KR102712313B1 - Shortest distance logistics pickup guidance system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

A shortest-distance logistics pickup guidance system is used to pick up a plurality of types of items stored on a plurality of shelves using a cart. The shortest-distance logistics pickup guidance system includes a logistics server storing item data including information on the types, quantities, and locations of items stored on the shelves and information on items to be picked up, a shelf management device installed on each of the plurality of shelves and notifying a worker of the location of an item to be picked up, and a pager installed on the cart and communicating with the shelf management device. The logistics server calculates a distance between the pager and the shelf management device and a distance between the shelf management devices, and calculates a shortest-distance pickup path for a plurality of items to be picked up using the calculated distances. The shelf management device is sequentially operated according to the shortest-distance pickup path to instruct the worker on the pickup order and quantity of items to be picked up, thereby providing a shortest-distance logistics pickup guidance.

Description

{Shortest distance logistics pickup guidance system and method}

The present invention relates to a shortest-distance logistics pickup guidance system and a shortest-distance logistics pickup guidance method, and more specifically, to a shortest-distance logistics pickup guidance system that enables a worker in a logistics center to perform a pickup process more efficiently, and a shortest-distance logistics pickup guidance method using the shortest-distance logistics pickup guidance system.

The work performed in a logistics center can be broadly divided into the transport and storage of logistics, and the pick-up and distribution processes of stored logistics. Of these, the pick-up process is the most time-consuming process, and various technologies have been developed to automate this pick-up process.

In particular, with the rapid development of artificial intelligence and robot technology, technology has been focused on robot automation pickup systems using tags such as image recognition or RFID. However, robots, image recognition, and tag-based systems are all targeted at products in boxes, well-aligned products, or items stored at low density, and for individual or bulk products, the image recognition rate is low, making commercialization difficult, or tag attachment or robot operation is difficult, limiting automation. In addition, these automated systems require expensive equipment, making it difficult to introduce them in small and medium-sized logistics centers.

In particular, when one worker has to pick up multiple items, work efficiency can vary greatly depending on the order and route of picking up the items, so it is necessary to suggest an appropriate order and route of picking up the items.

Republic of Korea Patent No. 10-2043898

Accordingly, the technical problem of the present invention was conceived from this point of view, and the purpose of the present invention is to provide a shortest distance logistics pickup guidance system.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a shortest distance logistics pickup guidance method using the shortest distance logistics pickup guidance system.

According to one embodiment of the present invention for realizing the above-described object, a shortest-distance logistics pickup guidance system is used to pick up a plurality of types of items stored on a plurality of shelves using a cart. The shortest-distance logistics pickup guidance system includes a logistics server storing item data including information on the types, quantities, and locations of items stored on the shelves and information on items to be picked up, a shelf management device installed on each of the plurality of shelves and notifying a worker of the location of an item to be picked up, and a pager installed on the cart and communicating with the shelf management device. The logistics server calculates a distance between the pager and the shelf management device and a distance between the shelf management devices, and calculates a shortest-distance pickup path for a plurality of items to be picked up using the calculated distances. The shelf management device is sequentially operated according to the shortest-distance pickup path to instruct the worker on the pickup order and quantity of items to be picked up, thereby providing a shortest-distance logistics pickup guidance.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the logistics server can calculate the distance between transmission and reception of wireless signals by using communication modules installed in the shelf management device and the pager, respectively, to calculate the distance between the pager and the shelf management device.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the logistics server can calculate the shortest distance pickup path using the calculated distance between the caller and the shelf management device and the distance between the shelf management devices measured in advance.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the shelf management device may include a light source indicating unit installed on each of the plurality of shelves and emitting light to inform the worker of the location of the pick-up pool. The caller may transmit information on whether the pick-up is complete to the server using the communication module after the worker completes the pick-up.

