U.S. patent application number 17/030799 was filed with the patent office on 2021-01-14 for recharging apparatus and method.
The applicant listed for this patent is Walmart Apollo, LLC. Invention is credited to Michael D. Atchley, Donald R. High, John P. Thompson.
Application Number | 20210009391 17/030799 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005106662 |
Filed Date | 2021-01-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210009391 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Thompson; John P. ; et
al. |
January 14, 2021 |
RECHARGING APPARATUS AND METHOD
Abstract
Methods and apparatuses are provided for use in monitor power
levels at a shopping facility, comprising: central control system
separate and distinct from a plurality of self-propelled motorized
transport units, wherein the central control system comprises: a
transceiver configured to wirelessly receive communications from
the plurality of motorized transport units; a control circuit
coupled with the transceiver; and a memory coupled to the control
circuit and storing computer instructions that cause the control
circuit to: identify available stored power levels at each of the
plurality of motorized transport units; identify an available
recharge station, of a plurality of recharge stations distributed
throughout the shopping facility, at least relative to a location
of the first motorized transport unit intended to be subjected to
recharging; and wirelessly communicate one or more instructions to
cause the first motorized transport unit to cooperate with an
available recharge station.
Inventors: |
Thompson; John P.;
(Bentonville, AR) ; Atchley; Michael D.; (Eureka
Springs, AR) ; High; Donald R.; (Noel, MO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Walmart Apollo, LLC |
Bentonville |
AR |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005106662 |
Appl. No.: |
17/030799 |
Filed: |
September 24, 2020 |
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Patent Number |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G05D 1/0255 20130101;
B60L 53/63 20190201; G06K 9/3208 20130101; G06T 7/74 20170101; G05D
1/0011 20130101; G06Q 30/0617 20130101; H04L 67/143 20130101; G06K
9/00208 20130101; G06K 9/00791 20130101; H04L 63/0846 20130101;
H02J 7/0071 20200101; G05D 2201/0216 20130101; G01S 1/7034
20190801; G01S 1/7038 20190801; G05D 1/0293 20130101; A47F 2010/025
20130101; G05D 1/021 20130101; G05D 1/028 20130101; H04B 10/116
20130101; G05D 1/0297 20130101; Y02W 90/00 20150501; G06T 7/593
20170101; G06K 7/1413 20130101; G06Q 50/28 20130101; G05D 1/0246
20130101; B60P 3/06 20130101; G06Q 10/02 20130101; G10L 17/22
20130101; G05D 1/0214 20130101; G06Q 10/087 20130101; A47L 2201/04
20130101; G05D 1/0219 20130101; G05D 1/0088 20130101; G06K 9/00805
20130101; G06Q 10/083 20130101; B65F 3/00 20130101; G05D 1/0276
20130101; E01H 5/061 20130101; G01S 1/02 20130101; B07C 2501/0063
20130101; G05D 1/0027 20130101; H04N 13/282 20180501; H04L 63/08
20130101; G05D 1/04 20130101; H04N 7/18 20130101; G10L 2015/223
20130101; B60Y 2410/10 20130101; G06K 9/00671 20130101; G06Q 50/30
20130101; G06Q 30/0281 20130101; H04N 7/183 20130101; G01C 21/206
20130101; G06Q 30/0641 20130101; H04L 67/12 20130101; G10L 13/00
20130101; G05D 1/0291 20130101; G06T 2207/10028 20130101; G05B
2219/23363 20130101; A47F 13/00 20130101; E01H 5/12 20130101; G06K
9/00711 20130101; Y04S 10/50 20130101; H04W 4/30 20180201; G05D
1/0016 20130101; G05D 1/0234 20130101; G06F 16/90335 20190101; G06Q
30/0631 20130101; G06Q 10/30 20130101; G01S 2201/02 20190801; B62B
5/0069 20130101; H04W 4/40 20180201; G06K 7/10297 20130101; B65F
2210/168 20130101; H04W 4/029 20180201; H04B 1/38 20130101; G05D
1/0061 20130101; G06F 3/017 20130101; G05B 19/048 20130101; G06Q
30/016 20130101; B62B 5/0026 20130101; G05D 1/0022 20130101; G05B
19/124 20130101; G06Q 30/0635 20130101; A47L 11/4011 20130101; G06K
9/00771 20130101; Y10S 901/01 20130101; A47F 10/04 20130101; G06K
9/00624 20130101; G06Q 10/06311 20130101; Y02W 30/82 20150501; B07C
5/3422 20130101; B07C 2501/0054 20130101; G06Q 30/0619 20130101;
G05B 2219/39107 20130101; B66F 9/063 20130101; G06K 9/18 20130101;
B62B 5/0076 20130101; H04L 67/141 20130101; H02J 7/00034 20200101;
H02J 7/0013 20130101; G06K 9/78 20130101; G06Q 30/0633 20130101;
G08G 1/20 20130101; G06Q 10/06315 20130101; G05D 1/0289 20130101;
H04W 4/80 20180201; G06K 7/10821 20130101; A47F 2010/005 20130101;
G01S 1/70 20130101; G05D 2201/0203 20130101; G06Q 10/0631 20130101;
H04W 4/33 20180201; B60L 53/36 20190201; G01S 1/72 20130101; G06Q
30/0613 20130101; G06Q 30/0605 20130101; G10L 15/22 20130101; H04L
63/06 20130101; G06Q 20/12 20130101; H04N 7/185 20130101; G06Q
30/0601 20130101; G06Q 10/1095 20130101; G06K 9/6256 20130101; A47F
3/08 20130101; H04W 4/021 20130101; B07C 5/28 20130101; G06Q
30/0639 20130101; G06F 21/606 20130101; H04W 4/02 20130101; B07C
2501/0045 20130101; G06K 2009/00738 20130101; H04N 5/77
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B66F 9/06 20060101
B66F009/06; G06Q 30/06 20060101 G06Q030/06; A47F 10/04 20060101
A47F010/04; G05D 1/02 20060101 G05D001/02; H04N 7/18 20060101
H04N007/18; G06Q 50/28 20060101 G06Q050/28; G06T 7/73 20060101
G06T007/73; G06T 7/593 20060101 G06T007/593; H04W 4/029 20060101
H04W004/029; H04W 4/30 20060101 H04W004/30; H04W 4/80 20060101
H04W004/80; H04W 4/40 20060101 H04W004/40; H04N 13/282 20060101
H04N013/282; B60L 53/36 20060101 B60L053/36; B60L 53/63 20060101
B60L053/63; A47F 13/00 20060101 A47F013/00; A47L 11/40 20060101
A47L011/40; B07C 5/28 20060101 B07C005/28; B07C 5/342 20060101
B07C005/342; B65F 3/00 20060101 B65F003/00; E01H 5/06 20060101
E01H005/06; E01H 5/12 20060101 E01H005/12; G01S 1/02 20060101
G01S001/02; G01S 1/70 20060101 G01S001/70; G01S 1/72 20060101
G01S001/72; G05B 19/048 20060101 G05B019/048; G05D 1/00 20060101
G05D001/00; G05D 1/04 20060101 G05D001/04; G06F 3/01 20060101
G06F003/01; G06K 9/00 20060101 G06K009/00; G06K 9/18 20060101
G06K009/18; G06K 9/32 20060101 G06K009/32; G06K 9/62 20060101
G06K009/62; G06K 9/78 20060101 G06K009/78; G06Q 10/02 20060101
G06Q010/02; G06Q 10/06 20060101 G06Q010/06; G06Q 10/08 20060101
G06Q010/08; G06Q 10/10 20060101 G06Q010/10; G06Q 10/00 20060101
G06Q010/00; G06Q 30/00 20060101 G06Q030/00; G06Q 30/02 20060101
G06Q030/02; G06Q 50/30 20060101 G06Q050/30; G08G 1/00 20060101
G08G001/00; G10L 15/22 20060101 G10L015/22; G10L 17/22 20060101
G10L017/22; H04B 10/116 20060101 H04B010/116; H04L 29/08 20060101
H04L029/08; H04N 5/77 20060101 H04N005/77; H04W 4/021 20060101
H04W004/021; H02J 7/00 20060101 H02J007/00; G10L 13/00 20060101
G10L013/00; B62B 5/00 20060101 B62B005/00; B60P 3/06 20060101
B60P003/06; H04W 4/33 20060101 H04W004/33; H04W 4/02 20060101
H04W004/02; A47F 3/08 20060101 A47F003/08; G01C 21/20 20060101
G01C021/20 |
Claims
1. A system that monitors motorized vehicles operating at a
shopping facility, comprising: a transport unit central control
system separate and distinct from a plurality of motorized
transport units at a shopping facility, wherein each of the
plurality of motorized transport units is self-propelled and
wherein the transport unit central control system comprises: a
transceiver configured to wirelessly receive communications from
the plurality of motorized transport units located at the shopping
facility; a control circuit coupled with the transceiver; and a
memory coupled to the control circuit and storing computer
instructions that when executed by the control circuit cause the
control circuit to: identify that a first motorized transport unit,
of the plurality of motorized transport units, is unable to
effectively move itself; determine, based on the determination that
the first motorized transport unit is unable to effectively move
itself, a location of the first motorized transport unit within the
shopping facility; identify a first recharge station, of a
plurality of recharge stations at the shopping facility; and cause
the transceiver to wirelessly communicate an instruction to cause
physical movements of the first recharge station to approach the
first motorized transport unit and temporarily couple with the
first motorized transport unit.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the control circuit, in causing
the communication of the instruction, is configured to cause the
wireless communication of the instruction to cause the first
recharge station to move the first motorized transport unit to a
different location within the shopping facility.
