Description:FIELD OF DISCLOSURE
[001] The present disclosure relates to order processing in a warehouse, and specifically to a system and a method for managing multi-order picking of one or more items from, for example, a warehouse to, for example, a delivery hub and further directly to a customer.

BACKGROUND OF DISCLOSURE
[002] The following description of related art is intended to provide background information pertaining to the field of the disclosure. This section may include certain aspects of the art that may be related to various features of the present disclosure. However, it should be appreciated that this section be used only to enhance the understanding of the reader with respect to the present disclosure, and not as admissions of prior art.
[003] In recent years, there has been significant scrutiny of order picking in warehouse operations, driven by a growing emphasis on new operating concepts like just-in-time, quick response, and evolving marketing strategies. These strategies necessitate a larger number of stock-keeping units being available, and more frequent and accurate delivery of small orders. The overarching objective of these systems is to enhance throughput, storage capacity, and order accuracy. However, these systems lack real-time monitoring throughout an entire order picking operation.
[004] Conventionally, a laser-based detection system that uses lasers is used to track a number of items. The laser-based detection system is installed on top of each tote (a container used for carrying items). This system is capable of tracking the number of items entering or exiting the tote, and comparing the count against an expected value. However, the laser-based detection system may fail to detect if a wrong item is picked for delivery from the tote.
[005] Further, a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) based tracking system is used to keep track of items mapped to bins in real time. However, the drawback for using the RFID based tracking system is that it requires a tunnel/metallic masking system and readability programming on a bin level to avoid signal misread/overflow, making the system extremely complex and error prone. Also, the RFID based tracking system includes RFID antennas and RFID tags on each item which increases the cost of the system.
[006] There is, therefore, a need in the art to provide an improved system and a method that enables real-time monitoring throughout an entire order picking operation by overcoming the deficiencies in the prior art(s).

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[007] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies are as listed herein below.
[008] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system and a method for managing multi-order picking of one or more items in a cost-effective manner.
[009] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system and a method that facilitates individual item level tracking in a more-efficient manner.
[0010] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system and a method that enables real-time monitoring of one or more items placed in each partition of the system.