According to one embodiment of the present invention for realizing the above-described object, a method for guiding shortest-distance logistics pickup uses a logistics server that stores logistics data including information on the types, quantities, and locations of items, a pager installed on a cart for picking up items, and a shelf management device installed on each shelf. The method for guiding shortest-distance logistics pickup includes a pickup item information input step in which information on pickup items including information on the types and quantities of items to be picked up is provided to the logistics server, a distance calculation step in which the logistics server calculates a distance between a shelf on which the items to be picked up are located and the pager, a pickup order determination step in which the logistics server determines a pickup order of the items in consideration of the calculated distance and the distance between the shelves, and an item pickup step in which the shelf management device guides a worker to pick up items according to the pickup order, and provides a pickup completion signal to the logistics server when the worker completes picking up the items.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the pickup order determining step may include a step of selecting an item corresponding to the smallest distance value between the shelves on which the items to be picked up and the caller are located as the first pickup item, and determining the location of the first pickup item accordingly, and a step of calculating all cases of distances between the shelves on which the items to be picked up are located, calculating each distance value, and then determining the location of the next pickup item so as to pick up the item in the order corresponding to the smallest total distance in the case where all of the items to be picked up can be picked up.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the shortest distance logistics pickup guidance method may include a step of selecting an item corresponding to the smallest value among distance values between the shelf on which the items to be picked up are located and the caller as the first pickup item, and determining the location of the first pickup item accordingly; and a step of selecting an item corresponding to the smallest value among distance values between the locations of other items from the location of the first pickup item as the next pickup item, and determining the location of the next pickup item accordingly.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the pickup order determining step may include a step of selecting an item corresponding to the smallest value among distance values between the shelf on which the items to be picked up are located and the pager as the first pickup item, and determining the location of the first pickup item accordingly, and a step of selecting an item corresponding to the smallest value among distance values between the pager of the cart moved by the worker and shelves on which other items to be picked up other than the first item to be picked up are located as the next pickup item, after the shelf management device informs the worker of the location of the first pickup item, and determining the location of the next pickup item accordingly.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the distance value between the shelf on which the items to be picked up are located and the pager can be calculated by using the following mathematical expression 1 as the distance between transmission and reception of wireless signals using communication modules respectively installed in the shelf management device and the pager.

[Mathematical Formula 1]

d=10*α[RSSI] / 10n

(d is the distance, [RSSI] is the value for the actual signal power strength received at the receiver, n is the path loss exponent, α is the RSSI value at the reference distance)

In one embodiment of the present invention, the distance can be corrected using a Kalman filter.

Multiple types of items stored on multiple shelves can be picked up using a cart. At this time, the shortest distance logistics pickup guidance system according to the embodiment of the present invention guides the worker to the shortest distance pickup route, so that a more efficient logistics pickup process can be carried out.

However, the effects of the present invention are not limited to the above effects, and may be expanded in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a shortest distance logistics pickup guidance system according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a drawing showing the shortest distance logistics pickup guidance system of Figure 1 applied to a logistics center.
FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining the operation of a shortest distance logistics pickup guidance system according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 4 (a) is a block diagram illustrating the first shelf management device of the shortest distance logistics pickup guidance system of Fig. 1, and Fig. 4 (b) is a drawing illustrating an embodiment of the first shelf management device.
Fig. 5 (a) is a block diagram showing the indicator 1-1 of the shortest distance logistics pickup guidance system of Fig. 1, and Fig. 5 (b) is a drawing showing an implementation of the indicator 1-1.
Fig. 6 (a) is a block diagram illustrating a caller of the shortest distance logistics pickup guidance system of Fig. 1, and Fig. 3 (b) is a drawing illustrating an implementation of the caller.
Fig. 7 is a block diagram for explaining the logistics server of the shortest distance logistics pickup guidance system of Fig. 1.
Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for guiding shortest distance logistics pickup according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 is a flowchart showing in detail the steps for determining the pickup order of the shortest distance logistics pickup guidance method of Figure 8.
Figure 10 is a flowchart showing in detail the item pickup steps of the shortest distance logistics pickup guidance method of Figure 8.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

The present invention can be modified in various ways and can take various forms, and specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the text. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific disclosed forms, but should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, or substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a shortest distance logistics pickup guidance system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the shortest distance logistics pickup guidance system includes a logistics server (10), a manager terminal (not shown), a caller (30) of a cart (see CR of FIG. 2), a worker terminal (not shown), a plurality of shelf management devices, and a plurality of indicators. The shelf management devices may include a first shelf management device (100) and a second shelf management device (200). The indicators may include a first-first indicator (110), a first-second indicator (120), a first-third indicator (130), a second-first indicator (210), a second-second indicator (220), and a second-third indicator (230).

The above logistics server (10) can store product data and information on products to be picked up. The product data can include information on all products stored in the logistics center, information on the location and quantity of the products, etc. The information on products to be picked up is information on products that the worker must pick up, and can include information on products ordered by customers or information on products ordered through an administrator.

