CN100485602C - Distributed intelligence, wireless, light-directed pick/put system - Google Patents

Distributed intelligence, wireless, light-directed pick/put system Download PDF

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Publication number
CN100485602C
CN100485602C CNB2004800022787A CN200480002278A CN100485602C CN 100485602 C CN100485602 C CN 100485602C CN B2004800022787 A CNB2004800022787 A CN B2004800022787A CN 200480002278 A CN200480002278 A CN 200480002278A CN 100485602 C CN100485602 C CN 100485602C
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goods
mentioned
light assemblies
control module
intelligent
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CN1739092A (en
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约翰·C·佩克
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Fast Fetching Co
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RAPID FETCHING CORP
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Abstract

A system by which a portable computer on a cart translates warehouse locations to light addresses of locations on storage bays in a storage facility and communicates instructions by means of a bi-directional, dual transmitter/receiver element on the cart to a pick-controller unit positioned on each bay. The pick-controller unit on the bay is connected with intelligent light assemblies at each location on the bay that, in response to instructions from the portable computer, illuminate indicating the need for, and quantity of a SKU to be retrieved from the illuminated location. In addition, the portable computer communicates instructions using the bi-directional, dual transmitter/receiver element to the put-controller unit positioned on the cart that in turn communicates these instructions to intelligent light assemblies adjacent to specific receptacles located on the cart. The intelligent light assemblies adjacent to the receptacles illuminate in response to instructions from the portable computer, indicating the quantity of the retrieved SKU(s) to be deposited into each of one or more receptacles, thereby facilitating batch picking of multiple orders by an attendant operating the cart.

Description

Distributed intelligence, wireless, light-directed goods/the put goods system of getting
The rights and interests of the U.S. Provisional Application 60/443,584 that the application submitted on January 30th, 1 have been quoted said application in this reference.
Technical field
The present invention relates to the distributed system of intelligent automat: it partly is a light-directed coupled system, be used to help to search the goods of depositing in unique recognizing site and preserve unit (SKU), subsequently that these are same goods is put back in the reservoir vessel of unique identification.Specifically, the present invention includes a system, specific lamp address is translated in unique position in the warehouse by means of this system.Specifically, the present invention is a system, whereby, response from a portable computer pass through non-wireless means and by two-way, a dual transmitter/receiver element, again by wireless device to a plurality of intelligent light assemblies that are connected by electric wire on the communication of getting the goods controller, the accurate storage location of preserving unit (SKU) at specific goods starts an independent lamp or the luminous alphanumeric display as the ingredient of intelligent light assemblies.Each intelligent light assemblies is represented the address of a unique lamp; Each intelligent light assemblies is placed in the warehouse a corresponding unique physical location or address.More particularly, the present invention is a system, wherein receive from a portable computer and to an instruction of placing control module by two-way, a dual transmitter/receiver element, intelligent light assemblies that will be relevant with the specific storage container starts, can represent the position of reservoir vessel thus and should put into the quantity of goods of the taking-up of specified containers that what help many orders gets goods in batch.More precisely, the present invention is a system, portable computer wherein, two-way, dual transmitter/receiver element, place control module, and the reservoir vessel of relevant intelligent light assemblies all is placed on one and moves and get in the goods element, this element can be pushed in whole warehouse.Getting goods control module and intelligent light assemblies and related hardware all is fixed cell, and each independent intelligent light assemblies is installed in independent position in the bay, and is attached thereto with electric wire.
The present invention's expection will have a plurality of mobile carrier's note units and a plurality of bays.
Background technology
Fill in the warehouse stock order and need three steps at least: in the warehouse, find goods accurately; Take out the requirement of (or selecting) this goods; And will take out goods and place (or putting) in the container of appointment.These basic steps can be applied to various situations, must identifications in the middle of this, select goods, and their are distributed or be positioned over second position.Usually this process is described according to the order of finishing in the warehouse.
Goods is stored in the ornaments that can be regarded as nested type or layer-stepping in the facility, bay is located at the both sides, passageway, again shelf or reservoir are placed on the bay the inside or be placed on it above.So, the position of a specific goods is called goods usually and preserves unit or SKU, is exactly " address " in the goods storage facility, the goods storage facility is by the bay of passageway, both sides, passageway, and the shelf in the bay, counter or container are formed.As long as an agreement is arranged, the combination of unique goods being preserved unit (SKU) and each passageway, bay and shelf connects, identification or sign goods are preserved the unit just not to be needed to discern or characterize the goods that will take out, because the address of goods has been enough.