3. The system of claim 1, further comprising: location tracking
units each positioned at a different one of multiple different
locations throughout the shopping facility; wherein the control
circuit is configured to determine the location of the first
motorized transport unit based on tracking information communicated
by one or more of the tracking units.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the control circuit is further
configured to wirelessly receive location information from the
first motorized transport unit, and determine the location of the
first motorized transport unit based on the tracking information
communicated by the one or more of the tracking units and the
location information communicated from the first motorized
transport unit.
5. The system of claim 1, further comprising: location tracking
units each positioned at a different one of multiple different
locations throughout the shopping facility; wherein the control
circuit is configured to determine a location of the first recharge
station based on the tracking information communicated by one or
more of the tracking units.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the central control circuit is
further configured to wirelessly communicate additional route
instructions to other motorized transport units of the plurality of
motorized transport units to avoid an obstacle at the location.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the control circuit is further
configured to: communicate a dispense command causing a second
motorized transport unit to be dispensed from the first recharge
station.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the control circuit in wirelessly
communicating the instruction is configured to wirelessly
communicate the instruction to a second motorized transport unit
directing the second motorized transport unit to implement the
instruction to move the first recharge station to the location of
the first motorized transport unit.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the control circuit is further
configured to: identify a second motorized transport unit of the
plurality of motorized transport units having a power level greater
than a first power level threshold; and wirelessly communicate a
replace instruction to cause the second motorized transport unit to
move through at least a portion of the shopping facility and to
replace the first motorized transport unit in performing a task
that was being performed by the first motorized transport unit.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the control circuit is further
configured to: determine a location at the shopping facility of the
first recharge station; and determine a route between the location
of the first recharge station and the location of the first
motorized transport unit; wherein control circuit in communicating
the instruction is configured to wirelessly communicate the
instruction to cause the physical movement of the first recharge
station consistent with the determined route.
11. A method of monitoring motorized vehicles at a shopping
facility, comprising: identifying that a first motorized transport
unit, of a plurality of self-propelled motorized transport units
operating at the shopping facility, is unable to effectively move
itself; determining, based on the determination that the first
motorized transport unit is unable to effectively move itself, a
location of the first motorized transport unit within the shopping
facility; identifying, through a control circuit, a first recharge
station, of a plurality of recharge stations at the shopping
facility; and wirelessly communicating an instruction to cause
physical movements of the first recharge station to approach the
first motorized transport unit and temporarily couple with the
first motorized transport unit.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the wirelessly communicating
the instruction further causes the first recharge station to move
the first motorized transport unit to a different location within
the shopping facility.
13. The method of claim 11, further comprising: receiving tracking
information communicated from one or more of a plurality of
tracking units each positioned at a different one of multiple
different locations throughout the shopping facility; determining
the location of the first motorized transport unit based on the
tracking information communicated by the one or more of the
plurality of tracking units.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: receiving location
information from the first motorized transport unit; and
determining the location of the first motorized transport unit
based on the tracking information communicated by the one or more
of the tracking units and the location information communicated
from the first motorized transport unit.
15. The method of claim 11, further comprising: receiving tracking
information communicated from one or more of a plurality of
tracking units each positioned at a different one of multiple
different locations throughout the shopping facility; determining a
location of the first recharge station based on the tracking
information communicated by one or more of the plurality of
tracking units.
16. The method of claim 11, further comprising: causing an
additional route instructions to be wirelessly communicated to
other motorized transport units of the plurality of motorized
transport units to avoid an obstacle at the location.
17. The method of claim 11, further comprising: wirelessly
communicating a dispense command causing a second motorized
transport unit to be dispensed from the first recharge station.
18. The method of claim 11, wherein the wirelessly communicating
the instruction comprises wirelessly communicating the instruction
to a second motorized transport unit directing the second motorized
transport unit to implement the instruction to move the first
recharge station to the location of the first motorized transport
unit.
19. The method of claim 11, further comprising: identifying a
second motorized transport unit of the plurality of motorized
transport units having a power level greater than a first power
level threshold; and communicating a replace instruction to cause
the second motorized transport unit to move through at least a
portion of the shopping facility and to replace the first motorized
transport unit in performing a task that was being performed by the
first motorized transport.
20. The method of claim 11, further comprising: determining a
location at the shopping facility of the first recharge station;
and determine a route between the location of the first recharge
station and the location of the first motorized transport unit;
wherein the communicating the instruction comprises wirelessly
communicating the instruction to cause the physical movement of the
first recharge station consistent with the determined route.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 16/191,192, filed Nov. 14, 2018, and entitled RECHARGING
APPARATUS AND METHOD, which is incorporated in its entirety herein
by reference and which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 15/061,285, filed Mar. 4, 2016, which is incorporated in its
entirety herein by reference and which claims the benefit of each
of the following U.S. Provisional applications, each of which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety: U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/129,726, filed Mar. 6, 2015, Docket
8842-134158-US (587US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/129,727, filed Mar. 6, 2015, Docket 8842-134268-US (615US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/138,877, filed Mar. 26, 2015,
Docket 8842-134162-US (610US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/138,885, filed Mar. 26, 2015, Docket 8842-134209-US (635US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/152,421, filed Apr. 24, 2015,
Docket 8842-134155-US (608US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/152,465, filed Apr. 24, 2015, Docket 8842-134161-US (603US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/152,440, filed Apr. 24, 2015,
Docket 8842-134208-US (611US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/152,630, filed Apr. 24, 2015, Docket 8842-134249-US (612US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/152,711, filed Apr. 24, 2015,
Docket 8842-134269-US (626US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/152,610, filed Apr. 24, 2015, Docket 8842-134574-US (623US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/152,667, filed Apr. 24, 2015,
Docket 8842-134575-US (663US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/157,388, filed May 5, 2015, Docket 8842-134573-US (606US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/165,579, filed May 22, 2015,
Docket 8842-134576-US (677US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/165,416, filed May 22, 2015, Docket 8842-134589-US (624US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/165,586, filed May 22, 2015,
Docket 8842-134945-US (732US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/171,822, filed Jun. 5, 2015, Docket 8842-134250-US (621US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/175,182, filed Jun. 12, 2015,
Docket 8842-135963-US (726US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/182,339, filed Jun. 19, 2015, Docket 8842-135961-US (749US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/185,478, filed Jun. 26, 2015,
Docket 8842-136023-US (742US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/194,131, filed Jul. 17, 2015, Docket 8842-135962-US (739US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/194,119, filed Jul. 17, 2015,
Docket 8842-136020-US (728US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/194,121, filed Jul. 17, 2015, Docket 8842-136022-US (740US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/194,127, filed Jul. 17, 2015,
Docket 8842-136024-US (743US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/202,744, filed Aug. 7, 2015, Docket 8842-135956-US (764US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/202,747, filed Aug. 7, 2015,
Docket 8842-136021-US (734US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/205,548, filed Aug. 14, 2015, Docket 8842-135959-US (751US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/205,569, filed Aug. 14, 2015,
Docket 8842-136123-US (680US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/205,555, filed Aug. 14, 2015, Docket 8842-136124-US (741US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/205,539, filed Aug. 14, 2015,
Docket 8842-136651-US (919US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/207,858, filed Aug. 20, 2015, Docket 8842-136508-US (854US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/214,826, filed Sep. 4, 2015,
Docket 8842-136026-US (746US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/214,824, filed Sep. 4, 2015, Docket 8842-136025-US (744US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/292,084, filed Feb. 5, 2016,
Docket 8842-137833-US (925US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/302,547, filed Mar. 2, 2016, Docket 8842-136125-US (748US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/302,567, filed Mar. 2, 2016,
Docket 8842-138040-US (731US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/302,713, filed Mar. 2, 2016, Docket 8842-137834-US (932US01);
and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/303,021, filed Mar. 3,
2016, Docket 8842-137831-US (636US01).