The above-mentioned administrator terminal is a terminal used by the administrator of the above-mentioned logistics center, and can transmit the information on the items to be picked up to the above-mentioned logistics server (10), or transmit information for modifying or updating the item data to the above-mentioned logistics server (10). The above-mentioned worker terminal may be a smart device used by each of a plurality of workers.

The above caller (30) can inform the worker of information about the items to be picked up, the pickup location, and the pickup quantity. A detailed description of the caller (30) is described later in Fig. 6.

The above logistics server (10) can determine the type, location, and quantity of items that the worker must pick up based on the information on the items to be picked up, and transmit a lighting signal and a quantity signal to the shelf management device and indicator of the corresponding shelf.

In addition, the logistics server (10) can transmit the quantity signal to the worker terminal and the pager (30) based on the information on the items to be picked up. Additionally, the logistics server (10) can transmit the type and location of items to be picked up by the worker, information on the next item to be picked up, etc. based on the information on the items to be picked up to the worker terminal or the pager (30), so that the worker terminal or the pager (30) can display the information.

The above logistics server (10) calculates the distance between the caller (30) and the shelf management device and the distance between the shelf management devices, and can calculate the shortest distance pickup path for a plurality of items to be picked up using the calculated distances. Accordingly, the shelf management device can be sequentially operated along the shortest distance pickup path to instruct the worker on the pickup order and quantity of items to be picked up, thereby providing the shortest distance logistics pickup guidance.

The first shelf management device (100) receives a lighting signal and a quantity signal from the server (10). The lighting signal may include information on whether the light source unit (see LT of FIG. 4) of the first shelf management device (100) is lit and color information. In addition, the lighting signal may include information on whether an indicator corresponding to the position of the pick-up target item among a plurality of indicators (110, 120, 130) controlled by the first shelf management device (100) is lit. The quantity signal may include information on the quantity of the pick-up target item to be displayed on the display unit of the corresponding indicator. A detailed description of the first shelf management device (100) will be described later with reference to FIG. 4.

The above-mentioned first-first indicator (110) is controlled by the first shelf management device (100) and can be electrically connected to the first shelf management device (100). The above-mentioned first-first indicator (110) includes an indicator light (see 116 of FIG. 5) and a display unit (see 118 of FIG. 5), and can display to a worker the location of a pick-up target item and the pick-up quantity of the pick-up target item. A detailed description of the above-mentioned first-first indicator (110) will be described later with reference to FIG. 5.

The above-described 1-2 indicator (120) and the above-described 1-3 indicator (130) are controlled by the above-described 1st shelf management device (100) and can be electrically connected to the above-described 1st shelf management device (100). Each of the above-described 1-2 indicator (120) and the above-described 1-3 indicator (130) has substantially the same functions and configuration as the above-described 1-1 indicator (110), and therefore, a duplicate description is omitted.

The above second shelf management device (200), the 2-1 indicator (210), the 2-2 indicator (220), and the 2-3 indicator (230) have substantially the same functions and configurations as the first shelf management device (100), the 1-1 indicator (110), the 1-2 indicator (120), and the 1-3 indicator (130), except that they are installed corresponding to different shelves and different receiving spaces, and therefore, overlapping descriptions are omitted.

Meanwhile, the above-described first to third indicators (110, 120, 130) are all wired and connected to the first shelf management device (100), but are not limited thereto. The above-described first to third indicators (110, 120, 130) may also be controlled by the first shelf management device (100) via wireless communication.

In this embodiment, it has been described that two shelf management devices corresponding to the two shelves and six indicators corresponding to the six storage spaces are installed in a logistics center including two shelves and each shelf having three storage spaces, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The shelf management devices and indicators may be appropriately configured according to the number of shelves and the number of storage spaces in the logistics center. In addition, the shortest distance logistics pickup guidance system may include a plurality of worker terminals and a plurality of pagers according to the number of workers, and may also be configured with a plurality of manager terminals.

Figure 2 is a drawing showing the shortest distance logistics pickup guidance system of Figure 1 applied to a logistics center.

Referring to FIG. 2, in the logistics center, two shelves are placed facing each other to form a corridor between them, a shelf management device is installed at the top of each shelf, and a marker is installed at each storage space.

