System and method for orientation in an environment

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system and method for orientation in an environment, allowing an operator of a transport vehicle to orient himself within the environment, particularly a logistics warehouse, in order to receive confirmation feedback regarding the correct positioning of objects to be stored. To this end, said system includes a transport vehicle (30) that is capable of transporting an object (20) and comprises at least one user interface means (50) and at least one reading means (31) capable of identifying the corresponding identification means (11) arranged adjacent to respective storage spaces (10), wherein said transport vehicle (30) further includes at least one presence sensing means (32) capable of detecting the presence of an object (20) carried by or adjacent thereto; wherein said at least one presence sensing means (32) and said at least one user interface means (50) comprise and / or are associated with at least one processor; and wherein said at least one user interface means (50) is associated with said at least one reading means (31) and said at least one presence sensing means (32). The method executed by said system is also claimed.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ORIENTATION IN AN ENVIRONMENT Field of Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and method for orientation in an environment. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method that allows an operator of a transport vehicle to orient themselves within an environment, particularly a logistics warehouse, in order to receive confirmation feedback, or not, on the correct positioning of objects to be stored by them in storage spaces. Fundamentals of the Invention

[0002] Logistics warehouses are environments with intense movement of people and equipment transporting cargo, essential for maintaining the flow of delivery and receipt of materials within the established times and according to the production or storage order.

[0003] The growing demand for a wide variety of products and the need to meet those demands with greater speed and efficiency is making the supply chain increasingly complex. One of the stages in the supply chain is the warehousing of goods / objects. This stage presents numerous challenges, such as accuracy in storage, optimization of physical storage space, and speed in locating and dispatching stored items.

[0004] To address these challenges, warehouse managers need accurate information about stored items, such as location, quantity, frequency of item requests, and storage time, as well as the distribution and intensity of movements and / or processes. This information is used for inventory control and optimization of warehouse physical space.

[0005] This is because, when an item is requested, employees or equipment are activated to retrieve it. If a stored item is not located in the designated position, the entire inventory needs to be reviewed. Furthermore, if a frequently requested item is located far from the dispatch location and a rarely requested item is located near the dispatch location, the efficiency of the supply chain can be considerably impaired.

[0006] In view of this and the need for digitalization of solutions for the logistics chain, some warehouse management systems ("Warehouse Management System" or "WMS") are already available. These systems aim to monitor the flow of stored items to allow for their relocation within the warehouse. Such systems serve to store data about the warehouse and stored items in databases and are subsequently used to generate reports or maps containing information such as position and handling frequency, which assist in the relocation of items, for example.

[0007] To ensure proper item relocation, users of warehouse management systems utilize these reports and verify information such as handling frequency and the most suitable location for stored items. If the relocation of stored items is done efficiently, the time spent retrieving the requested items can be significantly reduced in the long term, generating cost reductions and increased speed of receiving and dispatching items.

[0008] However, all this organization and agility still depends on one factor: the correct storage of the item. In other words, this logistical process depends on the item being, or having been, stored in the correct location, that is, predetermined by the warehouse manager and recorded in the warehouse management system, for example.

[0009] The state of the art already provides several solutions for logistics warehouse management, among them, the solution in document GB2455893, which represents the state of the art closest to the present invention, since it describes a system that allows the monitoring of information relating to the storage positions and inventory of products in a warehouse using RFID tags placed next to the storable products, next to storage spaces (shelves), next to the floor of warehouse zones and RFID antennas placed next to a forklift capable of reading said RFID tags.

[0010] It should be noted that the aforementioned system does not provide means to recognize the presence, or absence, of a storable object next to the forklift. Furthermore, and precisely because it lacks such recognition methods, the system is unable to provide feedback to a user, such as the forklift operator, regarding whether the storage process has been—or is being—successfully completed or not. The solution in question also does not include a function for identifying improperly occupied positions and relocating improperly stored objects.

