the worker terminal (120) as a result of looking up the product identification code of the first product and an invoice corresponding to the packaging information is printed, the first packaging worker transmits the first product and the invoice to the second packaging worker of the worker group.

[0097] Next, the second packing worker packs the first product into a single parcel by referring to the invoice.

[0098] <When multiple products are included in a single parcel>

[0099] The first packaging worker of the worker group looks up the product identification code for each product that needs packaging through the worker terminal (120).

[0100] Next, when the product identification code of the first product is looked up and the product identification code of the second product is looked up, packaging information regarding the first product and the second product is received by the worker terminal (120), and an invoice corresponding to the packaging information is printed, the first packaging worker delivers the first product, the second product, and the invoice to the second packaging worker of the worker group.

[0101] Next, the second packing worker packs the first and second products into a single parcel by referring to the invoice.

[0102] In addition, regarding packaging operations, a packaging area occupied by a group of workers and used to perform packaging operations may be provided with multiple goods requiring packaging loaded on shelves. The shelves serve as a means for loading multiple goods requiring packaging and may be equipped with a shelf identification code. Here, the shelf identification code may be a code that enables the shelf to be uniquely identified.

[0103] In one embodiment, the device (110) may include, in response to obtaining a shelf identification code of a shelf containing a target product from a worker terminal (120), an operation to determine a packaging area of ​​one or more products contained in a shelf, and an operation to transmit packaging area information indicating the packaging area to the worker terminal (120). This series of operations may be to verify whether the shelf is a shelf that loads the product to be the target of the worker group's packaging operation before the worker group performs the packaging operation. If the packaging area information is different from the area occupied by the worker group, the shelf may be moved to a more suitable area. Additionally, if the packaging area information is the same as the area occupied by the worker group, the worker group may take out the product loaded on the shelf and start the aforementioned packaging operation.

[0104] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart showing a method (S400) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The method (S400) illustrated in FIG. 4 may include a series of operations in which the device (110) illustrated in FIG. 1 is linked with an external device (130) to associate information regarding a packaged parcel and a box used for packaging the parcel. Since this series of operations is dynamically performed through the collaboration of the device (110) and the external device (130), and the intervention of the packaging worker can be minimized, the efficiency of the packaging worker's packaging work can be improved.

[0105] In response to obtaining a box identification code attached to a target parcel containing a target product from an external device (130) that sorts the packaged parcels according to the delivery destination, a mapping relationship of box information including the target parcel and the type of box used to package the target parcel can be created (S410).

[0106] The target parcel may be a parcel containing the target product. One or more codes may be attached to such target parcels. For example, a box identification code may be attached to the target parcel. The box identification code may be a code that uniquely identifies the box used for packaging the target parcel. The box information retrieved by obtaining the box identification code may include, for example, the type of box (e.g., paper box, insulated box, plastic box, etc.), the number of times the box has been used, the need to retrieve the box, etc. Such box identification codes and box information may be interrelated and stored in the device (110).

[0107] As another example, a classification code may be attached to the target parcel. The classification code may be a code that enables identification of the delivery destination of the target parcel. By obtaining the classification code, the external device (130) can move the target parcel to an area corresponding to the delivery destination.

[0108] As another example, an invoice may be attached to the target parcel. As previously mentioned, the invoice may be a document printed to correspond to the packaging information of the target product. In addition to the invoice being obtained during the packaging process for the target product, the invoice is also obtained during the sorting process of the target parcel, so that the device (110) can monitor the logistics process of the target parcel containing the packaged target product at specific points in time.

[0109] A mapping relationship may be information stored by associating a target parcel with the box information of the target parcel. By utilizing such a mapping relationship of the target parcel in the operation (S420) described later, logistics for the target parcel can be managed.

[0110] In this operation (S410), the device (110) can create a mapping relationship between the target parcel and the box information of the target parcel in response to obtaining a box identification code attached to the target parcel from an external device (130). For example, if the target parcel is "A Parcel" and the box information of the target parcel is "Insulated Box, Retrievable", the mapping relationship can be created as {A Parcel, Insulated Box, Retrievable}.

[0111] In this operation (S410), identification of the box identification code by the external device (130) can be performed by a first camera included in the external device (130) and capturing the code.