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] These teachings relate generally to shopping environments
and more particularly to devices, systems and methods for assisting
customers and/or workers in those shopping environments.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In a modern retail store environment, there is a need to
improve the customer experience and/or convenience for the
customer. Whether shopping in a large format (big box) store or
smaller format (neighborhood) store, customers often require
assistance that employees of the store are not always able to
provide. For example, particularly during peak hours, there may not
be enough employees available to assist customers such that
customer questions go unanswered. Additionally, due to high
employee turnover rates, available employees may not be fully
trained or have access to information to adequately support
customers. Other routine tasks also are difficult to keep up with,
particularly during peak hours. For example, shopping carts are
left abandoned, aisles become messy, inventory is not displayed in
the proper locations or is not even placed on the sales floor,
shelf prices may not be properly set, and theft is hard to
discourage. All of these issues can result in low customer
satisfaction or reduced convenience to the customer. With
increasing competition from non-traditional shopping mechanisms,
such as online shopping provided by e-commerce merchants and
alternative store formats, it can be important for "brick and
mortar" retailers to focus on improving the overall customer
experience and/or convenience.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] The above needs are at least partially met through provision
of embodiments of systems, devices, and methods designed to provide
assistance to customers and/or workers in a shopping facility, such
as described in the following detailed description, particularly
when studied in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:
[0005] FIG. 1 comprises a block diagram of a shopping assistance
system as configured in accordance with various embodiments of
these teachings;
[0006] FIGS. 2A and 2B are illustrations of a motorized transport
unit of the system of FIG. 1 in a retracted orientation and an
extended orientation in accordance with some embodiments;
[0007] FIGS. 3A and 3B are illustrations of the motorized transport
unit of FIGS. 2A and 2B detachably coupling to a movable item
container, such as a shopping cart, in accordance with some
embodiments;
[0008] FIG. 4 comprises a block diagram of a motorized transport
unit as configured in accordance with various embodiments of these
teachings;
[0009] FIG. 5 comprises a block diagram of a computer device as
configured in accordance with various embodiments of these
teachings;
[0010] FIG. 6 shows a simplified block diagram of an exemplary
motorized transport unit, in accordance with some embodiments;
[0011] FIG. 7 shows a simplified block diagram of an exemplary
recharge station, in accordance with some embodiments;
[0012] FIG. 8 illustrates a simplified flow diagram of an exemplary
process implemented by the central computer system in issuing one
or more commands to implement a recharging of one or more motorized
transport units in accordance with some embodiments;
[0013] FIG. 9 shows a simplified block diagram of a recharge
docking station, in accordance with some embodiments;
[0014] FIG. 10 shows a simplified exposed view of a motorized
transport unit dispenser, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0015] Elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and
clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example,
the dimensions and/or relative positioning of some of the elements
in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to
help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present
teachings. Also, common but well-understood elements that are
useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often
not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these
various embodiments of the present teachings. Certain actions
and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of
occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such
specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. The
terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical
meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions by persons
skilled in the technical field as set forth above except where
different specific meanings have otherwise been set forth
herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] The following description is not to be taken in a limiting
sense, but is made merely for the purpose of describing the general
principles of exemplary embodiments. Reference throughout this
specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or similar
language means that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is
included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,
appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment," "in an embodiment,"
and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not
necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.
[0017] Generally speaking, pursuant to various embodiments,
systems, devices and methods are provided for assistance of persons
at a shopping facility. Generally, assistance may be provided to
customers or shoppers at the facility and/or to workers at the
facility. The facility may be any type of shopping facility at a
location in which products for display and/or for sale are
variously distributed throughout the shopping facility space. The
shopping facility may be a retail sales facility, or any other type
of facility in which products are displayed and/or sold. The
shopping facility may include one or more of sales floor areas,
checkout locations (i.e., point of sale (POS) locations), customer
service areas other than checkout locations (such as service areas
to handle returns), parking locations, entrance and exit areas,
stock room areas, stock receiving areas, hallway areas, common
areas shared by merchants, and so on. Generally, a shopping
facility includes areas that may be dynamic in terms of the
physical structures occupying the space or area and objects, items,
machinery and/or persons moving in the area. For example, the sales
floor area may include product storage units, shelves, racks,
modules, bins, etc., and other walls, dividers, partitions, etc.
that may be configured in different layouts or physical
arrangements. In other example, persons or other movable objects
may be freely and independently traveling through the shopping
facility space. And in another example, the persons or movable
objects move according to known travel patterns and timing. The
facility may be any size of format facility, and may include
products from one or more merchants. For example, a facility may be
a single store operated by one merchant or may be a collection of
stores covering multiple merchants such as a mall. Generally, the
system makes use of automated, robotic mobile devices, e.g.,
motorized transport units, that are capable of self-powered
movement through a space of the shopping facility and providing any
number of functions. Movement and operation of such devices may be
controlled by a central computer system or may be autonomously
controlled by the motorized transport units themselves. Various
embodiments provide one or more user interfaces to allow various
users to interact with the system including the automated mobile
devices and/or to directly interact with the automated mobile
devices. In some embodiments, the automated mobile devices and the
corresponding system serve to enhance a customer shopping
experience in the shopping facility, e.g., by assisting shoppers
and/or workers at the facility.
[0018] In some embodiments, a shopping facility personal assistance
system comprises: a plurality of motorized transport units located
in and configured to move through a shopping facility space; a
plurality of user interface units, each corresponding to a
respective motorized transport unit during use of the respective
motorized transport unit; and a central computer system having a
network interface such that the central computer system wirelessly
communicates with one or both of the plurality of motorized
transport units and the plurality of user interface units, wherein
the central computer system is configured to control movement of
the plurality of motorized transport units through the shopping
facility space based at least on inputs from the plurality of user
interface units.
[0019] System Overview
[0020] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates
embodiments of a shopping facility assistance system 100 that can
serve to carry out at least some of the teachings set forth herein.
It will be understood that the details of this example are intended
to serve in an illustrative capacity and are not necessarily
intended to suggest any limitations as regards the present
teachings. It is noted that generally, FIGS. 1-5 describe the
general functionality of several embodiments of a system, and FIGS.
6-10 expand on some functionalities of some embodiments of the
system and/or embodiments independent of such systems.
[0021] In the example of FIG. 1, a shopping assistance system 100
is implemented in whole or in part at a shopping facility 101.
Generally, the system 100 includes one or more motorized transport
units (MTUs) 102; one or more item containers 104; a central
computer system 106 having at least one control circuit 108, at
least one memory 110 and at least one network interface 112; at
least one user interface unit 114; a location determination system
116; at least one video camera 118; at least one motorized
transport unit (MTU) dispenser 120; at least one motorized
transport unit (MTU) docking station 122; at least one wireless
network 124; at least one database 126; at least one user interface
computer device 128; an item display module 130; and a locker or an
item storage unit 132. It is understood that more or fewer of such
components may be included in different embodiments of the system
100.