SUMMARY
[0011] This section is provided to introduce certain objects and aspects of the present disclosure in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify the key features or the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0012] In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a system for managing multi-order picking of one or more items. The system includes a secure housing including a lid and one or more partitions to concurrently transport one or more items from a source location to a destination location. The system includes one or more sensors affixed to the one or more partitions inside the secure housing and configured to detect a weight of the one or more items during placement of the one or more items inside the one or more partitions. The system includes a verification module operatively connected to the one or more sensors and configured to continuously detect one or more anomalies associated with each of the one or more items during transport of the one or more items from the source location to the destination location. The system includes a display attached to the secure housing and operatively connected to the verification module to display information associated with the one or more items.
[0013] In an embodiment, the one or more sensors may include at least one of a passive infrared (PIR) sensor, a light sensor, and a load cell.
[0014] In an embodiment, each of the one or more partitions may include the load cell to determine the weight of each of the one or more items.
[0015] In an embodiment, each of the one or more partitions may include the verification module to compare the weight of the one or more items with a weight threshold configured for each of the one or more partitions.
[0016] In an embodiment, the one or more anomalies may include at least one of a mismatch in the weight of the one or more items when compared with the weight threshold, a misplacement of the one or more items in the one or more partitions, picking a wrong item for delivery among the one or more items, and a removal of the one or more items from the one or more partitions without a user intervention.
[0017] In an embodiment, the display may be configured to display an error message when the verification module detects the one or more anomalies.
[0018] In an embodiment, the verification module may be configured to monitor the one or more items placed in each of the one or more partitions in real-time.
[0019] In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method for managing multi-order picking of one or more items. The method includes mapping, by a processor associated with a system, one or more items to each of one or more partitions associated with the system. The method includes configuring, by the processor, a weight threshold to each of the one or more partitions in response to the mapping. The method includes determining, by the processor, that a weight of the one or more items placed in each of the one or more partitions matches the weight threshold. The method includes continuously detecting, by the processor, one or more anomalies associated with each of the one or more items during transport of the one or more items from a source location to a destination location, upon the determination. The method includes displaying, by the processor, information pertaining to the one or more items on a display associated with the system.
[0020] In an embodiment, the one or more anomalies may include at least one of a mismatch in the weight of the one or more items when compared with the weight threshold, a misplacement of the one or more items in the one or more partitions, picking a wrong item for delivery among the one or more items, and a removal of the one or more items from the one or more partitions without a user intervention.
[0021] In an embodiment, when the one or more anomalies are detected, the method may include displaying, by the processor, an error message on the display.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, and constitute a part of this invention, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosed methods and systems in which like reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the different drawings. Components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. Some drawings may indicate the components using block diagrams and may not represent the internal circuitry of each component. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that invention of such drawings includes the invention of electrical components, electronic components or circuitry commonly used to implement such components.
[0023] The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure, and wherein:
[0024] FIG. 1A illustrates an example block diagram (100A) of a system for managing multi-order picking of one or more items, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 1B illustrates an example isometric view (100B) of a system for managing multi-order picking of one or more items, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates an example flow chart (200) for implementing a method for managing multi-order picking of one or more items, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0027] The foregoing shall be more apparent from the following more detailed description of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, various specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. Several features described hereafter can each be used independently of one another or with any combination of other features. An individual feature may not address all of the problems discussed above or might address only some of the problems discussed above. Some of the problems discussed above might not be fully addressed by any of the features described herein.
[0029] The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing an exemplary embodiment. It should be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth.
[0030] Specific details are given in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, circuits, systems, networks, processes, and other components may be shown as components in block diagram form in order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments.
[0031] Also, it is noted that individual embodiments may be described as a process which is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a data flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A process is terminated when its operations are completed but could have additional steps not included in a figure. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a function, its termination can correspond to a return of the function to the calling function or the main function.
[0032] The word “exemplary” and/or “demonstrative” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. For the avoidance of doubt, the subject matter disclosed herein is not limited by such examples. In addition, any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” and/or “demonstrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs, nor is it meant to preclude equivalent exemplary structures and techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “has,” “contains,” and other similar words are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as an open transition word without precluding any additional or other elements.
[0033] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” or “an instance” or “one instance” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
[0034] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