In the manual system of a special use, an employee receives the order of a specific goods or one group of goods.According to the memory that may make mistakes, perhaps with reference to the map or the plan of facility, this employee must discern the position of every goods, goes to this position, takes out the requested number of this goods on the order, returns the center point of delivery then or goods is put in the suitable containers.This process will repeat always, fill up to the order of appointment to finish.There is multiple chance of makeing mistakes therebetween: the location tags from misunderstand the warehouse, to from a mistake but get goods adjacent shelf or other reservoir vessel, to the number of errors of taking out correct goods, or correct goods put into incorrect receptacle is carried or order process.Moreover many different orders may all require same goods, but in the manual system of a special use, to get goods be modal exception to order in batch, be different from and normally get the goods process, because want duplicate paths to come to get goods respectively separately for every order, the result is tangible inefficiency.
Technology develops, and has surpassed this special manual and has got goods and put the goods system.Important role has been served as in the progress of computer technology and relevant electronic system in this evolution.Be presented to the U.S. Patent No. 3,739,339 of Hillhouse on June 12nd, 1973 and described a system, it is characterized in that this system has represented the present situation that picks and places the goods technology for the design of many similar warehouses situation.
According to U.S. Patent No. 3,739,339, enable the computing machine punch card system.The matrix that burrows of horizontally-arranged and vertical setting of types is represented the storage location of goods on the card; Get the quantity of goods and also can weave into code.At least one card reader is connected with computing machine.Card reader is placed on the bill of store tuple of bay or similarly separation; When a card inserted, the structure of perforator started a lamp system, the accurate position of luminous element indication goods, and the quantity that choose is presented on the light emitting display of a centralized positioning.Described system also has an other cover lamp system to be connected to independent container, provides the process of depositing goods by lamp with this.The major defect of this system comprises: the communication that the rigid line communication between the lamp system, card reader arrive central computer; And described system total efficiency and performance will descend along with the increase of lamp quantity.This system does not almost have fault tolerance: the malfunctioning of any central component will be caused the malfunctioning of total system.
Wireless communication has been applied on the selection application program about the stock.The U.S. Pat 5,877,698 that on March 2nd, 1999 was authorized people such as Kusiner has been described a system, and wherein, radio transmitter is distributed in whole supermarket, and portable receiver is positioned on clients' shopping cart commonly used.In a receiver is in the limited range of any specific transmitter, will set up the link of a special use, whereby, transmitter sends to certain advertising message of receiver, and certain position has " bargain " near informing.This link is shifted out the scope of local transmitter along with receiver and is cut off, but can set up link with other transmitter in the facility.
Authorize the U.S. Pat 6 of Beard and Bunte on September 26th, 2000,124,800 disclose a kind of route delivery system, use LAN (Local Area Network) and wide area network radio frequency, between the delivery vehicle of terminal delivery point (such as Vending Machine) and stock and the exchange of carrying out inventory data between vehicle and the office of our department, with this, make the attendant be delivered to number of times that specific end point must walk to necessary warehouse goods and drop to minimumly, also simplified the route of delivery vehicle.
Be presented to the U.S. Pat 5 of Radcliffe on April 9th, 1996; 505; 473 with the relevant division patent US5 that was presented to Radcliffe on March 2nd, 1999; 877; 962 describe respectively and claimed a kind of system based on computing machine; take out from the stock shelf in order to appropriate placement maintainer, put into the goods of the delivery container that is contained on the trolley again, and describe respectively and claimed a kind of actual method of using this system.Moreover this system and correlation technique have comprised a kind of optional lamp system and have shown the position that will take out the warehouse goods that maybe will recover.U.S. Pat 5,505, system in 473 patents and division patent US5,877, correlation technique in 962 patents relies on single intelligent element or a computing machine, this computing machine must keep being installed between the receiver and centralized control unit on the trolley always, and the transmitting and receiving service between the selectivity lamp system of locating on the shelf.The scanner of installing on the trolley is used on the read-out position or the code on the goods that will get, confirms the goods of getting of appointment.
Current techniques comprises warehouse management system, if wherein specify the request for any specific goods, system will respond by specific storage location in the identification facility.
Also have an opportunity now and need develop intelligent automat, wherein, dependence for single intelligent cell (computing machine) will be reduced to minimum, new intelligent technology and system combine, what can produce the guiding of more reliable and effective, distributed, universal, lamp gets goods/put the goods system, in following instructions, comprising accompanying drawing and appended claims, will describe this system in detail.
Summary of the invention
So, the object of the present invention is to provide goods/the put goods system of getting of a kind of lamp guiding, wherein utilize distributed intelligence to help to handle customer order and get goods, therefore the quantity of goods and the specific storage position in the warehouse thereof all are shown to the maintainer and see, like this, the maintainer can take out the specific quantity that shows goods, and they are put into one or more specified containers, so that later delivery is handled.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a kind of system, wherein, the address that portable computer is translated into lamp to pick-up order information by the luminous alphanumeric display of a series of circuit starts, shows the quantity of goods and the position that this goods should be removed with this.
Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a kind of intelligent light assemblies, and address that it can receiving light and pick-up order indication can make alphanumeric display luminous, show position and the quantity thereof that goods should be removed with this.