[0112] In some cases, it may be impossible to create a mapping relationship in this operation (S410). For example, there may be cases where it is difficult to obtain the box identification code attached to the target parcel due to the humidity of the area where the external device (130) is placed, cases where the box identification code attached to the target parcel is damaged, or cases where multiple box identification codes of different types are attached to the target parcel and there is a discrepancy between the box identification codes.

[0113] To resolve the impossibility of creating such a mapping relationship, a first box identification code may be attached to a first location of the target parcel, and a second box identification code identical to the first box identification code may be attached to a second location distinct from the first location. Accordingly, the operation (S410) may include an operation to create a mapping relationship in response to obtaining at least one of the first box identification code and the second box identification code of the target parcel.

[0114] Nevertheless, since the creation of mapping relationships is impossible, there may be missing values ​​in the mapping relationships, and various operations to compensate for this will be described later.

[0115] Based on the mapping relationship, the logistics of one or more parcels including the target parcel can be managed (S420).

[0116] Logistics management for one or more parcels may include various processes, such as monitoring whether a parcel is progressing through each logistics process, checking for the need to retrieve boxes used for packaging the parcel, managing the inventory of boxes to be used for packaging the parcel, comparing and verifying the box type recommended to a worker group with the actual box type used for packaging the parcel, or supplementing missing values ​​if there are missing values ​​in the parcel mapping relationship.

[0117] This operation (S420) may include sending a notification to the operator terminal of the operator of the device (110) to check the box type of the target parcel before shipment of the target parcel, based on the determination that it is impossible to create a mapping relationship for the target parcel. According to this embodiment, before shipment of the target parcel, the missing values ​​of the mapping relationship can be checked and supplemented by the operator or worker, etc. In particular, if it is impossible to create a mapping relationship for a target parcel packaged in a box type that requires retrieval, the possibility of retrieving the box may be improved through such supplementation.

[0118] This operation (S420) may include sending a notification to the delivery terminal of the delivery person who delivered the target parcel to check the box type of the target parcel after the target parcel has been delivered, based on the determination that it is impossible to create a mapping relationship for the target parcel. According to the present embodiment, even after the target parcel has been delivered, the delivery person can check and supplement the missing values ​​of the mapping relationship. In particular, if it is impossible to create a mapping relationship for a target parcel packaged in a box type that requires retrieval, the possibility of retrieving the box may be improved through such supplementation.

[0119] This operation (S420) may include, based on a mapping relationship, an operation to determine whether the target parcel is packaged in a type of box requiring retrieval by the delivery person, and an operation to send a notification to the delivery person's terminal of the delivery person who delivered the target parcel to retrieve the target parcel. According to the present embodiment, for a target parcel packaged in a type of box requiring retrieval, retrieval of the box may be possible.

[0120] This operation (S420) may include an operation of identifying the type of box used to package the target parcel based on a mapping relationship, and an operation of managing the inventory of boxes used by a worker group for packaging the product based on the identification of the box type. According to this embodiment, by managing the inventory of boxes of each type to be used by a worker group for packaging, it is possible to prevent delays in packaging operations caused by a shortage of a specific type of box.

[0121] This operation (S420) may include, based on a mapping relationship, an operation of comparing the box type recommendation information included in the packaging information with the box type used to package the target parcel, and an operation of calculating a performance indicator for the worker group based on the comparison of the recommendation information and the box type used to package the target parcel. Here, the performance indicator may be a numerical value indicating how well the box type used to package the target parcel matches the recommendation information. Such a performance indicator may be used as a quantitative means to measure the performance of the worker group. To calculate such a performance indicator, the packaging information (specifically the recommendation information) and the box information (specifically the box type used to package the target parcel) may be associated with each other and stored in the device (110). According to this embodiment, the performance of the worker group's packaging work can be verified.

[0122] According to the method (S400) described so far with reference to FIG. 4, the efficiency of the packing work of the packing worker can be improved by associating the box information of the parcel with the box used to pack the parcel while minimizing the intervention of the packing worker. The mapping relationship created by such association can be efficiently utilized for the logistics management of the parcel.

[0123] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6 below, a method for supplementing the creation of a mapping relationship between a parcel and its box information by other means is described when an external device (130) fails to obtain a box identification code attached to a parcel, or when such a mapping relationship cannot be created. The method (S500) illustrated in FIG. 5 is a method by a second camera included in the external device (130) that captures the parcel itself, and the method (S600) illustrated in FIG. 6 is a method by a delivery terminal.