[0011] It is based on this scenario that the present invention arises. Objectives of the Invention

[0012] Thus, the fundamental objective of the invention in question is to disclose a system and a method for orientation in an environment;

[0013] The objective of the present invention is to provide a solution that allows feedback to be given to a user, such as a machine operator, regarding whether the storage process has been - or is being - successfully completed or not;

[0014] Furthermore, the objective of the present invention is to provide a low-cost, robust, reliable, and automated solution that assists the operator of a transport vehicle during the storage process of an object, in order to guarantee the accuracy of the storage process and, consequently, the accuracy of the information contained in a warehouse management system. Summary of the Invention

[0015] The objectives summarized above are achieved through a system for orientation in an environment that includes a plurality of object storage spaces, each storage space being associated with a respective identification means, said system including a transport vehicle capable of transporting the object, and said transport vehicle comprising at least one user interface means and at least one reader means capable of identifying the corresponding identification means arranged alongside respective storage spaces; said transport vehicle also including at least one presence sensor means capable of detecting the presence of an object carried by or alongside it; said at least one presence sensor means and said at least one user interface means comprise and / or are associated with at least one processor;and whereby said at least one user interface means is operationally associated with at least one reader means and at least one presence sensor means.

[0016] The present invention also relates to a method for orientation in an environment that includes a plurality of object storage spaces, each storage space being associated with a respective means of identification, said method comprising the following steps:

[0017] A first step that consists of receiving, in at least one user interface medium, an initial coordinate of a respective predetermined storage space for an object that one wishes to store;

[0018] A second step involves identifying, using at least one reader device, at least one identification device corresponding to the respective storage space and located next to it;

[0019] A third step involves determining, by at least one processor, whether or not the identification method identified by said at least one reader corresponds to the first coordinate relative to the predetermined storage space for storing the object in question;

[0020] A fourth step consists of determining the presence, or absence, of the object in question next to the transport vehicle by means of the set formed by said at least one processor and said at least one presence sensor;

[0021] A fifth step consists of issuing, or not, through at least one user interface, at least one alert based on the determinations of the third and fourth steps, in order to guide a user regarding the storage of the object in question. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] The invention in question will now be described in detail, by way of example, based on the illustrative figures listed below:

[0023] Figure 1 schematically illustrates the system of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 illustrates a flowchart of the method of the present invention, comprising fundamental steps as well as preferred, but not mandatory, steps. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0025] Thus, focusing on achieving the aforementioned objectives, and describing in an exemplary, but not limiting, manner, the present invention relates to a system for orientation in an environment, which includes a plurality of object storage spaces10, each storage space10 being associated with a respective identification means11, said system including a transport vehicle30 capable of transporting the object20, said transport vehicle30 comprising at least one user interface means50 and at least one reader means31 capable of identifying the corresponding identification means11 and disposed next to respective storage spaces10.

[0026] Particularly according to the present invention, said transport vehicle30includes, furthermore, at least one presence sensor means32 capable of detecting the presence of an object20 carried by or next to it, said at least one presence sensor means32 and said at least one user interface means50 comprise and / or are associated with at least one processor and said at least one user interface means50 is operatively associated with at least one reader means31 and at least one presence sensor means32.

[0027] Preferably, said processor is understood to be and / or associated with a warehouse management system. Alternatively, the processor could be understood to be the user interface medium itself.50

[0028] Also preferably, said at least one reading means31 is one of: RFID reader, barcode reader, QR code reader, NFC reader, camera; while said at least one identification means11 is one of: RFID tag, barcode, QR code, NFC tag. Again preferably, said at least one presence sensor means32 is at least one of: load sensor, infrared sensor, camera, ultrasonic sensor, capacitive sensor, inductive sensor, photoelectric sensor.

[0029] Also preferably, said at least one means of user interface50 is capable of emitting at least one alert among: a visual alert, an audible alert, a vibratory alert. More specifically, said at least one means of user interface50 is preferably a display, for example, a touch screen.