[0035] In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a system for managing multi-order picking of one or more items. The system includes a secure housing including a lid and one or more partitions to concurrently transport one or more items from a source location to a destination location. The system includes one or more sensors affixed to the one or more partitions inside the secure housing and configured to detect a weight of the one or more items during placement of the one or more items inside the one or more partitions. The system includes a verification module operatively connected to the one or more sensors and configured to continuously detect one or more anomalies associated with each of the one or more items during transport of the one or more items from the source location to the destination location. The system includes a display attached to the secure housing and operatively connected to the verification module to display information associated with the one or more items.
[0036] In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method for managing multi-order picking of one or more items. The method includes mapping, by a processor associated with a system, one or more items to each of one or more partitions associated with the system. The method includes configuring, by the processor, a weight threshold to each of the one or more partitions in response to the mapping. The method includes determining, by the processor, that a weight of the one or more items placed in each of the one or more partitions matches the weight threshold. The method includes continuously detecting, by the processor, one or more anomalies associated with each of the one or more items during transport of the one or more items from a source location to a destination location, upon the determination. The method includes displaying, by the processor, information pertaining to the one or more items on a display associated with the system
[0037] Various embodiments of the present disclosure will be explained in detail with reference to FIGs. 1-2.
[0038] FIGs. 1A and 1B illustrate an example block diagram (100A) and an example isometric view (100B) of a system (150) for managing multi-order picking of one or more items, respectively, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0039] The system (150) for managing multi-order picking of the one or more items may be used widely in any warehouse/retail facility where a heterogeneous list of items needs to be batch picked from a storage location or a source location to a destination location. The list of items that needs to be batch picked may be mapped to a particular partition/bin/tote based on differences in a plurality of parameters. It may be appreciated that the terms bin or tote may be used to interchangeably refer the partition throughout the disclosure. The plurality of parameters may include, but are not limited to, an order level, an order type, a packing type, an automation type, etc. The system (150) may perform batch picking process in a more efficient manner. The system (150) may reduce errors and eliminate losses (intentional or unintentional) while executing the batch picking process at a lower cost. Further, the system (150) may track the item picking process and items or materials transfer in real-time. The system (150) may perform individual item level tracking instead of count-based tracking, and improves the efficiency of multi-order picking operation. The system (150) may perform the batch picking process at a high-speed.
[0040] With reference to FIGs. 1A and 1B, in some embodiments, the system (150) may include a secure housing (102). The secure housing (102) may include a lid (104) and one or more partitions (106). In some embodiments, the one or more partitions (106) may be provided to accommodate one or more items. In some embodiments, the one or more partitions (106) may be provided to concurrently transport the one or more items from a source location to a destination location.
[0041] In some embodiments, each of the one or more of partitions (106) may be configured with a weight threshold. In some embodiments, each of the one or more of partitions (106) may include one or more sensors (108). The one or more sensors (108) may be, for example, but not limited to, a passive infrared (PIR) sensor, a light sensor, and load cell(s) (108a). The load cell(s) (108a) may be provided in each of the one or more of partitions (106) to determine a weight corresponding to each of the one or more items during placement of the one or more items inside the one or more partitions (106). In some embodiments, the load cell(s) (108a) may be used to confirm that the one or more items are present inside each of the one or more of partitions (106).
[0042] In some embodiments, the one or more sensors (108) may be affixed to the lid (104) of the secure housing (102). In some embodiments, the one or more sensors (108) may be affixed to the one or more partitions (106) inside the secure housing (102). In some embodiments, the one or more sensors (108) may be provided to monitor the status of the one or more items during the transportation from the source location to the destination location. In some embodiments, the one or more sensors (108) may be activated in response to a detection of one or more anomalies associated with the one or more items.
[0043] In some embodiments, the system (150) may include a verification module (110) operatively connected to the one or more sensors (108). The verification module (110) may be configured to continuously detect the one or more anomalies associated with each of the one or more items during transport of the one or more items from the source location to the destination location. In some embodiments, the verification module (110) may be configured to compare the weight of one or more items with the weight threshold configured to each of the one or more partitions (106). The one or more anomalies may include, but not limited to, a mismatch in the weight of the one or more items when compared with the weight threshold, a misplacement of the one or more items in the one or more partitions, picking of a wrong item for delivery among the one or more items, and a removal of the one or more items from the one or more partitions (106) without a user intervention. In some embodiments, the verification module (110) may be configured to monitor the one or more items placed in each of the one or more partitions (106) in real-time.
[0044] In some embodiments, the system (150) may include a display (112) attached to the secure housing (102). In some embodiments, the display (112) may be operatively connected to the verification module (102) to display information associated with the one or more items. The information may include, but not limited to, a number of items placed in each of the one or more partitions (106), the weight of the one or more items in each of the one or more partitions (106), prompt messages, error messages, alert messages, and the like. The prompt messages may include, but not limited to, “the item is placed in the right partition,” “move to next,” and the like.
[0045] In some embodiments, the display (112) may be configured to display the error messages during the mismatch in the weight of the one or more items when compared with the weight threshold, the misplacement of the one or more items in the one or more partitions, picking of the wrong item for delivery among the one or more items, and the removal of the one or more items from the one or more partitions (106) without the user intervention.