The purpose that the present invention attaches is to utilize locate on the independent portable computers on the moving meter and partition holding intelligent to get the goods control module to carry out each through the communicating by letter of wireless device, and starts the vision signal that is used for showing the position of goods on the bay shelf with this.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a kind of distributed intelligence system (DIS), be used for taking out the specified quantity that these goods are preserved unit (SKU) from character emitting display appointed positions by the indication maintainer, and by the indication maintainer these cargo storages in the single container of character emitting display identification, reduce and repeat to go to same warehouse subregion and get the needs that multiple goods is preserved unit (SKU).
Next purpose of the present invention is to provide a kind of distributed intelligence system (DIS), from the single storage location of discerning by the comprehensive quantity of order that is presented on the character emitting display, take out comprehensive quantity of order by the indication maintainer, and the specified quantity of this goods being preserved unit (SKU) by the indication maintainer is placed into by in a plurality of containers that are presented at each the specified quantity identification on the character emitting display, can reduce and repeat to go to the needs that same storage location reaches same the goods that requires on many independent orders, promote the placement in batch of many independent orders thus.
Next purpose of the present invention is to get goods/the put management of the relevant interaction systems of goods system by one with light-directed, whether completes successfully thereby allow the maintainer to point out to get goods.
A subsidiary purpose provides a kind of system, and this system can point out that the needs of not distinguished are designated as the position of lamp address; The lamp address is unique for this ad-hoc location only, and is irrelevant with any central computer system.
Another purpose provides the system that finishes affirmation of band keyboard or voice recognition, by speaking or video-unit, but do not rely on these control modules and intelligent light assemblies, the indication maintainer gets goods and put goods according to order, can allow any get goods or put in goods control module or the intelligent light assemblies go wrong.
Realize above-mentioned and other purpose by a communication system.Described communication system has two-way, a dual transmitter/receiver element, carries out wire communication with a portable computer; Goods/putting the goods control module carries out wired or wireless communication with getting; Portable computer is translated into the lamp address to order unit position data, sends to one by wireless device again and gets on the goods control module; The described goods control module of getting is positioned on the warehouse subregion, carries out telecommunication with a plurality of intelligent light assemblies; Each intelligent light assemblies is positioned at unique position, thereby when the order position data of communication of response process and translation, certain specific intelligent light assemblies is activated, and makes alphanumeric display luminous, and indicating positions and plan are from the quantity of the goods preservation unit (SKU) of this position taking-up whereby; In addition, portable computer, two-way, dual transmitter/receiver element, and put the goods control module and all be positioned on the moving meter with a plurality of containers, each container all has the intelligent light assemblies of a uniqueness to locate in its vicinity, the lamp assembly is connected by electric wire and puts on the goods control module, like this, pass through two-way in response from portable computer, dual transmitter/receiver element, again by putting the position data that the goods control module sends through translation, start alphanumeric display, this puts into the quantity of each container of the container of one or more indications to indicate the goods of any taking-up to preserve unit (SKU).
In addition, realize these and other objects by a kind of method.Described method comprises the steps: the portable computer that programmed in the location on a moving meter, be used for the pick-up order position translate into specific get the lamp address of putting in the goods yard and with the relevant specific lamp address of putting in the goods yard of putting of special container on the same moving meter of the described portable computer in location, and pick-up order is input in the portable computer, afterwards, the maintainer of indication mobile unit passes in storage facility according to the route of prior decision, and the communication system of response maintainer startup, specify the intelligent light assemblies on the storage location luminous, with the indicating positions and the quantity of goods that will take out from this position, on the mobile unit similarly intelligent light assemblies indicate each goods that has taken out should put into the quantity of specified containers on the moving meter; The maintainer repeats getting goods and putting the goods process of intelligent light assemblies commander, finish up to the filling of one or more order, again mobile unit is returned one and return the station unloading, when more orders were imported portable computer, the maintainer had been ready to whole process repeated.
In addition, the communication system by a kind of distributed intelligence type realizes above-mentioned and other purpose.Described system has one can carry out two-way communication by two-way, dual transmitter/receiver element and computing machine, and can get the goods control module with a plurality of first intelligent light assemblies are carried out two-way communication; Have one and carry out two-way communication, put the goods control module with a plurality of second intelligent light assemblies are carried out two-way communication by two-way, dual transmitter/receiver element and computing machine; Also have and be used to start first intelligent light assemblies, it is made a response by the code information of getting the goods control module and sending to computing machine and show the device of unique instruction thus; Also have and be used to start second intelligent light assemblies, it is made a response by the code information of putting the goods control module and sending to computing machine show the device of unique instruction thus; And have and be used to make the startup of first intelligent light assemblies and the synchronous device of startup of second intelligent light assemblies.