[0030] Having described the system of the present invention, the method for orientation in an environment capable of being implemented by the system in question will be described in detail below, said method comprising the following steps:

[0031] A first stepS1 consists of receiving, in at least one user interface medium50, a first coordinate of a respective predetermined storage space10 for an object20 that one wishes to store and, preferably, if said user interface medium50 is a screen, for example, displaying said first coordinate on the screen. After receiving the first coordinate where the object20 in question is to be stored, obviously the transport vehicle30 must move towards said coordinate. This movement is guided by an operator of the transport vehicle30.

[0032] This first coordinate can be automatically obtained by reading a barcode or QR code (not shown) placed next to the object20 to be transported and stored, it can be data entered by the user himself through the user interface50 or it can come directly from the warehouse management system (WMS).

[0033] A second stageS2 which consists of identifying, by means of at least one reading device31, at least one identification device11 corresponding to the respective storage space10 and placed next to it.

[0034] A third stepS3 which consists of determining, by at least one processor, whether said identification means11 identified by said at least one reading means31 corresponds, or not, to the first coordinate relative to the storage space30 predetermined for storage of the object20 in question.

[0035] A fourth stage, S4, which consists of determining the presence, or absence, of the object20 in question next to the transport vehicle30 by means of the set formed by said at least one processor and said at least one presence sensor32.

[0036] A fifth stage, S5, which consists of issuing, or not, by said means, at least one user interface, S0, at least one alert based on the determinations of the third and fourth stages, S3, S4, in order to guide a user regarding the storage of the object in question.

[0037] With regard to the alert to be issued, it should be noted that if, in the third stage S3, it is determined that said identification means11 identified does not correspond to the storage space10 relative to the first coordinate and, in the fourth stage S4, it is determined that the object20 is still present with the transport vehicle30, no alert is issued and / or the first coordinate remains displayed in said at least one user interface means50, indicating that the object20 has not yet been stored.

[0038] On the other hand, if, in the third stage S3, it is determined that said identification means11 identified does not correspond to the storage space10 relative to the first coordinate and, in the fourth stage S4, it is determined that the object20 is not present next to the transport vehicle30, then a first type of alert is issued, for example, a visual signal of red color, indicating that the object20 was stored in the incorrect coordinate and / or suggesting the relocation of said object20 to the appropriate coordinate, that is, to the first coordinate.

[0039] In another circumstance, in which, in the third stage S3, it is determined that said identification means11 identified corresponds to the storage space10 relative to the first coordinate and, in the fourth stage S4, it is determined that the object20 is present next to the transport vehicle30, then a second type of alert is issued, for example, a visual signal of yellow color, indicating that the object20 was not stored despite the coordinate being correct and / or suggesting the proper allocation of said object20.

[0040] On the other hand, if, in the third stage S3, it is determined that said identification means11 identified corresponds to the storage space10 relative to the first coordinate and, in the fourth stage S4, it is determined that the object20 is not present next to the transport vehicle30, then a third type of alert is issued, for example, a green visual signal, indicating that the object20 was stored in the correct position and enabling the transport vehicle30 for a new storage process of another object20.

[0041] Here, it is worth highlighting that, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, while the object20 is not stored in the correct position, that is, while, according to the example above, a green visual signal is not emitted to the operator of the transport vehicle30, the orientation system in an environment of the present invention is blocked for a new orientation. In other words, the storage process of an object20 can only be finalized – and this operation can be associated with the warehouse management system (WMS) – when it is verified that the object20 has been stored in the appropriate coordinate, namely, the first coordinate.

[0042] In one embodiment of the present invention, it is also possible to optionally implement an additional first stage S1', subsequent to the first stage S1 and prior to the second stage S2, which consists of verifying, by said at least one processor, whether a function indicating that the storage space 10 (corresponding to the first coordinate) is occupied has been activated, and, if so, in addition to the second stage S2, a flow of relocation of the object 20 improperly stored in the storage space 10 corresponding to the first coordinate is also executed.