[0046] FIG. 2 illustrates an example flow chart (200) for implementing a method for managing multi-order picking of one or more items, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0047] While pickup of any high value item from a source location, i.e., a warehouse, an operator or a user may have to log in to a system (150) (as referred in FIGs. 1A and 1B) using his identification (ID). The system (150) may be a trolley. A list of items to be picked (picklist(s)) may be pre-assigned to the operators ID.
[0048] Once the list of items to be picked are pre-assigned to the operators ID, the operator may complete positional mapping of totes on the system (150) by scanning each tote barcode sequentially as displayed. Further, the items to be picked may be assigned to each tote and the operator may initiate picking of the items.
[0049] Upon assigning and placing the list of items to be picked to each tote, the system (150) may obtain, via a user interface (UI), a weight of each item in the list of items to be picked from a stored database through an application programming interface (API) call. Further, the system (150) may assign a weight expectancy or a weight threshold against each tote. The system (150) may perform continuous weight verification of each tote as per the weight expectancy or the weight threshold after the items are placed in the tote.
[0050] Once the list of items to be picked are placed in the tote and after continuous weight verification, the system (150) may display a next item location along with the tote location on a display (112). The operator may travel to the next item location, scan the items, and deliver it in the appropriate tote.
[0051] For example, assuming that item IDs (I1, I2, I3…I20) having weights of (W1, W2, W3…. W20) which are part of the list of items to be picked P1, P2 and P3 are assigned to an operator O1. In such scenario,
• P1 = I1, I2...I10 (WP1 = sum of (W1, W2…W10)
• P2 = I11, I12…I15 (WP2 = sum of (W11, W12…W15)
• P3 = I16, I17...I20 (WP3 = sum of (W16, W17…W20).
[0052] The operator O1 may log on the system (150) (e.g., trolley TR1) and scan the tote IDs T1, T2 and T3 to locations 1, 2, and 3 on the trolley TR1. The trolley TR1 may be automatically assigned with the items to be picked P1, P2 and P3 along with its corresponding weight information. After all the information is parsed, the operator O1 may get a prompt message to start picking the items.
[0053] After confirming the items to be picked, the operator O1 may identify the location coordinates for the current item. The operator O1 may reach the location based on the identified location coordinates, picks the corresponding item I1, and scans the item I1.
[0054] Further, the trolley TR1 may display the tote location (P1) on the display (112), and a Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulb under the tote P1 may light up. Once the item is placed in the right bin, the trolley TR1 may display the prompt message (e.g., “move to next”) on the display (112). Once confirmed, a weight-based verification module (110) may continuously verify a cumulative weight of items in each of the totes till the items are handed over.
[0055] For instance, if the item I11 is picked, the system (150) may point to P2 (by P2 bulb glowing + system prompt) and await item drop to tote confirmation. Then, if the item I17 is picked, the system (150) may point to P3 and so on.
[0056] With reference to FIG. 2, at 202, the method may include mapping one or more items to each of one or more partitions (e.g., tote) associated with the system (150).
[0057] At 204, in response to the mapping the one or more items to each of one or more partitions, the method may include configuring the weight threshold to each of the one or more partitions.
[0058] At 206, the method may include determining that the weight of the one or more items placed in each of the one or more partitions matches the weight threshold.
[0059] At 208, the method may include continuously detecting one or more anomalies associated with each of the one or more items during transport of the one or more items from the source location to the destination location, upon the determination. The one or more anomalies may include, but not limited to, a mismatch in the weight of the one or more items when compared with the weight threshold, a misplacement of the one or more items in the one or more partitions, picking a wrong item for delivery among the one or more items, and a removal of the one or more items from the one or more partitions without a user intervention. For example,
• When an item I13 is picked instead of item I2 and dropped in P1, the system (150) may detect the mismatch in the partition weight to expected partition weight or weight threshold and displays an error message on the display.
• When the item I2 is placed in partition P2 instead of P1, the system (150) may detect the anomaly in weight expectation in the partition P2 and displays the error message on the display.
• If any item is removed from the partition (e.g., item falls or item is stolen), the continuous verification module (110) may detect the anomaly and displays the error message on the display. The system (150) (and by extension, picklist) may not be handed over to the next step till the point trolley system is in error state. Therefore, the system (150) may ensure zero pilferage or item losses during movement.
• As mentioned above, each item assigned to the operator may be mapped to the system (150) upon login. Therefore, in case the operator adds the item that isn’t part of the list of items to be picked, the weight mismatch may directly flag it as anomaly and displays the error message on the display until it is fixed.
[0060] At 210, the method may include displaying information pertaining to the one or more items on the display (112). That is, when the one or more anomalies are detected, the method may include displaying an error message on the display and alert the operator.
[0061] It may be appreciated that any suitable action may be taken in view of the same, within the scope of the current disclosure.
[0062] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0063] The present disclosure provides a system and a method that manages multi-order picking of one or more items in a cost-effective manner.
[0064] The present disclosure provides a system and a method that facilitates individual item level tracking in a more-efficient manner.
[0065] The present disclosure provides a system and a method that enables real-time monitoring of one or more items placed in each partition of the system.
[0066] The present disclosure provides a system and a method that ensures zero pilferage or item losses during movement of the items from a source location to a destination location.
[0067] The present disclosure provides a system and a method that enables item picking process and item tracking process at high-speed.
, Claims:1. A system (150) for managing multi-order picking of one or more items, comprising:
a secure housing (102) comprising a lid (104) and one or more partitions (106) to concurrently transport one or more items from a source location to a destination location;
one or more sensors (108) affixed to the one or more partitions (106) inside the secure housing (102) and configured to detect a weight of the one or more items during placement of the one or more items inside the one or more partitions (106);
a verification module (110) operatively connected to the one or more sensors (108) and configured to continuously detect one or more anomalies associated with each of the one or more items during transport of the one or more items from the source location to the destination location; and
a display (112) attached to the secure housing (102) and operatively connected to the verification module (110) to display information associated with the one or more items.