Description of drawings
By with reference to following accompanying drawing, those of ordinary skill in the art can clearly understand projects of the present invention, use and advantage, and each reference number among the figure, no matter be used among which width of cloth figure, what refer to all is the same parts that occurs indication with this numeral for the first time, wherein:
Fig. 1 is the structural drawing of signal, for whole wireless, lamp guiding get goods/put the goods system, have single mobile unit, single fixed cell, and order wire and the relation between them;
Fig. 2 A is the detailed maps of mobile unit of the present invention;
Fig. 2 B is the key diagram of mobile unit, and the relative position of parts described in Fig. 2 A is shown; With
Fig. 3 is the detailed maps of fixed cell of the present invention.
Embodiment
Fig. 1 illustrate a kind of uniqueness the guiding of distributed wireless, lamp get goods/the put main element and the basic structure of goods system 1.Described system 1 is made up of at least one mobile unit 2 and at least one fixed cell 3.
Each mobile unit 2 has a portable computer 4 by one and a moving meter 21 of putting goods control module 5 is formed.Put the goods control module by two integrated components, transmitter/receiver parts 6 and intelligent electric circuit component 7 are formed.Portable computer 4 preferably carries out wired, two-way communication 8 with two-way, dual transmitter/receiver element 16; Two-way, dual transmitter/receiver element then successively with put goods control module 5 and get goods control module 12 and all carry out wireless, two-way communication 13.Put goods control module 5 directly with being wired to a plurality of intelligent light assemblies 10, carry out two-way communication 9, preferably use the RS-485 interface.Intelligent light assemblies is positioned on the independent detachable container 11 or is local easily to it; Container 11 then is positioned on the moving meter 21, and by its transportation.
According to another kind of pattern, not with state that mobile unit 2 is connected under, portable computer 4 uses two-way, dual transmitter/receiver element 16, and puts goods control module 5 and gets goods control module 12 and carry out two-way communication; Thereby when can between different places, walk about, by the operation of control wireless device control intelligent light assemblies 10.
Portable computer 4 can also comprise an integrated bar code reader, is used for the address of lamp and inventory locations are connected.Bar code reader does not rely on and the communicating by letter of portable computer, but can communicate by letter with portable computer.
Fixed cell 3 shown in Fig. 1 comprises that is got a goods control module 12.Getting goods control module 12 is made up of two-way, dual transmitter/receiver parts 6 and intelligent electric circuit component 7.Put goods control module 5 and get goods control module 12 and can both carry out wireless two-way communication 13 with the other side.Get goods control module 12 and carry out two-way wire communication 14 with a plurality of intelligent light assemblies 15; Each intelligent light assemblies comprises a unique lamp address, is arranged in the ad-hoc location of the bay that contains a plurality of positions.
Fig. 2 A illustrates the details of mobile unit 2.Moving meter 21 provides structural framing for mobile unit 2.In fact, moving meter 21 can be to be suitable for that move, any customization or commercial available trolley in specific facilities.Modal is the car of using hand propelled; But, the present invention also expects and uses pallet on motor vehicle or the travelling belt.
Container 11 is positioned on the shelf 24 of moving meter 21.Shown in Fig. 2 A, moving meter 21 has four shelfs 24 with four containers 11, and each container 11 is positioned at respectively on the shelf 24.Various measure can be used for fixed container 11 on shelf 24.Intelligent light assemblies 10 is positioned on each container 11 or is local easily to it, and each intelligent light assemblies 10 is pressed the mode of daisy architecture, carries out two-way communication 9 on the goods control module 5 with being wired to put.Put goods control module 5 and carry out wireless two-way communication 13 with two-way, dual transmitter/receiver element 16 successively; Two-way, dual transmitter/receiver element 16 then with portable computer 4 carry out wired, two-way communication 8.Each intelligent light assemblies 10 comprises a video display devices, such as a light emitting diode (LED) or alphanumeric display, and momentary contact switch 36 or similar device.Momentary contact switch 36 is used to be provided with initial light addresses, and provide that the maintainer represents appointment put the completed device of goods.
The trolley 22 of a vertical type of Fig. 2 B explanation, (among the figure only visible three) supported by four casters 27 in its bottom 23, vertical framework 25 has top struts 26.As shown in the figure, trolley 22 has 24, three containers 11 of four shelfs to be positioned on these shelfs.Power supply 28 is positioned at the behind of trolley.
Just like further expression of Fig. 2 B, portable computer 4 is positioned on the top struts 26, and can move and tear open.Portable computer 4 has been programmed, is used for the pick-up order position data is translated into specific intelligence type lamp component address.Portable computer 4 has video display devices 29; VOCA voice communications assembly, keypad are preferably arranged, and the touch-screen of enough fingers of energy or input pen input data.In addition, portable computer 4 can pass through wireless device, phonetic entry, disk transfer, network linking, keypad input, and perhaps analogous device receives pick-up order and other data and instruction.Portable computer 4 preferably also has the audio communication capabilities with integrated microphone and speaker system.
According to the another kind configuration, can incorporate two-way, the dual transmitter/receiver element 16 among Fig. 1 into portable computer 4.According to this configuration, portable computer 4 can break away from trolley 22 independent operatings.