The above logistics center has storage spaces on the first shelf (R1), the second shelf (R2), the third shelf (R3), and the fourth shelf (R4). In each of the storage spaces, various types of items can be stored in bulk form in containers such as baskets. For example, in each of the storage spaces, various types of bulk products such as bolts, nuts, nails, scissors, and drivers can be stored by type.

The first shelf (R1) and the second shelf (R2) may be arranged back-to-back with each other, and the third shelf (R3) and the fourth shelf (R4) may be arranged back-to-back with each other. A first shelf management device (100) may be installed at the top of the first shelf (R1), and indicators (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, ...) may be installed in each of the accommodation spaces of the first shelf (R1). A second shelf management device (200) may be installed at the top of the second shelf (R2), and indicators may be installed in each of the accommodation spaces of the first shelf (R1). A third shelf management device (300) may be installed at the top of the third shelf (R3), and indicators (310, 320, 330, 340, 350, ...) may be installed in each of the receiving spaces of the third shelf (R3). A fourth shelf management device (400) may be installed at the top of the fourth shelf (R4), and indicators may be installed in each of the receiving spaces of the fourth shelf (R4).

At this time, the shelf management devices and indicators of each shelf can be wired by a connection line (CL).

The worker (WR) can easily check information about the type, location, and quantity of items that need to be picked up now, as well as information about items that need to be picked up next, using the worker terminal. In addition, a pager (30) is installed in the smart cart (CR) used by the worker (WR).

At this time, the color of the number displayed on the caller (30), the color of the light source that lights up the light source of the shelf management device, and the color of the number displayed on the worker terminal are all the same, but are set differently for each worker, so that the worker can easily check whether the smart cart he or she is using is the one in charge of, and can work efficiently without confusing the item that needs to be picked up at the moment. In addition, the number for the number of pickups displayed on the indicator can also use the same color.

FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining the operation of a shortest distance logistics pickup guidance system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Fig. 3, the logistics center has first to sixth shelves (R1 to R6) arranged in two rows, and shelf management devices (100 to 600) installed on each shelf. The distance (D1 to D6) between the shelf management devices and the caller (30) of the cart (CR) is calculated, and among the calculated distances, the closest distance to the shelf on which the item to be picked is located (for example, the second shelf (R2) on which scissors are located, the third shelf (R3) on which bolts are located, and the fourth shelf (R4) on which nails are located) is selected (in this case, D2), and the worker can be instructed to pick up the scissors on the second shelf (R2) first.

After that, for the next pickup product, the operator can be instructed to pick up the closest item based on the changed cart (CR) location, or, based on the distance between the remaining items to be picked up, that is, the distance between the shelves, the operator can be guided to the next pickup product by selecting a combination that creates the shortest path when picking up all items. For example, in the case of the drawing, the operator can be guided to the pickup order through the pager (30) to pick up scissors, then pick up bolts from the third shelf (R3) from the second shelf (R2), and then pick up nails from the fourth shelf (R4).

Fig. 4 (a) is a block diagram illustrating the first shelf management device of the shortest distance logistics pickup guidance system of Fig. 1, and Fig. 4 (b) is a drawing illustrating an embodiment of the first shelf management device.

Referring to (a) and (b) of FIG. 4, the first shelf management device (100) includes a communication unit (102), a light source indicating unit (104), an indicator control unit (106), an antenna (AN), a light (LT), a support unit (SR), and a shelf coupling unit (FH).

The above communication unit (102) is configured to allow the first shelf management device (100) to communicate with the logistics server (10), and can receive information on the location and quantity of items to be picked up from the logistics server (10), or transmit information on whether the pick-up has been completed to the logistics server (10).

The above light source directing unit (104) controls the lighting of the light (LT), and controls the light (LT) of the shelf management device of the corresponding shelf to be lit according to the location information of the item to be picked up. Meanwhile, the light (LT) can be turned off again upon completion of picking, and as described below, the light (LT) can selectively emit light of various colors as needed.

The light (LT) above can selectively emit light of multiple colors. For example, the light (LT) can include a blue LED, a red LED, and a green LED to display light of multiple colors, and can emit not only light of each of the colors blue, red, and green, but also light of a mixed color by simultaneously turning on two or more light sources. Light of different colors can be used to simultaneously guide the pickup positions of different workers or to notify the pickup order.

The above indicator control unit (106) can control the operation of the corresponding indicator.