2. The system (150) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors (108) comprise at least one of: a passive infrared (PIR) sensor, a light sensor, and a load cell (108a).

3. The system (150) as claimed in claim 2, wherein each of the one or more partitions (106) comprises the load cell (108a) to determine the weight of each of the one or more items.

4. The system (150) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the one or more partitions (106) comprises the verification module (110) to compare the weight of the one or more items with a weight threshold configured fo each of the one or more partitions (106).

5. The system (150) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the one or more anomalies comprise at least one of: a mismatch in the weight of the one or more items when compared with the weight threshold, a misplacement of the one or more items in the one or more partitions (106), picking of a wrong item for delivery among the one or more items, and a removal of the one or more items from the one or more partitions (106) without a user intervention.

6. The system (150) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display (112) is configured to display an error message when the verification module (110) detects the one or more anomalies.

7. The system (150) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the verification module (110) is configured to monitor the one or more items placed in each of the one or more partitions (106) in real-time.

8. A computer-implemented method for managing multi-order picking of one or more items, comprising:
mapping (202), by a system (150), one or more items to each of one or more partitions (106) associated with the system (150);
configuring (204), by the system (150), a weight threshold to each of the one or more partitions (106) in response to the mapping;
determining (206), by the system (150), that a weight of the one or more items placed in each of the one or more partitions (106) matches the weight threshold;
continuously detecting (208), by the system (150), one or more anomalies associated with each of the one or more items during transport of the one or more items from a source location to a destination location, upon the determination; and
displaying (210), by the system (150), information pertaining to the one or more items on a display (112) associated with the system (150).

9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the one or more anomalies comprise at least one of: a mismatch in the weight of the one or more items when compared with the weight threshold, a misplacement of the one or more items in the one or more partitions (106), picking a wrong item for delivery among the one or more items, and a removal of the one or more items from the one or more partitions (106) without a user intervention.

10. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein when the one or more anomalies are detected, the method comprises displaying, by the system (150), an error message on the display (112).