The details of fixed cell is described among Fig. 3.As shown in Figure 3, get goods control module 12 and be positioned on the bay 31, comprise one group of storage location 32 in the bay 31.An intelligent light assemblies 15 comprises an electro-optical display device, such as light emitting diode (LED) or alphanumeric display, be positioned at each position 32 near, and get goods control module 12 with being wired to 14.Each intelligent light assemblies 15 comprises a momentary contact switch 36, or is used to be provided with the similar device of initial light addresses.As mobile unit described above, what momentary contact switch 36 or similar device provided also that the maintainer shows appointment puts the completed device of goods.Electric energy is by means of central source of power or battery and by providing with being connected of whole fixed cell.
Put goods and get the goods control module and form, have same basic function by the same basic element of character.The both comprises transmitter/receiver parts and a controller circuit element.The communication of putting goods and getting between the goods control module is finished by wireless device, such as radio frequency devices or infrared facility.Those of ordinary skill in the art can recognize that specific transmitter/receiver parts will rely on employed wireless device.
Except that the transmitter/receiver parts, each is put goods or gets the goods control module and preferably be made up of following parts:
-light emitting diode (LED) and circuit protection (if needed);
-electric power on/off or reset switch;
-power supply; And
-have the RS-485 bi-directional communication interface of RJ-45 connector, be used for handle component and link together according to daisy architecture.
Each intelligent light assemblies preferably is made up of following parts:
-light emitting diode (LED) is used to indicate the state of intelligent light assemblies;
-alphanumeric display (choosing wantonly);
-momentary contact switch;
-RS-485 two-way communication ports;
-RJ-45 connector (2) is in order to link together an assembly according to daisy architecture;
-inner RS-485 terminating resistor; And
-switch in order to bypass or start internal circuit, or comprises or gets rid of RS-485 terminating resistor in the circuit.
Described system can be the intelligent light assemblies that is positioned on any reposition and assigns new lamp address.After being installed to a new intelligent light assemblies on the shelf location, installation personnel pressed at least two seconds with the momentary contact switch on the intelligent light assemblies.The result of this operation is that the lamp address temporarily is reset to zero.Putting goods or getting the goods control module and inquire about all known intelligent light assemblies (with the lamp address lookup inventory of a subsidiary lamp address " zero ") of intelligent light assemblies collected in supervision, and whether inquiry has message to need transmission.When a new intelligent light assemblies (the lamp address is " zero ") of installing was inquired about, it was sent to the message of " needing the lamp address " on the subsidiary controller that connects together with it.Subsidiary controller is sought the lamp address that is not assigned, and then, this lamp address assignment is given the intelligent light assemblies that needs the lamp address.New lamp address of assigning will be placed in the address portion to the message header of intelligent light assemblies and transmit, so that be stored in subsequently among non-volatile (NV) RAM of intelligent light assemblies.The lamp address that subsidiary controller will newly be assigned is stored in the inquiry inventory of oneself, sends the intelligent light assemblies of message to new installation then, and the light emitting diode that starts it begins to glisten lentamente.
Each is put goods or gets the goods controller and preferably is adjusted to many 255 intelligent light assemblies (each is corresponding with the intelligent light assemblies of a storage location or position).System start-up each time powers up, and it inquires about all possible 255 intelligent light assemblies, comprises the lamp address that is not assigned.After this, subsidiary controller is only inquired about the lamp address on the inquiry inventory, can improve efficient by the undetermined intelligent light assemblies of bypass thus.
In actual applications, when the system of getting goods controller and intelligent light assemblies had just installed, operating personnel shuttled back and forth in whole storage facility, and did not know which this inquires about and get the goods controller.Any response (by the controller of inquire address) of getting the goods controller that portable computer requires (generally to be less than one meter, to avoid communicating by letter simultaneously with a plurality of controllers) within its scope for " zero ".When touching when getting the goods controller, if a new lamp address is assigned, gets the goods controller and indicate strictly according to the facts, and the lamp address that this is new sends portable computer to.Portable computer is correspondingly ordered at promptly glittering its light emitting diode (LED) of the intelligent light assemblies of new lamp address, the indication maintainer is scanned the bar code on the shelf on light emitting diode (LED) next door of flash of light with the scanner on the portable computer, press the momentary contact switch on the intelligent light assemblies then.This step can connect shelf location and new lamp address of assigning portable computer, can get goods to that position by making the luminous commander of the coming maintainer of intelligent light assemblies thus.
Example 1
Use example supposition of the present invention and have a cover warehouse management system, wherein preserve unit (SKU) by physical location identification goods specific in warehouse or the storage facility.An order is handled by warehouse management system, produces ad-hoc location of explanation and from the pick-up order of this quantity of goods of getting of that position.