[0124] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart illustrating a method (S500) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In response to acquiring an image of a target parcel taken from a camera installed on an external device (e.g., a second camera), the type of box used to package the target parcel can be predicted (S510).

[0125] In this operation (S510), the device (110) can predict the type of box used to package the target parcel in response to acquiring an image of the target parcel itself from an external device (130).

[0126] For the prediction of this operation (S510), an artificial neural network model can be used as a supervised learning-based classification model, in which the input information is an image and the output information is text (e.g., box type). Such an artificial neural network model may be stored in the device (110) in a state where training is completed.

[0127] For training an artificial neural network model, a label indicating a class and an input image may be used as training data as a pair. Additionally, evaluation data for evaluating the training of the artificial neural network model may be provided separately from the training data. For example, "Image A," where the box type is a refrigerated box, and the label "refrigerated box" may be used as a pair of first training data; "Image B," where the box type is a paper box, and the label "paper box" may be used as a pair of second training data; and "Image C," where the box type is a vinyl box, and the label "vinyl box" may be used as a pair of third training data. During the training process, the artificial neural network model can derive regularities from such multiple training data and classify a new image into a corresponding label when it is input. Various known technologies may be referenced in this disclosure for the implementation of such an artificial neural network model.

[0128] Logistics of one or more parcels including the target parcel can be managed based on the mapping relationship for the target parcel and the prediction of the box type (S520).

[0129] According to this operation (S520), logistics for the parcel can be managed by additionally utilizing the prediction of the box type.

[0130] Various embodiments of the operation (S520) described below may include operations that generate a mapping relationship or determine an error of an external device (130) by using a prediction from an image as reference material.

[0131] This operation (S520) may include an operation to create a mapping relationship using a box type predicted based on an image, based on a determination that the target parcel is a type of box that does not require retrieval by the delivery person based on the image, when it is impossible to create a mapping relationship for the target parcel. Here, since a type of box that does not require retrieval by the delivery person may be evaluated as having a lower priority in management than a type of box that requires retrieval, the prediction based on the image can be used as is to create the mapping relationship. For example, if it is impossible to create a mapping relationship for the target parcel "A Parcel" and the result of the prediction based on the image predicts that the box type in which "A Parcel" is packaged is a "type that does not require retrieval (e.g., paper box, etc."), the mapping relationship may be created as {A Parcel, No Retrieval Required}.

[0132] This operation (S520) may include an operation to determine that the creation of a mapping relationship for a target parcel is impossible, based on a determination that the target parcel is a type of box requiring retrieval by a delivery person based on an image. Here, a type of box requiring retrieval by a delivery person may be evaluated as having a higher priority in management than a type of box that does not require retrieval. Therefore, in this case, the prediction based on the image used as reference material is not used to create a mapping relationship, and the existing determination that the creation of a mapping relationship is impossible may be maintained. When the determination that the creation of a mapping relationship is impossible is maintained in this manner, various embodiments described regarding operation S420 of FIG. 4 may be applied to perform a supplementation for missing values ​​in the mapping relationship. In this case, the supplementation operation for missing values ​​in the mapping relationship (e.g., various embodiments of operation S420) is performed only for parcels predicted to be a type of box requiring retrieval, thereby enhancing the logistics management efficiency for the parcel.

[0133] The operation (S520) may include an operation of transmitting a notification to an operator terminal of an operator operating the device (110) indicating the occurrence of an error regarding the camera (e.g., second camera), based on a determination that there is a discrepancy between the box type predicted based on the image and the box information. Here, since the prediction of the box type based on the image may be reference material with lower priority than the box information based on the box identification code, if there is a discrepancy between the prediction and the box information, it is determined that an error has occurred in the camera (e.g., second camera) included in the external device (130), and a notification may be transmitted to the operator terminal.

[0134] Although various embodiments have been described so far regarding the use of predictions from images as reference materials, if the prediction results of the images improve according to the operation of the device (110), the creation of mapping relationships or the error determination of the external device (130) can be performed in any other way. For example, unlike the previously described embodiments, if it is impossible to create a mapping relationship for a target parcel and there is a determination based on the image that the target parcel is a type of box requiring retrieval by the delivery person, a mapping relationship for the target parcel can be created based on that determination.