The above support member (SR) is arranged at the bottom of the light (LT), and the shelf coupling member (FH) is formed on the support member (SR), so that the first shelf management device (100) can be installed by fixing it to the top of the shelf. For example, the shelf coupling member is an opening formed in the support member (SR), and can be coupled to the frame of an iron shelf using a bolt or nut passing through the opening.

Fig. 5 (a) is a block diagram showing the indicator 1-1 of the shortest distance logistics pickup guidance system of Fig. 1, and Fig. 5 (b) is a drawing showing an implementation of the indicator 1-1.

Referring to (a) and (b) of FIG. 5, the first-1 indicator may include a receiving unit (112), a work confirmation unit, an indicator light (116), and a display unit (118). The work confirmation unit may include a switch (114) and a sensor unit (115). The sensor unit (115) may include an infrared sensor (IR).

The components of the above 1-1 indicator are installed within the chassis (CS), and the switch (114), the infrared sensor (IR), the indicator light (116), and the indicator unit (118) can be exposed to the outside of the chassis (CS).

The above-mentioned receiving unit (112) receives a control signal from the first shelf management device (100). The above-mentioned control signal includes information on whether the indicator light (116) is lit and the display quantity of the display unit (118).

The above work confirmation unit confirms whether the worker's pick-up work is completed. The work confirmation unit includes the switch (114) and/or the sensor unit (115). The sensor unit (115) may include the infrared sensor (IR) that recognizes the movement of the worker as the worker picks up the item in the first receiving space. The first-first indicator (110) is arranged adjacent to the first receiving space of the first shelf, so that the infrared sensor (IR) can sense the movement of the worker as the worker picks up the item in the first receiving space.

The above switch (114) can check whether the worker has completed the work. After completing the pick-up work, the worker can touch the switch (114) to notify the completion of the work, and the first-first display unit (110) can transmit information on whether the work has been completed to the first shelf management device (100).

If either the switch (114) or the sensor unit (115) above checks whether the worker is working, it can be determined that the work is completed, and thus the completion of the work can be confirmed in a complementary manner.

The above indicator light (116) is intended to inform the worker of the location of the item to be picked up, and may be a luminous LED light source. The above indicator light (116) may emit light to indicate whether work is necessary.

The above display unit (118) can display the quantity of items that the worker must pick up. The above display unit (118) can be a display panel such as an LCD or OLED.

Fig. 6 (a) is a block diagram illustrating a caller of the shortest distance logistics pickup guidance system of Fig. 1, and Fig. 6 (b) is a drawing illustrating an implementation of the caller.

Referring to (a) of Fig. 6, the caller (30) may include a transceiver (31), a number display unit (32), a button (33), and a position measuring unit (34).

The above-mentioned transceiver (31) can transmit and receive data with the logistics server (10).

The above number display unit (32) can display the pickup item information received from the logistics server (10), i.e., the number of items to be picked up. At this time, the number display unit can display the numbers in an appropriate color.

The above button (33) is a button for the worker to confirm the completion of work after picking up an item. After picking up is complete, the worker can press the button (33) to confirm the completion of the picking work, and transmit information on whether the picking work is complete to the logistics server (10) through the transmission/reception unit (31).

The above location measuring unit (34) generates cart location information about the location of the cart. Using the cart location information, the shortest distance location of the item that the worker must pick up can be calculated. The location measuring unit (34) generating the cart location information can be implemented using a known indoor positioning technology, and for example, a technology that measures indoor location using short-range wireless communication such as wireless LAN, Bluetooth, or UWB can be used.

Specifically, the logistics server (10) can calculate the distance between the transmission and reception of wireless signals by using communication modules installed in each of the shelf management device and the pager (30), thereby calculating the distance between the pager (30) and the shelf management device. The distance between the shelf management devices can be measured in advance and stored in the logistics server (10).

Accordingly, the logistics server (10) can calculate the shortest distance pickup path using the calculated distance between the caller (30) and the shelf management device and the distance between the shelf management devices measured in advance, and then, the logistics server (10) can transmit a lighting signal and a quantity signal to the shelf management device and indicator where the item to be picked is located, so that the worker can perform the pickup process at the shortest distance.

Referring to (b) of Fig. 6, the components of the caller (30) are installed within the caller chassis (CS), and the button (33) and the number display section (32) can be exposed to the outside of the caller chassis (CS). The caller chassis (CS) can be fixed to a handle portion of the smart cart, etc.