The preprogramming of portable computer is translated into warehouse location the lamp address of getting goods controller and required goods preservation unit (SKU), and the goods of many orders is preserved unit (SKU) get the goods grouping, specify specific quantity to be placed in each container of many orders then, thus allow order get goods in batch.In general, the lamp address only limits to shelf, or the single position of certain designated bay or one group of shelf.So, further programme to portable computer, use the audio or video display device, passageway or the similar position of seeking goods preservation unit (SKU) are indicated to operation/maintainer.Moreover this program also comprises can import the function that many orders are put goods in batch.This program allows that the sum of the goods that will get is presented at the single goods yard of getting and puts, allow the cargo allocation of taking out locate to the moving meter a plurality of, in the specific container.
By illustrated method, but be not limited to this, by link to each other with portable computer and any known devices (comprising keyboard) of portable computer far-end, by the networking connect, by phone, by voice, by scanning or card reader, another computing machine that perhaps uses one of said method is with the pick-up order portable computer of packing into, with this instruction that sends to portable computer as wireless device (the supposition portable computer can receive such radio communication).The data of input comprise storage facility location, quantity, and goods is preserved unit (SKU) number, pick-up order number, pick-up order line number, and client's number or arrange the similar basis of selected goods order.Can import various positions, the program of portable computer will drop to walking about in the facility minimum with this according to the order of positional alignment pick-up order row.
When the input exchanges data was finished, portable computer was gone to appointed positions by audio or video signal indication maintainer and is carried out getting the first time goods.After getting goods each time and finishing, portable computer commander maintainer goes to next assigned address.
In actual applications, a storage facility has a large amount of bays, and each bay has an independence, the intelligent goods control module of getting; This is got the goods control module and communicates by letter with one group of intelligent light assemblies of 255 at the most by non-wireless means, and each intelligent light assemblies is positioned at the next door of certain storage location.A plurality of moving meters (trolley), each moving meter all have one independently portable computer and have a transmitter/receiver ability put the goods control module, can be distributed in operation simultaneously in the storage facility.Many portable computers may be received message from the same goods control module of getting, as a measure of this action of not expecting of avoiding these portable computers, each bar is at portable computer and get the message that transmits between the goods control module and all comprise a unique portable computer address.Even many portable computers receive identical information, have only the assigned address portable computer consistent to take action according to this message with the portable computer address of getting the transmission of goods control module.
In addition, the design of system will be guaranteed specific portable computer and the specific communication of putting goods or getting the success between the goods control module.ACK/NAK logic and overtime the use together can be confirmed portable computer and anyly put goods or get all successful communication or failure between the goods control module.As the part of fail-soft operation, the transmission between all portable computers and the control module all will be followed an agreement, and wherein portable computer transmits appropriate error message by the audio or video device in the incident that transmits failure.
According to a kind of preferred embodiment, the maintainer is after providing spoken command by portable computer and by audio devices, promote an independently mobile unit along the passageway, this mobile unit comprise through translation and be stored in order position data in the portable computer that is fixed on the mobile unit.Portable computer constantly transmits a unique address signal and gets goods control module (the goods control module is got in inquiry) to the specific objective that is installed on the bay by two-way, a dual transmission/receiver element.If the address portion in the message is with to get the home address of goods control module inconsistent, any getting the goods control module and will ignore this inquiry within general limited field.Under correct situation, the intelligent goods control module of getting that is installed on the bay identifies its assigned address, it will send a piece of news to two-way, the dual transmission/receiver element that is connected on the portable computer, illustrate that portable computer has arrived in the specific intelligent area of getting the goods control module.Afterwards, portable computer sends a piece of news to getting the goods control module, makes light emitting diode (LED) flash of light on the attached intelligent light assemblies.Then, voice messaging of portable computer output, commander maintainer stops, and from light emitting diode (LED) " taking-up " goods on the position of flash of light is arranged.If light emitting diode (LED) display is the part of assembly, then the quantity of goods that should take out from this position will be luminous on display; Otherwise, the quantity that portable computer should be got goods by audio frequency and two kinds of device indications of video maintainer.When getting goods and finish, the momentary contact switch on the intelligent light assemblies is pressed, notice portable computer: get goods and finish.The maintainer can report the lazy weight of any goods in the position to portable computer, thereby has reported once the uncompleted goods of getting.
Except " getting goods " function, the system shown in Fig. 1 also has " putting goods " (or sorting) function, and commander maintainer puts into special container on the moving meter to the goods that is each quantity of taking out on the pick-up order in batch.The position of portable computer decision container on the moving meter that should put into goods.Send to one about the information of the position of putting the goods goods on the mobile unit from portable computer and put the goods control module, and send to a collection of intelligent light assemblies on moving meter by electric wire from putting the goods control module, thereby light a light emitting diode (LED), and (optionally) shows the quantity of the container that should put into each expection.If an alphanumeric display is the part of intelligent light assemblies, should put into quantity luminous demonstration on display of container; Otherwise portable computer is indicated the quantity that should put into each container to the maintainer by the audio or video device or by these two devices.