[0043] For example, such a function could be activated by a user, for example, the operator of the transport vehicle30, using at least one user interface50. Alternatively, such a function could be automatically activated if a means of identifying an occupied position, such as a camera with artificial intelligence, detects that said position is occupied.

[0044] Here, it is worth highlighting that this object20 relocation flow would be a flow parallel to the allocation flow already in progress.

[0045] Also optionally, said object relocation flow20 comprises a second additional stepS2' which consists of issuing, by said at least one user interface means50, a fourth type of alert recommending the removal of the object20 improperly stored in the storage space10 for relocation thereof.

[0046] Also optionally, said object relocation flow20 includes:

[0047] A third additional step S3', which consists of the object 20 improperly stored in the storage space 10 corresponding to the first coordinate being loaded onto the transport vehicle 30.

[0048] A fourth additional step S4', which consists of the object 20, previously and improperly stored in the storage space 10 corresponding to the first coordinate, being deposited, by the transport vehicle 30, in a control space (not illustrated) associated with at least one identification means 11.

[0049] And a fifth additional stepS5''which consists of identifying, by means of said at least one reading means31of the transport vehicle30, said at least one identification means11corresponding to the respective control space (not illustrated) and registering, in a warehouse management system, the association between said object20and said control space.

[0050] To exemplify this circumstance where it was found that the first coordinate was improperly occupied by an improper object20, and not by the proper object20, in order to successfully complete both flows, both the allocation of the proper object20 and the relocation of the improper object20, the operator of the transport vehicle30 could / should unload the proper object20 from the transport vehicle30, remove the improper object20 from the first coordinate by loading it onto the transport vehicle30, unload the improper object20 from the transport vehicle30, reload the proper object20 onto the transport vehicle30, allocate the proper object20 to the first coordinate and then reload the improper object20 onto the transport vehicle30 to carry it to the control space.

[0051] It is not possible to visualize a plurality of objects20 stored in their respective storage spaces10, as well as some empty storage spaces10, for example, the one at the upper left end or the one at the upper right end. For illustrative purposes only, objects20 marked with an “X” are considered to be those properly stored in their respective storage spaces10, while the object20 marked with an “O” is, for illustrative purposes only, an object20 improperly stored.In this case, if object20 under the transport vehicle30 were to be stored in that position in the lower right corner, the function indicating that the storage space10 corresponding to the lower right corner is occupied could be activated, and object20 marked with an “O” should be removed – possibly by the same transport vehicle30 responsible for the operation in question – for subsequent and proper allocation of object20 illustrated in the image under the transport vehicle30, as described above.

[0052] It is important to emphasize that the description above serves solely to illustrate a particular embodiment of the invention in question. Therefore, it is clear that modifications, variations, and constructive combinations of the elements that perform the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results remain within the scope of protection delimited by the appended claims.