Fig. 7 is a block diagram for explaining the logistics server of the shortest distance logistics pickup guidance system of Fig. 1.

Referring to FIG. 7, the logistics server (10) may include a communication module (11), memory (12), database (13), and processor (14).

The above logistics server (10) may be formed in the form of a device such as a server or a terminal, and may operate in a cloud computing service model such as SaaS (Software as a Service), PaaS (Platform as a Service), or IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service). In addition, the logistics server (10) may be constructed in the form of a server such as a private cloud, a public cloud, or a hybrid cloud system.

The above communication module (11) performs information transmission and reception with the shelf management device (see 100, 200 of FIG. 1), the manager terminal, the pager (30), and the worker terminal. The above communication module (11) may include a device including hardware and software necessary for transmitting and receiving signals such as control signals or data signals through wired or wireless connections with other network devices.

The above memory (12) stores the shortest distance logistics pickup guidance program or data. In addition, the above memory (12) may include source code information including information on one or more programming languages. Here, the source code information may include variable information, class information, function information, and relationship information thereof used in one or more programming languages. The name of the text meaning analysis program is set for convenience of explanation, and the name itself does not limit the function of the program.

The above memory (12) can store at least one of information and data input to the communication module (11), information and data required for functions performed by the processor (14), and data generated according to the execution of the processor (14). The memory (12) should be interpreted as a general term for a nonvolatile storage device that maintains stored information even when power is not supplied and a volatile storage device that requires power to maintain stored information. In addition, the memory (12) can perform a function of temporarily or permanently storing data processed by the processor (14). The memory (12) may include a magnetic storage media or a flash storage media in addition to a volatile storage device that requires power to maintain stored information, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

The above database (13) may be a place where data used by the logistics pickup management system is stored. For example, the above database (13) may be a place where data on product data and information on products to be picked up are stored. The above database (13) may constitute a part of the above memory (12), but may not necessarily be located within the logistics pickup management system and may be located outside.

The processor (14) is configured to execute the shortest distance logistics pickup guidance program stored in the memory (12). The processor (14) may include various types of devices that control and process data. The processor (14) may mean a data processing device built into hardware that has a physically structured circuit to perform a function expressed by a code or command included in the program. In one example, the processor (140) may be implemented in the form of a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), a processor core, a multiprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc., but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

The processor (14) is configured to execute a shortest distance logistics pickup guidance program and perform the following functions and procedures. The processor (14) receives information on items to be picked up from the manager terminal through the communication module (11), and based on this, transmits the information on items to be picked up to a shelf management device at a location where items to be picked up are stored, and can display pickup information on the shelf management device and a display connected to the shelf management device. At this time, the processor (14) calculates the distance between the pager and the shelf management device and the distance between the shelf management devices so that a worker can pick up a plurality of items to be picked up at the shortest distance, and calculates the shortest distance pickup path for a plurality of items to be picked up using the calculated distances.

The processor (14) can extract nouns included in variable information, class information, and function information used in one or more programming languages and set them as source code keywords. In addition, the processor (14) can generate source code information based on the name of the source code corresponding to the source code keyword, the abbreviation of the source code, and the relationship between the translated text of the source code and the source code keywords, and store the information in the memory (12).

Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for guiding shortest distance logistics pickup according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Fig. 8, the shortest distance logistics pickup guidance method may use a logistics server that stores logistics data including information on the types, quantities, and locations of items, a caller installed on a cart for picking up items, and a shelf management device installed on each shelf. The shortest distance logistics pickup guidance method may include a pickup item information input step (S100), a distance calculation step (S200), a pickup order determination step (S300), and an item pickup step (S400).

In the above pickup item information input step (S100), information on the pickup items including information on the type and quantity of items to be picked up can be provided to the logistics server.

In the above distance calculation step (S200), the logistics server can calculate the distance between the shelf where the items to be picked are located and the caller.

In the step (S300) of determining the pickup order, the logistics server can determine the pickup order of the items by considering the calculated distance and the distance between the shelves.

In the above item pickup step (S400), the shelf management device can guide the worker to pick up the item according to the pickup order, and when the worker completes picking up the item, a pickup completion signal can be provided to the logistics server.

Figure 9 is a flowchart showing in detail the steps for determining the pickup order of the shortest distance logistics pickup guidance method of Figure 8.