[0022] These motorized transport units 102 are located in the
shopping facility 101 and are configured to move throughout the
shopping facility space. Further details regarding such motorized
transport units 102 appear further below. Generally speaking, these
motorized transport units 102 are configured to either comprise, or
to selectively couple to, a corresponding movable item container
104. A simple example of an item container 104 would be a shopping
cart as one typically finds at many retail facilities, or a rocket
cart, a flatbed cart or any other mobile basket or platform that
may be used to gather items for potential purchase.
[0023] In some embodiments, these motorized transport units 102
wirelessly communicate with, and are wholly or largely controlled
by, the central computer system 106. In particular, in some
embodiments, the central computer system 106 is configured to
control movement of the motorized transport units 102 through the
shopping facility space based on a variety of inputs. For example,
the central computer system 106 communicates with each motorized
transport unit 102 via the wireless network 124 which may be one or
more wireless networks of one or more wireless network types (such
as, a wireless local area network, a wireless personal area
network, a wireless mesh network, a wireless star network, a
wireless wide area network, a cellular network, and so on), capable
of providing wireless coverage of the desired range of the
motorized transport units 102 according to any known wireless
protocols, including but not limited to a cellular, Wi-Fi, Zigbee
or Bluetooth network.
[0024] By one approach the central computer system 106 is a
computer based device and includes at least one control circuit
108, at least one memory 110 and at least one wired and/or wireless
network interface 112. Such a control circuit 108 can comprise a
fixed-purpose hard-wired platform or can comprise a partially or
wholly programmable platform, such as a microcontroller, an
application specification integrated circuit, a field programmable
gate array, and so on. These architectural options are well known
and understood in the art and require no further description here.
This control circuit 108 is configured (for example, by using
corresponding programming stored in the memory 110 as will be well
understood by those skilled in the art) to carry out one or more of
the steps, actions, and/or functions described herein.
[0025] In this illustrative example the control circuit 108
operably couples to one or more memories 110. The memory 110 may be
integral to the control circuit 108 or can be physically discrete
(in whole or in part) from the control circuit 108 as desired. This
memory 110 can also be local with respect to the control circuit
108 (where, for example, both share a common circuit board,
chassis, power supply, and/or housing) or can be partially or
wholly remote with respect to the control circuit 108 (where, for
example, the memory 110 is physically located in another facility,
metropolitan area, or even country as compared to the control
circuit 108).
[0026] This memory 110 can serve, for example, to non-transitorily
store the computer instructions that, when executed by the control
circuit 108, cause the control circuit 108 to behave as described
herein. (As used herein, this reference to "non-transitorily" will
be understood to refer to a non-ephemeral state for the stored
contents (and hence excludes when the stored contents merely
constitute signals or waves) rather than volatility of the storage
media itself and hence includes both non-volatile memory (such as
read-only memory (ROM) as well as volatile memory (such as an
erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM).)
[0027] Additionally, at least one database 126 may be accessible by
the central computer system 106. Such databases may be integrated
into the central computer system 106 or separate from it. Such
databases may be at the location of the shopping facility 101 or
remote from the shopping facility 101. Regardless of location, the
databases comprise memory to store and organize certain data for
use by the central control system 106. In some embodiments, the at
least one database 126 may store data pertaining to one or more of:
shopping facility mapping data, customer data, customer shopping
data and patterns, inventory data, product pricing data, and so
on.
[0028] In this illustrative example, the central computer system
106 also wirelessly communicates with a plurality of user interface
units 114. These teachings will accommodate a variety of user
interface units including, but not limited to, mobile and/or
handheld electronic devices such as so-called smart phones and
portable computers such as tablet/pad-styled computers. Generally
speaking, these user interface units 114 should be able to
wirelessly communicate with the central computer system 106 via a
wireless network, such as the wireless network 124 of the shopping
facility 101 (such as a Wi-Fi wireless network). These user
interface units 114 generally provide a user interface for
interaction with the system. In some embodiments, a given motorized
transport unit 102 is paired with, associated with, assigned to or
otherwise made to correspond with a given user interface unit 114.
In some embodiments, these user interface units 114 should also be
able to receive verbally-expressed input from a user and forward
that content to the central computer system 106 or a motorized
transport unit 102 and/or convert that verbally-expressed input
into a form useful to the central computer system 106 or a
motorized transport unit 102.
[0029] By one approach at least some of the user interface units
114 belong to corresponding customers who have come to the shopping
facility 101 to shop. By another approach, in lieu of the foregoing
or in combination therewith, at least some of the user interface
units 114 belong to the shopping facility 101 and are loaned to
individual customers to employ as described herein. In some
embodiments, one or more user interface units 114 are attachable to
a given movable item container 104 or are integrated with the
movable item container 104. Similarly, in some embodiments, one or
more user interface units 114 may be those of shopping facility
workers, belong to the shopping facility 101 and are loaned to the
workers, or a combination thereof.
[0030] In some embodiments, the user interface units 114 may be
general purpose computer devices that include computer programming
code to allow it to interact with the system 106. For example, such
programming may be in the form of an application installed on the
user interface unit 114 or in the form of a browser that displays a
user interface provided by the central computer system 106 or other
remote computer or server (such as a web server). In some
embodiments, one or more user interface units 114 may be special
purpose devices that are programmed to primarily function as a user
interface for the system 100. Depending on the functionality and
use case, user interface units 114 may be operated by customers of
the shopping facility or may be operated by workers at the shopping
facility, such as facility employees (associates or colleagues),
vendors, suppliers, contractors, etc.
[0031] By one approach, the system 100 optionally includes one or
more video cameras 118. Captured video imagery from such a video
camera 118 can be provided to the central computer system 106. That
information can then serve, for example, to help the central
computer system 106 determine a present location of one or more of
the motorized transport units 102 and/or determine issues or
concerns regarding automated movement of those motorized transport
units 102 in the shopping facility space. As one simple example in
these regards, such video information can permit the central
computer system 106, at least in part, to detect an object in a
path of movement of a particular one of the motorized transport
units 102.
[0032] By one approach these video cameras 118 comprise existing
surveillance equipment employed at the shopping facility 101 to
serve, for example, various security purposes. By another approach
these video cameras 118 are dedicated to providing video content to
the central computer system 106 to facilitate the latter's control
of the motorized transport units 102. If desired, the video cameras
118 can have a selectively movable field of view and/or zoom
capability that the central computer system 106 controls as
appropriate to help ensure receipt of useful information at any
given moment.
[0033] In some embodiments, a location detection system 116 is
provided at the shopping facility 101. The location detection
system 116 provides input to the central computer system 106 useful
to help determine the location of one or more of the motorized
transport units 102. In some embodiments, the location detection
system 116 includes a series of light sources (e.g., LEDs
(light-emitting diodes)) that are mounted in the ceiling at known
positions throughout the space and that each encode data in the
emitted light that identifies the source of the light (and thus,
the location of the light). As a given motorized transport unit 102
moves through the space, light sensors (or light receivers) at the
motorized transport unit 102, on the movable item container 104
and/or at the user interface unit 114 receive the light and can
decode the data. This data is sent back to the central computer
system 106 which can determine the position of the motorized
transport unit 102 by the data of the light it receives, since it
can relate the light data to a mapping of the light sources to
locations at the facility 101. Generally, such lighting systems are
known and commercially available, e.g., the ByteLight system from
ByteLight of Boston, Mass. In embodiments using a ByteLight system,
a typical display screen of the typical smart phone device can be
used as a light sensor or light receiver to receive and process
data encoded into the light from the ByteLight light sources.
[0034] In other embodiments, the location detection system 116
includes a series of low energy radio beacons (e.g., Bluetooth low
energy beacons) at known positions throughout the space and that
each encode data in the emitted radio signal that identifies the
beacon (and thus, the location of the beacon). As a given motorized
transport unit 102 moves through the space, low energy receivers at
the motorized transport unit 102, on the movable item container 104
and/or at the user interface unit 114 receive the radio signal and
can decode the data. This data is sent back to the central computer
system 106 which can determine the position of the motorized
transport unit 102 by the location encoded in the radio signal it
receives, since it can relate the location data to a mapping of the
low energy radio beacons to locations at the facility 101.