[0135] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart illustrating a method (S600) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In response to obtaining an image of the target parcel from the delivery terminal of the delivery person who delivered the target parcel, the type of box used to package the target parcel can be predicted (S610).

[0136] Since the operation (S610) and the operation S510 of FIG. 5 described above differ only in the source of the image, the technical concept described for operation S510 can be applied to the operation (S610) as is.

[0137] Logistics of one or more parcels including the target parcel can be managed based on the mapping relationship for the target parcel and the prediction of the box type (S620).

[0138] Likewise, since the present operation (S620) and the operation S620 of FIG. 6 described above differ only in the source of the image used for prediction, the technical concept described for operation S620 can be applied to the present operation (S620) as is.

[0139] FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic diagram (700) for explaining a packaging operation of a group of workers that may be referenced in various embodiments of the present disclosure. The group of workers illustrated in FIG. 7 may include a first packaging worker (710a), a second packaging worker (710b), and a third packaging worker (710c). When the packaging operation is performed by a group of three workers as illustrated in FIG. 7, the efficiency of the packaging operation may be enhanced.

[0140] The first packing worker (710a) looks up the product identification code for each product (720) that needs packing, one by one, through the worker terminal (730), and transmits the packing information (or invoice) and the product (720) to the second packing worker (710b) or the third packing worker (710c).

[0141] Each of the second packing worker (710b) and the third packing worker (710c) packs the goods (720) into a parcel by referring to the packing information (or invoice), and loads the packed parcel onto a conveyor belt facing the external device (130).

[0142] FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic diagram (800) for explaining the sorting operation of a parcel of an external device that may be referenced in various embodiments of the present disclosure. After the packaging operation is completed, the parcel moving along the conveyor belt (810) passes through the external device (820).

[0143] The external device (820) uses imaging means (e.g., a first camera, a second camera) included in the device to classify the parcel into different areas according to the delivery destination of the parcel.

[0144] One or more parcels classified in this way include a first parcel (830a) packed in a box of a type that does not require retrieval and a second parcel (830b) packed in a box of a type that requires retrieval.

[0145] The method of the present disclosure (S300, S400, S500, S600) described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6 may be applied to the logistics outbound process described so far with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0146] In the flowcharts of the present disclosure, the operations of the method or algorithm are described in a sequential order, but may be performed in any combination other than sequentially. The description of the flowcharts of the present disclosure does not exclude changes or modifications to the method or algorithm and does not imply that any operation is essential or desirable. In one embodiment, at least some operations may be performed in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically. In another embodiment, at least some operations may be omitted or other operations may be added.

[0147] Various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as software on a machine-readable storage medium (MRSM). The software may be software for implementing various embodiments of the present disclosure. The software may be inferred from the various embodiments of the present disclosure by programmers skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. For example, the software may be a computer program containing instructions that can be read by a computing device. A computing device is a device capable of operating according to instructions called from a storage medium, and may be referred to interchangeably with, for example, an electronic device. In one embodiment, a processor of the computing device may execute the called instructions to cause the components of the computing device to perform functions corresponding to these instructions. A storage medium may refer to any type of recording medium in which information is stored that can be read by a device. A storage medium may include, for example, ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, or optical information storage device. In one embodiment, the storage medium may be implemented in a distributed form in a networked computer system, etc. In this case, the software may be stored and executed in a distributed manner in a computer system, etc. In another embodiment, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium. A non-transitory storage medium refers to a medium that exists regardless of whether information is stored semi-permanently or temporarily, and does not include signals that are transmitted transitorily.

[0148] Although the technical concept according to the present disclosure has been described by various embodiments above, the technical concept according to the present disclosure includes various substitutions, modifications, and changes that can be made within the scope of understanding of a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. Furthermore, it should be understood that such substitutions, modifications, and changes may be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method performed in a device comprising one or more processors and one or more memories storing instructions to be executed by said one or more processors, wherein One or more of the above processors, A step of generating packaging information including information related to the packaging of a target product in response to obtaining a product identification code attached to a target product from a worker terminal of a worker group including one or more packaging workers; A step of transmitting the above packaging information to the worker terminal; and A method comprising the step of generating a mapping relationship of box information including the target parcel and the box type used to package the target parcel, in response to obtaining a box identification code attached to the target parcel containing the target product from an external device that sorts the packaged parcels according to the delivery destination.