Referring to FIG. 9, the step of determining the pickup order may include a step of determining the location of the first pickup item (S310) and a step of determining the location of the next pickup item (S320).

In the step (S310) of determining the location of the first pickup item, the item corresponding to the smallest distance value among the distance values between the shelf on which the pickup target items are located and the caller is selected as the first pickup item, and the location of the first pickup item can be determined accordingly.

In the step (S320) of determining the location of the next item to be picked up, the worker can determine the location of the item to be picked up next through various algorithms.

According to one embodiment, by calculating all cases of distances between shelves where the items to be picked up are located, calculating each distance value, and then determining the location of the next item to be picked up so as to pick up the items in the order corresponding to the smallest total distance in the case where all the items to be picked up can be picked up.

According to another embodiment, the item corresponding to the smallest distance value among the distance values between the location of the first picked-up item and the location of the other picked-up items is selected as the next picked-up item, and the location of the next picked-up item can be determined accordingly.

According to another embodiment, after the shelf management device guides the worker to the location of the first picked-up item, the item corresponding to the smallest distance value among the distance values between the caller of the cart moved by the worker and the shelves where other items to be picked up other than the first picked-up item are located is selected as the next picked-up item, and the location of the next picked-up item can be determined accordingly.

At this time, the distance between transmission and reception of wireless signals can be calculated using the following mathematical formula 1 using the communication modules installed in each of the shelf management device and the caller.

[Mathematical Formula 1]

d=10*α[RSSI] / 10n

(d is the distance, [RSSI] is the value for the actual signal power strength received at the receiver, n is the path loss exponent, α is the RSSI value at the reference distance)

The above distance can be compensated for by using a Kalman filter to reduce the influence of noise.

Figure 10 is a flowchart showing in detail the item pickup steps of the shortest distance logistics pickup guidance method of Figure 8.

Referring to Figure 10, the item picking step is a step of lighting the shelf management device.

(S410), a step of displaying the pickup quantity (S420), and a pickup confirmation step (S430) may be included.

In the step (S410) of lighting the shelf management device, the light source indicator of the shelf management device where the item to be picked by the worker is located is lit to inform the worker of the location of the shelf of the item to be picked.

In the step (S420) of displaying the above pickup quantity, the quantity of the pickup items can be notified to the worker. Specifically, the indicator light of the indicator of the receiving space corresponding to the pickup location can be turned on, the pickup quantity can be displayed on the display section at the time of display, the pickup quantity can be displayed on the number display section of the caller, and the pickup quantity can be displayed on the worker terminal.

In the above pickup confirmation step (S430), it is possible to confirm whether the worker has completed the pickup. Specifically, after the pickup is completed, the worker can confirm the completion of the task by pressing the button of the caller, pressing the switch of the indicator, the sensor of the indicator recognizing the task, or sliding and touching the slide bar of the user terminal. Accordingly, information on whether the task has been completed can be transmitted to the logistics server.

According to embodiments of the present invention, a shortest distance logistics pickup guidance system guides workers to the shortest distance pickup route, so that a more efficient logistics pickup process can be performed.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the above embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below.

10: Logistics Server 30: Caller
100: 1st shelf management device 110: 1-1 indicator
120: 1-2nd indicator 130: 1-3rd indicator
200: 2nd shelf management device 210: 2nd-1 indicator
220: 2-2 indicator 230: 2-3 indicator

Claims (10)