Portable computer is by button, input pen, perhaps touches input, and the maintainer can get goods/put the time that the goods process is finished with they indications, points out perhaps whether a goods can not get goods (getting less) fully.If also have goods to take out from same bay, portable computer starts the next light address; Otherwise it shifts moving meter (trolley) onto in the storage facility another area by audio or video device or these two kinds device commander maintainer, the goods that begins there to pack or take out with aftertreatment.
Example 2
For described technology of warehouse applications and process, can under other various situations, find clear and definite application.In second example, goods preservation unit (SKU) is that the goods in the tame large-scale grocery store is preserved the unit.Be equipped with preprogrammed portable computer on the shopping cart, the goods instruction is got in maintainer or client's input, afterwards according to example 1 described continuation.
Example 3
The present invention can be applied at least two kind situations of health care in sending.Ward, laboratory and office all need some general supply and supply that some are special.Native system is easy to adapt to and is used in inner stock control.In addition, can be by the management that should be used for improving the patient medications distribution of native system.Can handle pick-up order with previously described general mode, but actual put goods order (giving patient's delivery) and can examine with the hospital's sign that combines patient and the simple R FID chip of case history.
Example 4
Native system also has actual application when inverse operation.Multinomial goods preservation unit (SKU) can be by making luminous realization of intelligent light assemblies on the container next door on the trolley to client's distribution, each container wherein comprises a plurality of goods that the single goods that will be removed is preserved unit (SKU), similarly, can also be by making luminous realization of intelligent light assemblies on shelf next door on the bay.Luminous intelligent light assemblies on the trolley container will be indicated the quantity of the goods that will take out, and the luminous intelligent light assemblies on the bay will be indicated the quantity of goods that will put into each shelf location.
The preferred embodiments of the present invention of having used particular term and unit describe.Used word and term are only for illustration purpose.These words and term are used to describe, and are not restriction.Should be appreciated that, can carry out various changes and variation by those of ordinary skill in the art, but can not leave the spirit or scope of the present invention that propose in the following claims.In addition, should be appreciated that the various aspects of various embodiments of the present invention can be intercoursed on the whole or partly.So the spirit and scope of appending claims are not limited to instructions, accompanying drawing and the example here.

Claims (17)

1. a distributed intelligence type, wireless, lamp commander get goods/put the goods system, comprising:
A. at least two mobile units, each mobile unit comprises:
I. portable computer, it has: data input device, data and instruction monitor, and the facility position data of input and unique lamp address and specific goods yard of putting put the program capability that connects;
Ii. put the goods control module for one, it has: two-way transmission/receiver parts and the intelligent electric circuit component that can control intelligent light assemblies, this puts the goods control module unique controller address, carries out two-way communication by two-way, dual transmission/receiver element and said portable computer;
Iii. moving meter that can in storage facility, promote, the wherein said goods control module of putting is positioned on this moving meter, above-mentioned portable computer is positioned on this moving meter, above-mentioned two-way, dual transmission/receiver element is positioned on this moving meter, parallel also be included as above-mentioned portable computer and above-mentionedly put the power supply that the goods control module provides;
Iv. one or more reservoir vessels, be placed on the described moving meter, in one or more reservoir vessels each all interrelates with intelligent light assemblies, each intelligent light assemblies comprises the intelligent electric circuit unit, video display devices and momentary contact switch device, each intelligent light assemblies is positioned at the next door of special container; And
V. above-mentioned two-way, dual transmission/receiver element comprises the wire communication device that is used to be connected to above-mentioned portable computer, and is used to be connected to the above-mentioned communicator of putting the goods control module and getting the goods control module; And
B. at least one fixed cell, it comprises: the above-mentioned goods control module of getting comprises: transmission/receiver parts and intelligent electric circuit component are formed, and wherein get the goods control module and have unique controller address, and with above-mentioned two-way, dual transmission/receiver element carry out wireless, two-way communication; And, wherein saidly get the goods control module and a plurality of intelligent light assemblies is carried out telecommunication, each intelligent light assemblies is by the intelligent electric circuit unit, video display devices and momentary contact switch device are formed, in addition, each intelligent light assemblies is positioned at specific in a collection of storage location, and the next door of actual storage location is so that each intelligent light assemblies all comprises the particular lamp address relevant with the physical location at its place.
2. distributed, intelligent, wireless, the light-directed goods/put the goods system got as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described data and instruction monitor are made up of video display devices.
3. distributed, intelligent, wireless, the light-directed goods/put the goods system got as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described data and instruction monitor are made up of instantaneous speech power.
4. distributed, intelligent, wireless, the light-directed goods/put the goods system got as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described data and instruction monitor are made up of video and instantaneous speech power.
5. distributed, intelligent, wireless, light-directed shown in claim 1 got goods/put the goods system, wherein, described portable computer by radio communication from second computer receiving data and information.
6. distributed, intelligent, wireless, the light-directed goods/put the goods system got as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described portable computer receives data and information by the keypad input.