Generally, such low energy radio systems are known and commercially
available. In embodiments using a Bluetooth low energy radio
system, a typical Bluetooth radio of a typical smart phone device
can be used as a receiver to receive and process data encoded into
the Bluetooth low energy radio signals from the Bluetooth low
energy beacons.
[0035] In still other embodiments, the location detection system
116 includes a series of audio beacons at known positions
throughout the space and that each encode data in the emitted audio
signal that identifies the beacon (and thus, the location of the
beacon). As a given motorized transport unit 102 moves through the
space, microphones at the motorized transport unit 102, on the
movable item container 104 and/or at the user interface unit 114
receive the audio signal and can decode the data. This data is sent
back to the central computer system 106 which can determine the
position of the motorized transport unit 102 by the location
encoded in the audio signal it receives, since it can relate the
location data to a mapping of the audio beacons to locations at the
facility 101. Generally, such audio beacon systems are known and
commercially available. In embodiments using an audio beacon
system, a typical microphone of a typical smart phone device can be
used as a receiver to receive and process data encoded into the
audio signals from the audio beacon.
[0036] Also optionally, the central computer system 106 can
operably couple to one or more user interface computers 128
(comprising, for example, a display and a user input interface such
as a keyboard, touch screen, and/or cursor-movement device). Such a
user interface computer 128 can permit, for example, a worker
(e.g., an associate, analyst, etc.) at the retail or shopping
facility 101 to monitor the operations of the central computer
system 106 and/or to attend to any of a variety of administrative,
configuration or evaluation tasks as may correspond to the
programming and operation of the central computer system 106. Such
user interface computers 128 may be at or remote from the location
of the facility 101 and may access one or more the databases
126.
[0037] In some embodiments, the system 100 includes at least one
motorized transport unit (MTU) storage unit or dispenser 120 at
various locations in the shopping facility 101. The dispenser 120
provides for storage of motorized transport units 102 that are
ready to be assigned to customers and/or workers. In some
embodiments, the dispenser 120 takes the form of a cylinder within
which motorized transports units 102 are stacked and released
through the bottom of the dispenser 120. Further details of such
embodiments are provided further below. In some embodiments, the
dispenser 120 may be fixed in location or may be mobile and capable
of transporting itself to a given location or utilizing a motorized
transport unit 102 to transport the dispenser 120, then dispense
one or more motorized transport units 102.
[0038] In some embodiments, the system 100 includes at least one
motorized transport unit (MTU) docking station 122. These docking
stations 122 provide locations where motorized transport units 102
can travel and connect to. For example, the motorized transport
units 102 may be stored and charged at the docking station 122 for
later use, and/or may be serviced at the docking station 122.
[0039] In accordance with some embodiments, a given motorized
transport unit 102 detachably connects to a movable item container
104 and is configured to move the movable item container 104
through the shopping facility space under control of the central
computer system 106 and/or the user interface unit 114. For
example, a motorized transport unit 102 can move to a position
underneath a movable item container 104 (such as a shopping cart, a
rocket cart, a flatbed cart, or any other mobile basket or
platform), align itself with the movable item container 104 (e.g.,
using sensors) and then raise itself to engage an undersurface of
the movable item container 104 and lift a portion of the movable
item container 104. Once the motorized transport unit is
cooperating with the movable item container 104 (e.g., lifting a
portion of the movable item container), the motorized transport
unit 102 can continue to move throughout the facility space 101
taking the movable item container 104 with it. In some examples,
the motorized transport unit 102 takes the form of the motorized
transport unit 202 of FIGS. 2A-3B as it engages and detachably
connects to a given movable item container 104. It is understood
that in other embodiments, the motorized transport unit 102 may not
lift a portion of the movable item container 104, but that it
removably latches to, connects to or otherwise attaches to a
portion of the movable item container 104 such that the movable
item container 104 can be moved by the motorized transport unit
102. For example, the motorized transport unit 102 can connect to a
given movable item container using a hook, a mating connector, a
magnet, and so on.
[0040] In addition to detachably coupling to movable item
containers 104 (such as shopping carts), in some embodiments,
motorized transport units 102 can move to and engage or connect to
an item display module 130 and/or an item storage unit or locker
132. For example, an item display module 130 may take the form of a
mobile display rack or shelving unit configured to house and
display certain items for sale. It may be desired to position the
display module 130 at various locations within the shopping
facility 101 at various times. Thus, one or more motorized
transport units 102 may move (as controlled by the central computer
system 106) underneath the item display module 130, extend upward
to lift the module 130 and then move it to the desired location. A
storage locker 132 may be a storage device where items for purchase
are collected and placed therein for a customer and/or worker to
later retrieve. In some embodiments, one or more motorized
transport units 102 may be used to move the storage locker to a
desired location in the shopping facility 101. Similar to how a
motorized transport unit engages a movable item container 104 or
item display module 130, one or more motorized transport units 102
may move (as controlled by the central computer system 106)
underneath the storage locker 132, extend upward to lift the locker
132 and then move it to the desired location.
[0041] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate some embodiments of a motorized
transport unit 202, similar to the motorized transport unit 102
shown in the system of FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the motorized
transport unit 202 takes the form of a disc-shaped robotic device
having motorized wheels (not shown), a lower body portion 204 and
an upper body portion 206 that fits over at least part of the lower
body portion 204. It is noted that in other embodiments, the
motorized transport unit may have other shapes and/or
configurations, and is not limited to disc-shaped. For example, the
motorized transport unit may be cubic, octagonal, triangular, or
other shapes, and may be dependent on a movable item container with
which the motorized transport unit is intended to cooperate. Also
included are guide members 208. In FIG. 2A, the motorized transport
unit 202 is shown in a retracted position in which the upper body
portion 206 fits over the lower body portion 204 such that the
motorized transport unit 202 is in its lowest profile orientation
which is generally the preferred orientation for movement when it
is unattached to a movable item container 104 for example. In FIG.
2B, the motorized transport unit 202 is shown in an extended
position in which the upper body portion 206 is moved upward
relative to the lower body portion 204 such that the motorized
transport unit 202 is in its highest profile orientation for
movement when it is lifting and attaching to a movable item
container 104 for example. The mechanism within the motorized
transport unit 202 is designed to provide sufficient lifting force
to lift the weight of the upper body portion 206 and other objects
to be lifted by the motorized transport unit 202, such as movable
item containers 104 and items placed within the movable item
container, item display modules 130 and items supported by the item
display module, and storage lockers 132 and items placed within the
storage locker. The guide members 208 are embodied as pegs or
shafts that extend horizontally from the both the upper body
portion 206 and the lower body portion 204. In some embodiments,
these guide members 208 assist docking the motorized transport unit
202 to a docking station 122 or a dispenser 120. In some
embodiments, the lower body portion 204 and the upper body portion
are capable to moving independently of each other. For example, the
upper body portion 206 may be raised and/or rotated relative to the
lower body portion 204. That is, one or both of the upper body
portion 206 and the lower body portion 204 may move toward/away
from the other or rotated relative to the other. In some
embodiments, in order to raise the upper body portion 206 relative
to the lower body portion 204, the motorized transport unit 202
includes an internal lifting system (e.g., including one or more
electric actuators or rotary drives or motors). Numerous examples
of such motorized lifting and rotating systems are known in the
art. Accordingly, further elaboration in these regards is not
provided here for the sake of brevity.
[0042] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate some embodiments of the motorized
transport unit 202 detachably engaging a movable item container
embodied as a shopping cart 302. In FIG. 3A, the motorized
transport unit 202 is in the orientation of FIG. 2A such that it is
retracted and able to move in position underneath a portion of the
shopping cart 302. Once the motorized transport unit 202 is in
position (e.g., using sensors), as illustrated in FIG. 3B, the
motorized transport unit 202 is moved to the extended position of
FIG. 2B such that the front portion 304 of the shopping cart is
lifted off of the ground by the motorized transport unit 202, with
the wheels 306 at the rear of the shopping cart 302 remaining on
the ground. In this orientation, the motorized transport unit 202
is able to move the shopping cart 302 throughout the shopping
facility. It is noted that in these embodiments, the motorized
transport unit 202 does not bear the weight of the entire cart 302
since the rear wheels 306 rest on the floor. It is understood that
in some embodiments, the motorized transport unit 202 may be
configured to detachably engage other types of movable item
containers, such as rocket carts, flatbed carts or other mobile
baskets or platforms.