In a shortest distance logistics pickup guidance system for picking up multiple types of items stored on multiple shelves using a cart,
A logistics server that stores item data including information on the type, quantity, and location of items stored on the shelves and information on items to be picked up;
A shelf management device installed on each of the plurality of shelves and including a light source indicating unit that emits light to inform a worker of the location of an item to be picked up; and
A caller installed on the cart and communicating with the shelf management device,
The above logistics server calculates the distance between the caller and the shelf management device and the distance between the shelf management devices, and calculates the shortest pickup path for multiple items to be picked up using the calculated distances.
The light source indicators of the above shelf management devices sequentially illuminate along the shortest pickup path to instruct the worker on the pickup order of the items to be picked up, thereby providing guidance for the shortest logistics pickup.
The above logistics server calculates the distance between the transmission and reception of wireless signals using the communication modules installed in the shelf management device and the pager, respectively, and calculates the distance between the pager and the shelf management device.
The above light source guide includes a light that selectively emits light of various colors, and guides the pickup positions of different workers simultaneously by using light of different colors.
Each of the above callers is equipped with a communication module,
The above caller transmits information on whether the pick-up is complete to the server using the communication module after the worker completes the pick-up.
The above logistics server calculates the shortest pickup path using the distance between the calculated caller and the shelf management device and the distance between the shelves measured in advance.
The distance value between the shelf where the above pick-up items are located and the caller
A shortest distance logistics pickup guidance system characterized in that the distance between transmission and reception of wireless signals is calculated using the following mathematical formula 1 using communication modules respectively installed in the shelf management device and the pager.
[Mathematical Formula 1]
d=10*α[RSSI] / 10n
(d is the distance, [RSSI] is the value for the actual signal power strength received at the receiver, n is the path loss exponent, α is the RSSI value at the reference distance) delete delete delete A method for guiding shortest distance logistics pickup using a shelf management device including a logistics server storing logistics data including information on the type, quantity, and location of items, a caller installed on a cart for picking up items, and a light source indicator installed on each shelf and emitting light to inform a worker of the location of an item to be picked up,
A pickup item information input step that provides pickup item information, including information on the type and quantity of items to be picked up, to the logistics server;
A distance calculation step in which the logistics server calculates the distance between the shelf on which the items to be picked are located and the caller;
A pickup order determination step for determining the pickup order of the items by considering the distance calculated by the logistics server and the distance between the shelves; and
Including an article pickup step of sequentially emitting light from the light source indicators of the shelf management devices according to the pickup order to guide the worker to pick up the article, and providing a pickup completion signal to the logistics server when the worker completes picking up the article.
The above logistics server calculates the distance between the transmission and reception of wireless signals using the communication modules installed in the shelf management device and the pager, respectively, and calculates the distance between the pager and the shelf management device.
The above light source guide includes a light that selectively emits light of various colors, and guides the pickup positions of different workers simultaneously by using light of different colors.
Each of the above callers is equipped with a communication module,
The above caller transmits information on whether the pick-up is complete to the server using the communication module after the worker completes the pick-up.
The above logistics server calculates the shortest pickup path using the distance between the calculated caller and the shelf management device and the distance between the shelves measured in advance.
The distance value between the shelf where the above pick-up items are located and the caller
A method for guiding shortest distance logistics pickup, characterized in that the distance between transmission and reception of wireless signals is calculated using the following mathematical formula 1 using communication modules respectively installed in the shelf management device and the caller.
[Mathematical Formula 1]
d=10*α[RSSI] / 10n
(d is the distance, [RSSI] is the value for the actual signal power strength received at the receiver, n is the path loss exponent, α is the RSSI value at the reference distance) In paragraph 5,
The above pickup order determination step is
A step of selecting an item corresponding to the smallest distance value between the shelf where the items to be picked up are located and the caller as the first item to be picked up, and determining the location of the first item to be picked up accordingly; and
A method for guiding the shortest distance logistics pickup, characterized in that it includes a step of calculating all cases of distances between shelves where the above pickup target items are located, calculating each distance value, and then determining the location of the next pickup item so as to pick up the items in the order corresponding to the smallest total distance in the case where all of the above pickup target items can be picked up. In paragraph 5,
A step of selecting an item corresponding to the smallest distance value between the shelf where the items to be picked up are located and the caller as the first item to be picked up, and determining the location of the first item to be picked up accordingly; and
A method for guiding shortest distance logistics pickup, characterized in that it includes a step of selecting an item corresponding to the smallest distance value among the distance values between the location of the first pickup item and the location of other pickup items as the next pickup item, and determining the location of the next pickup item accordingly. In paragraph 5,
The above pickup order determination step is
A step of selecting an item corresponding to the smallest distance value between the shelf where the items to be picked up are located and the caller as the first item to be picked up, and determining the location of the first item to be picked up accordingly; and
A method for guiding the shortest distance logistics pickup, characterized in that it includes a step of selecting, as the next pickup item, an item corresponding to the smallest distance value among the distance values between the caller of the cart moved by the worker and the shelves on which other pickup target items other than the first pickup item are located, after the shelf management device guides the worker to the location of the first pickup item, and determining the location of the next pickup item accordingly. delete In paragraph 5,
A method for guiding shortest distance logistics pickup, characterized in that the above distance is corrected using a Kalman filter.