Standard Protocol Server for Heterogeneous Warehouse Equipment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Large logistics centers face challenges in managing heterogeneous logistics automation equipment due to different communication systems and protocols, making it difficult and costly to integrate new equipment or systems with existing ones.
Innovation Solution
An integrated management method and system using an equipment standard protocol server that receives commands from warehouse management systems, analyzes them to identify the equipment standard protocol ID, and produces work information to be transmitted to warehouse control systems, allowing for standardized management of diverse logistics automation equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different communication systems and protocols are used for each logistics automation equipment manufacturer, then each equipment can operate independently with its own specifications, but it becomes difficult and costly to integrate new equipment or systems with existing ones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal communication protocol that enables a single standardized interface to work with multiple different logistics automation equipment from various manufacturers. The protocol defines common data structures, message formats, and communication rules that allow diverse equipment (conveyors, sorters, robots, etc.) to be integrated into a unified warehouse management system without requiring manufacturer-specific integration logic for each device type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a protocol translation layer or gateway that acts as an intermediary between equipment with different native protocols and the standardized management system. This intermediary component translates proprietary communication formats from various manufacturers into the universal protocol, enabling seamless integration without modifying the original equipment or the core management system.
2Productivity
If new logistics automation equipment or systems are introduced in the logistics center, then the system capabilities and functionality can be enhanced, but a lot of costs and labors are needed to allow the equipment and systems to cooperatively operate with the existing equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes communication protocols and integration standards in advance, before new equipment is deployed. By pre-defining the universal protocol framework, data exchange formats, and integration procedures, the system is prepared to accommodate new equipment types without requiring time-consuming custom integration work when expansion is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized protocol is designed to be future-proof and equipment-agnostic, allowing the system to integrate various types of logistics automation equipment (conveyors, sorters, robots, AS/RS systems) through a common interface. This universality enables rapid deployment of new equipment types without extending integration development time.
3Ease of operation
If standardized protocol is implemented for managing heterogeneous logistics automation equipment, then system integration becomes easier and more scalable, but it requires developing and maintaining a comprehensive protocol framework that covers diverse equipment types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication protocol into modular components, each handling specific aspects of equipment communication (device identification, status reporting, command execution, error handling). This segmentation allows the protocol framework to be developed, maintained, and extended in manageable sections rather than as a monolithic complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs configurable parameters and variables within the protocol framework that can be adjusted to accommodate different equipment types without changing the core protocol structure. Equipment-specific characteristics are handled through parameter variations rather than structural modifications, simplifying the maintenance of the standardized framework.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an integrated management system for heterogeneous logistics automation equipment, including: an equipment standard protocol server adapted to receive commands from a plurality of warehouse management systems (WMS), to check equipment standard protocol identification (ESP ID) matching the received commands, and to produce work information in the form of telegram: a plurality of warehouse control systems (WCS) adapted to control the logistics automation equipment through the work information produced from the equipment standard protocol server; and a plurality of equipment control systems (ECS) adapted to receive the work information from the plurality of warehouse control systems (WCS) to control the logistics automation equipment.