[0043] FIG. 4 presents a more detailed example of some embodiments
of the motorized transport unit 102 of FIG. 1. In this example, the
motorized transport unit 102 has a housing 402 that contains
(partially or fully) or at least supports and carries a number of
components. These components include a control unit 404 comprising
a control circuit 406 that, like the control circuit 108 of the
central computer system 106, controls the general operations of the
motorized transport unit 102. Accordingly, the control unit 404
also includes a memory 408 coupled to the control circuit 406 and
that stores, for example, operating instructions and/or useful
data.
[0044] The control circuit 406 operably couples to a motorized
wheel system 410. This motorized wheel system 410 functions as a
locomotion system to permit the motorized transport unit 102 to
move within the aforementioned retail or shopping facility 101
(thus, the motorized wheel system 410 may more generically be
referred to as a locomotion system). Generally speaking, this
motorized wheel system 410 will include at least one drive wheel
(i.e., a wheel that rotates (around a horizontal axis) under power
to thereby cause the motorized transport unit 102 to move through
interaction with, for example, the floor of the shopping facility
101). The motorized wheel system 410 can include any number of
rotating wheels and/or other floor-contacting mechanisms as may be
desired and/or appropriate to the application setting.
[0045] The motorized wheel system 410 also includes a steering
mechanism of choice. One simple example in these regards comprises
one or more of the aforementioned wheels that can swivel about a
vertical axis to thereby cause the moving motorized transport unit
102 to turn as well.
[0046] Numerous examples of motorized wheel systems are known in
the art. Accordingly, further elaboration in these regards is not
provided here for the sake of brevity save to note that the
aforementioned control circuit 406 is configured to control the
various operating states of the motorized wheel system 410 to
thereby control when and how the motorized wheel system 410
operates.
[0047] In this illustrative example, the control circuit 406 also
operably couples to at least one wireless transceiver 412 that
operates according to any known wireless protocol. This wireless
transceiver 412 can comprise, for example, a Wi-Fi-compatible
and/or Bluetooth-compatible transceiver that can communicate with
the aforementioned central computer system 106 via the
aforementioned wireless network 124 of the shopping facility 101.
So configured the control circuit 406 of the motorized transport
unit 102 can provide information to the central computer system 106
and can receive information and/or instructions from the central
computer system 106. As one simple example in these regards, the
control circuit 406 can receive instructions from the central
computer system 106 regarding movement of the motorized transport
unit 102.
[0048] These teachings will accommodate using any of a wide variety
of wireless technologies as desired and/or as may be appropriate in
a given application setting. These teachings will also accommodate
employing two or more different wireless transceivers 412 if
desired.
[0049] The control circuit 406 also couples to one or more on-board
sensors 414. These teachings will accommodate a wide variety of
sensor technologies and form factors. By one approach at least one
such sensor 414 can comprise a light sensor or light receiver. When
the aforementioned location detection system 116 comprises a
plurality of light emitters disposed at particular locations within
the shopping facility 101, such a light sensor can provide
information that the control circuit 406 and/or the central
computer system 106 employs to determine a present location and/or
orientation of the motorized transport unit 102.
[0050] As another example, such a sensor 414 can comprise a
distance measurement unit configured to detect a distance between
the motorized transport unit 102 and one or more objects or
surfaces around the motorized transport unit 102 (such as an object
that lies in a projected path of movement for the motorized
transport unit 102 through the shopping facility 101). These
teachings will accommodate any of a variety of distance measurement
units including optical units and sound/ultrasound units. In one
example, a sensor 414 comprises a laser distance sensor device
capable of determining a distance to objects in proximity to the
sensor. In some embodiments, a sensor 414 comprises an optical
based scanning device to sense and read optical patterns in
proximity to the sensor, such as bar codes variously located on
structures in the shopping facility 101. In some embodiments, a
sensor 414 comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag
reader capable of reading RFID tags in proximity to the sensor.
Such sensors may be useful to determine proximity to nearby
objects, avoid collisions, orient the motorized transport unit at a
proper alignment orientation to engage a movable item container,
and so on.
[0051] The foregoing examples are intended to be illustrative and
are not intended to convey an exhaustive listing of all possible
sensors. Instead, it will be understood that these teachings will
accommodate sensing any of a wide variety of circumstances or
phenomena to support the operating functionality of the motorized
transport unit 102 in a given application setting.
[0052] By one optional approach an audio input 416 (such as a
microphone) and/or an audio output 418 (such as a speaker) can also
operably couple to the control circuit 406. So configured the
control circuit 406 can provide a variety of audible sounds to
thereby communicate with a user of the motorized transport unit
102, other persons in the vicinity of the motorized transport unit
102, or even other motorized transport units 102 in the area. These
audible sounds can include any of a variety of tones and other
non-verbal sounds. These audible sounds can also include, in lieu
of the foregoing or in combination therewith, pre-recorded or
synthesized speech.
[0053] The audio input 416, in turn, provides a mechanism whereby,
for example, a user provides verbal input to the control circuit
406. That verbal input can comprise, for example, instructions,
inquiries, or information. So configured, a user can provide, for
example, a question to the motorized transport unit 102 (such as,
"Where are the towels?"). The control circuit 406 can cause that
verbalized question to be transmitted to the central computer
system 106 via the motorized transport unit's wireless transceiver
412. The central computer system 106 can process that verbal input
to recognize the speech content and to then determine an
appropriate response. That response might comprise, for example,
transmitting back to the motorized transport unit 102 specific
instructions regarding how to move the motorized transport unit 102
(via the aforementioned motorized wheel system 410) to the location
in the shopping facility 101 where the towels are displayed.
[0054] In this example the motorized transport unit 102 includes a
rechargeable power source 420 such as one or more batteries. The
power provided by the rechargeable power source 420 can be made
available to whichever components of the motorized transport unit
102 require electrical energy. By one approach the motorized
transport unit 102 includes a plug or other electrically conductive
interface that the control circuit 406 can utilize to automatically
connect to an external source of electrical energy to thereby
recharge the rechargeable power source 420.
[0055] By one approach the motorized transport unit 102 comprises
an integral part of a movable item container 104 such as a grocery
cart. As used herein, this reference to "integral" will be
understood to refer to a non-temporary combination and joinder that
is sufficiently complete so as to consider the combined elements to
be as one. Such a joinder can be facilitated in a number of ways
including by securing the motorized transport unit housing 402 to
the item container using bolts or other threaded fasteners as
versus, for example, a clip.
[0056] These teachings will also accommodate selectively and
temporarily attaching the motorized transport unit 102 to an item
container 104. In such a case the motorized transport unit 102 can
include a movable item container coupling structure 422. By one
approach this movable item container coupling structure 422
operably couples to a control circuit 202 to thereby permit the
latter to control, for example, the latched and unlatched states of
the movable item container coupling structure 422. So configured,
by one approach the control circuit 406 can automatically and
selectively move the motorized transport unit 102 (via the
motorized wheel system 410) towards a particular item container
until the movable item container coupling structure 422 can engage
the item container to thereby temporarily physically couple the
motorized transport unit 102 to the item container. So latched, the
motorized transport unit 102 can then cause the item container to
move with the motorized transport unit 102. In embodiments such as
illustrated in FIGS. 2A-3B, the movable item container coupling
structure 422 includes a lifting system (e.g., including an
electric drive or motor) to cause a portion of the body or housing
402 to engage and lift a portion of the item container off of the
ground such that the motorized transport unit 102 can carry a
portion of the item container. In other embodiments, the movable
transport unit latches to a portion of the movable item container
without lifting a portion thereof off of the ground.
