Shortest Path Engine Using Reference Point Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional warehouse management systems face inefficiencies in calculating optimum paths due to high processing overhead, especially in large warehouses, as existing solutions like Dijkstra's algorithm are resource-intensive and time-consuming, requiring batch operations and extensive data transfer across network connections.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an optimized A* graph path finding algorithm within database memory, using reference points as nodes and caching results to improve speed, allowing real-time optimum path calculations by mapping locations to common access points and calculating paths between these reference points rather than individual locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional Dijkstra's algorithm is used for path calculation, then comprehensive path optimization is achieved, but processing time and resource consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the warehouse location space by introducing reference points that group multiple locations into regions. Instead of calculating paths between all individual locations, the system calculates paths between reference points and then determines specific location paths within those regions. This segmentation dramatically reduces the number of calculation nodes while maintaining path optimization accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and caching paths between reference points. When a path request is received, the system first checks if the path between relevant reference points has already been calculated and cached it. This preliminary calculation and caching mechanism eliminates redundant computations and significantly reduces real-time processing time.
2Use of energy by moving object
If batch processing is used for path calculations, then resource consumption is reduced, but real-time path optimization capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs path calculations between reference points in advance and caches the results. When real-time path requests are received, the cached results are retrieved and combined with location-specific adjustments, eliminating the need for full batch processing while maintaining real-time responsiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making path calculations adaptive to specific request characteristics. Instead of uniformly processing all paths the same way, the system adjusts its calculation approach based on whether cached results are available, the specific locations involved, and the urgency of the request, optimizing resource usage for each case.
3Measurement precision
If detailed location data is processed, then path accuracy is improved, but data transfer time and network load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for path calculation by using reference points that represent groups of locations. Instead of transferring and processing detailed data for every individual location, the system extracts and works with condensed reference point representations, reducing data transfer time while maintaining sufficient path calculation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments detailed location data into regional groupings represented by reference points. This segmentation allows the system to work with smaller, more manageable data units that can be processed faster while still capturing the essential spatial relationships needed for accurate path optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with a shortest path engine for warehouse management are described. In one embodiment, a method determines a shortest path between a first location and a second location. The method includes receiving a request for a shortest path between a first location and a second location and accessing a first data structure. The first data structure maps the first location to a first reference point and the second location to a second reference point. A shortest path between the first reference point and the second reference point is determined and the determined shortest path is returned.