Claims

A system for orientation in an environment, which includes a plurality of storage spaces (10) for objects (20), each storage space (10) being associated with a respective identification means (11), said system including a transport vehicle (30) capable of transporting the object (20), said transport vehicle (30) comprising at least one user interface means (50) and at least one reader means (31) capable of identifying the corresponding identification means (11) arranged next to the respective storage spaces (10), CHARACTERIZED by the fact that: said transport vehicle (30) also includes at least one presence sensor means (32) capable of detecting the presence of an object (20) carried by or next to it; said at least one presence sensor means (32) and said at least one user interface means (50) comprising and / or being associated with at least one processor;whereby said at least one user interface means (50) is operatively associated with at least one reader means (31) and at least one presence sensor means (32).; System, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that said at least one processor is comprised of and / or associated with a warehouse management system. System, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that said at least one reading means (31) is one of: RFID reader, barcode reader, QR code reader, NFC reader, camera. System, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that said at least one means of identification (11) is one of: RFID tag, barcode, QR code, NFC tag. System, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that said at least one presence sensor means (32) is at least one of: load sensor, infrared sensor, camera, ultrasonic sensor, capacitive sensor, inductive sensor, photoelectric sensor. System, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that said at least one means of user interface (50) is capable of emitting at least one alert from among: a visual alert, an audible alert, a vibratory alert. Method for orientation in an environment that includes a plurality of object storage spaces (10) (20), each storage space (10) being associated with a respective identification means (11), said method comprising the following steps: a first step (S1) that consists of receiving, in at least one user interface means (50), a first coordinate of a respective predetermined storage space (10) for an object (20) that one wishes to store; a second step (S2) that consists of identifying, by means of at least one reader means (31), at least one identification means (11) corresponding to the respective storage space (10) and placed next to it;CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it further comprises: a third stage (S3) which consists of determining, by at least one processor, whether said identification means (11) identified by said at least one reading means (31) corresponds, or not, to the first coordinate relative to the storage space (20) predetermined for storage of the object (20) in question; a fourth stage (S4) which consists of determining the presence, or not, of the object (20) in question next to the transport vehicle (30) by means of the set formed by said at least one processor and said at least one presence sensor (32); a fifth stage (S5) which consists of emitting, or not, by said at least one user interface means (50), at least one alert based on the determinations of the third and fourth stages (S3, S4), in order to guide a user regarding the storage of the object (20) in question. Method, according to claim 7, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that: if, in the third step (S3), it is determined that said identification means (11) identified does not correspond to the storage space (10) relative to the first coordinate and, in the fourth step (S4), it is determined that the object (20) is still present next to the transport vehicle (30), no alert is issued and / or the first coordinate remains displayed in said at least one user interface means (50), indicating that the object (20) has not yet been stored. Method, according to claim 7, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that: if, in the third step (S3), it is determined that said identification means (11) identified does not correspond to the storage space (10) relative to the first coordinate and, in the fourth step (S4), it is determined that the object (20) is not present next to the transport vehicle (30), then a first type of alert is issued, indicating that the object (20) was stored in the incorrect coordinate and / or suggesting the relocation of said object (20) in the first coordinate. Method, according to claim 7, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that: if, in the third step (S3), it is determined that said identification means (11) identified corresponds to the storage space (10) relative to the first coordinate and, in the fourth step (S4), it is determined that the object (20) is present next to the transport vehicle (30), then a second type of alert is issued, indicating that the object (20) was not stored, despite the coordinate being correct and / or suggesting the proper allocation of said object (20). Method, according to claim 7, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that: if, in the third step (S3), it is determined that said identification means (11) identified corresponds to the storage space (10) relative to the first coordinate and, in the fourth step (S4), it is determined that the object (20) is not present next to the transport vehicle (30), then a third type of alert is issued, indicating that the object (20) was stored in the correct position and enabling the transport vehicle (30) for a new storage process of another object (20). Method, according to claim 7, CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises: an additional first stage (S1'), subsequent to the first stage (S1) and prior to the second stage (S2), which consists of verifying, by said at least one processor, whether a function indicating that the storage space (10) corresponding to the first coordinate is occupied has been triggered, and, if so, in addition to the second stage (S2), a flow of relocation of an object (20) improperly stored in the storage space (10) corresponding to the first coordinate is also executed. Method, according to claim 12, CHARACTERIZED in that said object relocation flow (20) comprises: a second additional step (S2') which consists of issuing, by said at least one user interface means (50), a fourth type of alert recommending the removal of the object (20) improperly stored in the storage space (10) for relocation thereof. Method, according to claim 12, CHARACTERIZED in that said object relocation flow (20) further comprises: a third additional step (S3'), which consists of the object (20) improperly stored in the storage space (10) corresponding to the first coordinate being loaded onto the transport vehicle (30); a fourth additional step (S4'), which consists of the object (20), previously and improperly stored in the storage space (10) corresponding to the first coordinate, being deposited, by the transport vehicle (30), in a control space associated with at least one identification means (11); and a fifth additional step (S5') which consists of identifying, by means of at least one reader means (31) of the transport vehicle (30), said at least one identification means (11) corresponding to the respective control space and registering, in a warehouse management system, the association between said object (20) and said control space.

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