[0057] In either case, by combining the motorized transport unit
102 with an item container, and by controlling movement of the
motorized transport unit 102 via the aforementioned central
computer system 106, these teachings will facilitate a wide variety
of useful ways to assist both customers and associates in a
shopping facility setting. For example, the motorized transport
unit 102 can be configured to follow a particular customer as they
shop within the shopping facility 101. The customer can then place
items they intend to purchase into the item container that is
associated with the motorized transport unit 102.
[0058] In some embodiments, the motorized transport unit 102
includes an input/output (I/O) device 424 that is coupled to the
control circuit 406. The I/O device 424 allows an external device
to couple to the control unit 404. The function and purpose of
connecting devices will depend on the application. In some
examples, devices connecting to the I/O device 424 may add
functionality to the control unit 404, allow the exporting of data
from the control unit 404, allow the diagnosing of the motorized
transport unit 102, and so on.
[0059] In some embodiments, the motorized transport unit 102
includes a user interface 426 including for example, user inputs
and/or user outputs or displays depending on the intended
interaction with the user. For example, user inputs could include
any input device such as buttons, knobs, switches, touch sensitive
surfaces or display screens, and so on. Example user outputs
include lights, display screens, and so on. The user interface 426
may work together with or separate from any user interface
implemented at a user interface unit 114 (such as a smart phone or
tablet device).
[0060] The control unit 404 includes a memory 408 coupled to the
control circuit 406 and that stores, for example, operating
instructions and/or useful data. The control circuit 406 can
comprise a fixed-purpose hard-wired platform or can comprise a
partially or wholly programmable platform. These architectural
options are well known and understood in the art and require no
further description here. This control circuit 406 is configured
(for example, by using corresponding programming stored in the
memory 408 as will be well understood by those skilled in the art)
to carry out one or more of the steps, actions, and/or functions
described herein. The memory 408 may be integral to the control
circuit 406 or can be physically discrete (in whole or in part)
from the control circuit 406 as desired. This memory 408 can also
be local with respect to the control circuit 406 (where, for
example, both share a common circuit board, chassis, power supply,
and/or housing) or can be partially or wholly remote with respect
to the control circuit 406. This memory 408 can serve, for example,
to non-transitorily store the computer instructions that, when
executed by the control circuit 406, cause the control circuit 406
to behave as described herein. (As used herein, this reference to
"non-transitorily" will be understood to refer to a non-ephemeral
state for the stored contents (and hence excludes when the stored
contents merely constitute signals or waves) rather than volatility
of the storage media itself and hence includes both non-volatile
memory (such as read-only memory (ROM) as well as volatile memory
(such as an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM).)
[0061] It is noted that not all components illustrated in FIG. 4
are included in all embodiments of the motorized transport unit
102. That is, some components may be optional depending on the
implementation.
[0062] FIG. 5 illustrates a functional block diagram that may
generally represent any number of various electronic components of
the system 100 that are computer type devices. The computer device
500 includes a control circuit 502, a memory 504, a user interface
506 and an input/output (I/O) interface 508 providing any type of
wired and/or wireless connectivity to the computer device 500, all
coupled to a communication bus 510 to allow data and signaling to
pass therebetween. Generally, the control circuit 502 and the
memory 504 may be referred to as a control unit. The control
circuit 502, the memory 504, the user interface 506 and the I/O
interface 508 may be any of the devices described herein or as
understood in the art. The functionality of the computer device 500
will depend on the programming stored in the memory 504. The
computer device 500 may represent a high level diagram for one or
more of the central computer system 106, the motorized transport
unit 102, the user interface unit 114, the location detection
system 116, the user interface computer 128, the MTU docking
station 122 and the MTU dispenser 120, or any other device or
component in the system that is implemented as a computer
device.
[0063] Additional Features Overview
[0064] Referring generally to FIGS. 1-5, the shopping assistance
system 100 may implement one or more of several different features
depending on the configuration of the system and its components.
The following provides a brief description of several additional
features that could be implemented by the system. One or more of
these features could also be implemented in other systems separate
from embodiments of the system. This is not meant to be an
exhaustive description of all features and not meant to be an
exhaustive description of the details any one of the features.
Further details with regards to one or more features beyond this
overview may be provided herein.
[0065] Tagalong Steering: This feature allows a given motorized
transport unit 102 to lead or follow a user (e.g., a customer
and/or a worker) throughout the shopping facility 101. For example,
the central computer system 106 uses the location detection system
116 to determine the location of the motorized transport unit 102.
For example, LED smart lights (e.g., the ByteLight system) of the
location detection system 116 transmit a location number to smart
devices which are with the customer (e.g., user interface units
114), and/or on the item container 104/motorized transport unit
102. The central computer system 106 receives the LED location
numbers received by the smart devices through the wireless network
124. Using this information, in some embodiments, the central
computer system 106 uses a grid placed upon a 2D CAD map and 3D
point cloud model (e.g., from the databases 126) to direct, track,
and plot paths for the other devices. Using the grid, the motorized
transport unit 102 can drive a movable item container 104 in a
straight path rather than zigzagging around the facility. As the
user moves from one grid to another, the motorized transport unit
102 drives the container 104 from one grid to the other. In some
embodiments, as the user moves towards the motorized transport
unit, it stays still until the customer moves beyond an adjoining
grid.
[0066] Detecting Objects: In some embodiments, motorized transport
units 102 detect objects through several sensors mounted on
motorized transport unit 102, through independent cameras (e.g.,
video cameras 118), through sensors of a corresponding movable item
container 104, and through communications with the central computer
system 106. In some embodiments, with semi-autonomous capabilities,
the motorized transport unit 102 will attempt to avoid obstacles,
and if unable to avoid, it will notify the central computer system
106 of an exception condition. In some embodiments, using sensors
414 (such as distance measurement units, e.g., laser or other
optical-based distance measurement sensors), the motorized
transport unit 102 detects obstacles in its path, and will move to
avoid, or stop until the obstacle is clear.
[0067] Visual Remote Steering: This feature enables movement and/or
operation of a motorized transport unit 102 to be controlled by a
user on-site, off-site, or anywhere in the world. This is due to
the architecture of some embodiments where the central computer
system 106 outputs the control signals to the motorized transport
unit 102. These controls signals could have originated at any
device in communication with the central computer system 106. For
example, the movement signals sent to the motorized transport unit
102 may be movement instructions determined by the central computer
system 106; commands received at a user interface unit 114 from a
user; and commands received at the central computer system 106 from
a remote user not located at the shopping facility space.
[0068] Determining Location: Similar to that described above, this
feature enables the central computer system 106 to determine the
location of devices in the shopping facility 101. For example, the
central computer system 106 maps received LED light transmissions,
Bluetooth low energy radio signals or audio signals (or other
received signals encoded with location data) to a 2D map of the
shopping facility. Objects within the area of the shopping facility
are also mapped and associated with those transmissions. Using this
information, the central computer system 106 can determine the
location of devices such as motorized transport units.
[0069] Digital Physical Map Integration: In some embodiments, the
system 100 is capable of integrating 2D and 3D maps of the shopping
facility with physical locations of objects and workers. Once the
central computer system 106 maps all objects to specific locations
using algorithms, measurements and LED geo-location, for example,
grids are applied which sections off the maps into access ways and
blocked sections. Motorized transport units 102 use these grids for
navigation and recognition. In some cases, grids are applied to 2D
horizontal maps along with 3D models. In some cases, grids start at
a higher unit level and then can be broken down into smaller units
of measure by the central computer system 106 when needed to
provide more accuracy.
[0070] Calling a Motorized Transport Unit: This feature provides
multiple methods to request and schedule a motorized transport unit
102 for assistance in the shopping facility. In some embodiments,
users can request use of a motorized transport unit 102 through the
user interface unit 114. The central computer system 106 can check
to see if there is an available motorized transport unit. Once
assigned to a given user, other users will not be able to control
the already assigned transport unit. Workers, such as store
associates, may also reserve multiple motorized transport units in
order to accomplish a coordinated large job.