2. In Paragraph 1, A step of determining a packaging area of ​​one or more products included in the shelf in response to obtaining a shelf identification code of the shelf storing the above-mentioned target products—the packaging area is a physical area that packages the products—; and A method further comprising the step of transmitting packaging area information indicating the packaging area to the worker terminal.

3. In Paragraph 1, The step of generating the above packaging information is, A method comprising the step of generating packaging information based on a determination that the above target product is the product for which the last product identification code was obtained among the products to be included in the above target parcel.

4. In Paragraph 1, The step of transmitting the above packaging information to the worker terminal is, A step of obtaining scan information, which is information obtained by scanning an invoice output in response to the receipt of packaging information from the above worker terminal; and A method comprising the step of determining the processing status of the target parcel to be a packaged completed state in response to the acquisition of the above scan information.

5. In Paragraph 1, A method further comprising the step of sending a notification to the delivery terminal of the delivery person who delivered the target parcel, instructing them to check the box type of the target parcel, based on the determination that it is impossible to create the mapping relationship for the target parcel.

6. In Paragraph 1, Based on the above mapping relationship, a step of determining whether the target parcel is packed in a type of box requiring retrieval by the delivery person; and A method further comprising the step of sending a notification to the delivery terminal of the delivery person who delivered the target parcel to retrieve the target parcel.

7. In Paragraph 1, Based on the above mapping relationship, a step of identifying the type of box used to package the target parcel; and A method further comprising the step of managing the inventory of boxes used by the worker group for packaging goods based on the identification of the above box type.

8. In Paragraph 1, Based on the above mapping relationship, a step of comparing the box type recommendation information included in the packaging information with the box type used to package the target parcel; and A method further comprising the step of calculating a performance indicator of the worker group based on a comparison of the above recommendation information and the type of box used to package the above target parcel.

9. In Paragraph 1, The step of generating the above mapping relationship is, A method comprising the step of generating the mapping relationship in response to obtaining at least one of a first box identification code attached to a first position of the target parcel and a second box identification code identical to the first box identification code attached to a second position of the target parcel that is distinct from the first position.

10. In Paragraph 1, A method further comprising the step of predicting the type of box used to package the target parcel in response to acquiring an image of the target parcel taken from a camera installed on the external device.

11. In Paragraph 10, A method further comprising the step of generating the mapping relationship using a box type predicted based on the image, based on a determination that the target parcel is a type of box that does not require retrieval by the delivery person based on the image, and that it is impossible to generate the mapping relationship for the target parcel based on the image.

12. In Paragraph 10, A method further comprising the step of determining that the creation of the mapping relationship for the target parcel is impossible, and determining that the creation of the mapping relationship is impossible based on the determination that the target parcel is a type of box requiring retrieval by the delivery person based on the image.

13. In Paragraph 10, A method further comprising the step of transmitting a notification to an operator terminal of an operator operating the device, indicating the occurrence of an error regarding the camera, based on a determination that the box type predicted based on the above image and the box information are inconsistent.

14. In Paragraph 1, A method further comprising the step of predicting the type of box used to package the target parcel in response to acquiring an image of the target parcel from the delivery terminal of the delivery person who delivered the target parcel.

15. A non-transient computer-readable recording medium storing instructions to be executed by one or more processors, The above instructions, when executed, the above one or more processors, A step of generating packaging information including information related to the packaging of a target product in response to obtaining a product identification code attached to a target product from a worker terminal of a worker group including one or more packaging workers; A step of transmitting the above packaging information to the worker terminal; and A non-transient computer-readable recording medium configured to execute the step of generating a mapping relationship of box information including the target parcel and the box type used to package the target parcel, in response to obtaining a box identification code attached to the target parcel containing the target product from an external device that sorts the packaged parcels according to the delivery destination.

16. One or more processors; and It includes one or more memories in which instructions to be executed by the above one or more processors are stored, and When executing the above instructions, the above one or more processors, A step of generating packaging information including information related to the packaging of a target product in response to obtaining a product identification code attached to a target product from a worker terminal of a worker group including one or more packaging workers; A step of transmitting the above packaging information to the worker terminal; and A device configured to execute a step of generating a mapping relationship of box information including the target parcel and the box type used to package the target parcel, in response to obtaining a box identification code attached to the target parcel containing the target product from an external device that sorts the packaged parcels according to the delivery destination.

Images