7. distributed, intelligent, wireless, the light-directed goods/put the goods system got as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described portable computer by wire communication from second computer receiving data and information.
8. distributed, intelligent, wireless, the light-directed goods/put the goods system got as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described portable computer and above-mentioned two-way, dual transmission/receiver element removably are positioned on the above-mentioned moving meter; And described two-way, dual transmission/receiver element and above-mentioned portable computer are integrated.
9. one kind is used for may further comprise the steps from specifying storage location to get goods and the goods that is taken out being put into the method for specified containers:
A., moving meter is provided;
B. specific portable computer and each above-mentioned moving meter are linked together;
C. be above-mentioned specific portable computer programming, the pick-up order item location is translated into specific goods lamp address and the specific placement lamp address of getting;
D. pick-up order is imported at least one above-mentioned portable computer;
E. starting can recognizing site and should get the communication system of stock quantity;
F. according to the instruction of above-mentioned portable computer, command each operating personnel of each above-mentioned moving meter to go to the specific bay of storage location;
G. according to the indication of the intelligent light assemblies on the storage location, discern position and every the above-mentioned quantity that should get stock of specific this taking-up of stock;
H. take out the specified quantity of goods from the position of indication, and according to the indication of the intelligent light assemblies relevant, the indication quantity of above mentioned goods is put into container on the above-mentioned moving meter with each said vesse;
I. operate momentary contact switch, point out to get goods and finish;
J. repeat to take out the goods specified quantity, and the indication quantity of the cargo destined of above-mentioned taking-up put into the step of specified containers from indicating positions, when at least one Zhang Dingdan finishes till; And
K. unload said vesse in specified sites, then, above-mentioned moving meter is returned, so that be that one group of new order repeats whole goods/the put goods process of getting.
10. method as claimed in claim 9, wherein, the step of described taking-up goods specified quantity also comprises the goods of any of shortage in portable computer report indicating positions, the step of getting goods is not once finished in report thus.
11. a distributed intelligence communication system comprises:
A. make and get the goods control module and can carry out two-way communication and make the above-mentioned device that the goods control module can carry out two-way communication with a plurality of first intelligent light assemblies of getting by two-way, dual transmission/receiver element and computing machine;
B. make at least one put the goods control module can by two-way, dual transmission/receiver element and computing machine carry out two-way communication and make above-mentioned at least one put the device that the goods control module can carry out two-way communication with a plurality of second intelligent light assemblies;
C. make first intelligent light assemblies make response to the coded message that computing machine sends, thereby start a specific lamp, and then start the device that the display of exclusive command and relevant information is seen to operating personnel by the above-mentioned goods control module of getting; And
The device that second intelligent light assemblies coordination mode according to the rules can be started synchronously with above-mentioned first intelligent light assemblies.
12. distributed intelligence communication system as claimed in claim 11, wherein, also comprise making operating personnel can give in each and above-mentioned a plurality of second intelligent light assemblies in above-mentioned a plurality of first intelligent light assemblies the device of each, also comprise making operating personnel can point out the completed device of appointed task unique lamp address assignment.
13. distributed intelligence communication system as claimed in claim 11, wherein, start the above-mentioned device of getting the goods control module and comprise a circuit, this circuit can be programmed the information of recognition coding and it is made response, and can send the instruction that is programmed to above-mentioned a plurality of first intelligent light assemblies.
14. distributed intelligence communication system as claimed in claim 11, wherein, starting at least one above-mentioned device of putting the goods control module is made up of a circuit, this circuit can be programmed the information of recognition coding and it is made response, and can send the instruction that is programmed to above-mentioned a plurality of intelligent light assemblies of putting goods.
15. distributed intelligence communication system as claimed in claim 11 wherein, also comprises making operating personnel can give the device of each above-mentioned a plurality of first intelligent light assemblies unique lamp address assignment.
16. distributed intelligence communication system as claimed in claim 11, wherein, described get the goods control module and above-mentioned at least one put in each and above-mentioned a plurality of first intelligent light assemblies in the goods control module each, and in above-mentioned a plurality of second intelligent light assemblies each can both be programmed separately, to receive and to reply the instruction of coding.
17. distributed intelligence communication system as claimed in claim 11, wherein, also comprise and make operating personnel can give in above-mentioned a plurality of first intelligent light assemblies in each and above-mentioned a plurality of second intelligent light assemblies programmer of each unique lamp address assignment; And, described get the goods control module and above-mentioned at least one put in each and above-mentioned a plurality of second intelligent light assemblies in goods control module and above-mentioned a plurality of first intelligent light assemblies each can both be programmed separately, to receive and to reply the instruction of coding.
CNB2004800022787A 2003-01-30 2004-01-30 Distributed intelligence, wireless, light-directed pick/put system Expired - Lifetime CN100485602C (en)

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CN105501785A (en) * 2015-12-14 2016-04-20 安徽凯莎工业设备制造有限公司 Method for positioning intelligent warehouse
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