[0071] Locker Delivery: In some embodiments, one or more motorized
transport units 102 may be used to pick, pack, and deliver items to
a particular storage locker 132. The motorized transport units 102
can couple to and move the storage locker to a desired location. In
some embodiments, once delivered, the requestor will be notified
that the items are ready to be picked up, and will be provided the
locker location and locker security code key.
[0072] Route Optimization: In some embodiments, the central
computer system automatically generates a travel route for one or
more motorized transport units through the shopping facility space.
In some embodiments, this route is based on one or more of a user
provided list of items entered by the user via a user interface
unit 114; user selected route preferences entered by the user via
the user interface unit 114; user profile data received from a user
information database (e.g., from one of databases 126); and product
availability information from a retail inventory database (e.g.,
from one of databases 126). In some cases, the route intends to
minimize the time it takes to get through the facility, and in some
cases, may route the shopper to the least busy checkout area.
Frequently, there will be multiple possible optimum routes. The
route chosen may take the user by things the user is more likely to
purchase (in case they forgot something), and away from things they
are not likely to buy (to avoid embarrassment). That is, routing a
customer through sporting goods, women's lingerie, baby food, or
feminine products, who has never purchased such products based on
past customer behavior would be non-productive, and potentially
embarrassing to the customer. In some cases, a route may be
determined from multiple possible routes based on past shopping
behavior, e.g., if the customer typically buys a cold Diet Coke
product, children's shoes or power tools, this information would be
used to add weight to the best alternative routes, and determine
the route accordingly.
[0073] Store Facing Features: In some embodiments, these features
enable functions to support workers in performing store functions.
For example, the system can assist workers to know what products
and items are on the shelves and which ones need attention. For
example, using 3D scanning and point cloud measurements, the
central computer system can determine where products are supposed
to be, enabling workers to be alerted to facing or zoning of issues
along with potential inventory issues.
[0074] Phone Home: This feature allows users in a shopping facility
101 to be able to contact remote users who are not at the shopping
facility 101 and include them in the shopping experience. For
example, the user interface unit 114 may allow the user to place a
voice call, a video call, or send a text message. With video call
capabilities, a remote person can virtually accompany an in-store
shopper, visually sharing the shopping experience while seeing and
talking with the shopper. One or more remote shoppers may join the
experience.
[0075] Returns: In some embodiments, the central computer system
106 can task a motorized transport unit 102 to keep the returns
area clear of returned merchandise. For example, the transport unit
may be instructed to move a cart from the returns area to a
different department or area. Such commands may be initiated from
video analytics (the central computer system analyzing camera
footage showing a cart full), from an associate command (digital or
verbal), or on a schedule, as other priority tasks allow. The
motorized transport unit 102 can first bring an empty cart to the
returns area, prior to removing a full one.
[0076] Bring a Container: One or more motorized transport units can
retrieve a movable item container 104 (such as a shopping cart) to
use. For example, upon a customer or worker request, the motorized
transport unit 102 can re-position one or more item containers 104
from one location to another. In some cases, the system instructs
the motorized transport unit where to obtain an empty item
container for use. For example, the system can recognize an empty
and idle item container that has been abandoned or instruct that
one be retrieved from a cart storage area. In some cases, the call
to retrieve an item container may be initiated through a call
button placed throughout the facility, or through the interface of
a user interface unit 114.
[0077] Respond to Voice Commands: In some cases, control of a given
motorized transport unit is implemented through the acceptance of
voice commands. For example, the user may speak voice commands to
the motorized transport unit 102 itself and/or to the user
interface unit 114. In some embodiments, a voice print is used to
authorize to use of a motorized transport unit 102 to allow voice
commands from single user at a time.
[0078] Retrieve Abandoned Item Containers: This feature allows the
central computer system to track movement of movable item
containers in and around the area of the shopping facility 101,
including both the sale floor areas and the back-room areas. For
example, using visual recognition through store cameras 118 or
through user interface units 114, the central computer system 106
can identify abandoned and out-of-place movable item containers. In
some cases, each movable item container has a transmitter or smart
device which will send a unique identifier to facilitate tracking
or other tasks and its position using LED geo-location
identification. Using LED geo-location identification with the
Determining Location feature through smart devices on each cart,
the central computer system 106 can determine the length of time a
movable item container 104 is stationary.
[0079] Stocker Assistance: This feature allows the central computer
system to track movement of merchandise flow into and around the
back-room areas. For example, using visual recognition and captured
images, the central computer system 106 can determine if carts are
loaded or not for moving merchandise between the back room areas
and the sale floor areas. Tasks or alerts may be sent to workers to
assign tasks.
[0080] Self-Docking: Motorized transport units 102 will run low or
out of power when used. Before this happens, the motorized
transport units 102 need to recharge to stay in service. According
to this feature, motorized transport units 102 will self-dock and
recharge (e.g., at a MTU docking station 122) to stay at maximum
efficiency, when not in use. When use is completed, the motorized
transport unit 102 will return to a docking station 122. In some
cases, if the power is running low during use, a replacement
motorized transport unit can be assigned to move into position and
replace the motorized transport unit with low power. The transition
from one unit to the next can be seamless to the user.
[0081] Item Container Retrieval: With this feature, the central
computer system 106 can cause multiple motorized transport units
102 to retrieve abandoned item containers from exterior areas such
as parking lots. For example, multiple motorized transport units
are loaded into a movable dispenser, e.g., the motorized transport
units are vertically stacked in the dispenser. The dispenser is
moved to the exterior area and the transport units are dispensed.
Based on video analytics, it is determined which item containers
104 are abandoned and for how long. A transport unit will attach to
an abandoned cart and return it to a storage bay.
[0082] Motorized Transport Unit Dispenser: This feature provides
the movable dispenser that contains and moves a group of motorized
transport units to a given area (e.g., an exterior area such as a
parking lot) to be dispensed for use. For example, motorized
transport units can be moved to the parking lot to retrieve
abandoned item containers 104. In some cases, the interior of the
dispenser includes helically wound guide rails that mate with the
guide member 208 to allow the motorized transport units to be
guided to a position to be dispensed.
[0083] Specialized Module Retrieval: This feature allows the system
100 to track movement of merchandise flow into and around the sales
floor areas and the back-room areas including special modules that
may be needed to move to the sales floor. For example, using video
analytics, the system can determine if a modular unit it loaded or
empty. Such modular units may house items that are of seasonal or
temporary use on the sales floor. For example, when it is raining,
it is useful to move a module unit displaying umbrellas from a back
room area (or a lesser accessed area of the sales floor) to a
desired area of the sales floor area.
[0084] Authentication: This feature uses a voice imprint with an
attention code/word to authenticate a user to a given motorized
transport unit. One motorized transport unit can be swapped for
another using this authentication. For example, a token is used
during the session with the user. The token is a unique identifier
for the session which is dropped once the session is ended. A
logical token may be a session id used by the application of the
user interface unit 114 to establish the session id when user logs
on and when deciding to do use the system 100. In some embodiments,
communications throughout the session are encrypted using SSL or
other methods at transport level.
Further Details of Some Embodiments
[0085] In accordance with some embodiments, further details are now
provided for one or more of these and other features. For example,
generally speaking, pursuant to various embodiments, systems,
apparatuses, processes and methods are provided herein that provide
motorized transport units at a shopping facility that aid customers
in their shopping experience. Further, the motorized transport
units may, in some embodiments, help shopping facility associates,
shopping facility colleague, etc. in performing multiple different
tasks, such as moving products from a storage area to the customer
accessible shopping floor, identifying products that need to be
addressed, moving movable item containers, and numerous other
tasks. Each of the motorized transport units typically include one
or more batteries, capacitors, and/or other such electrical power
storage units that provide electrical power to the motorized
transport unit to allow the transport unit to move through the
shopping facility. The batteries, capacitors or the like are
typically rechargeable to allow the motorized transport units to be
repeatedly used.
[0086] Referring back to FIG. 1, in some embodiments shopping
facility assistance system 100 includes one or more docking
stations 122 and/or dispensers 120 (where a docking station and/or
a dispenser may be referred to generally as a recharge station).
The central computer system 106, in part, is configured to monitor
motorized transport unit status information, location information,
recharge station status information, recharge station location
information, mappings, and when and whether motorized transport
units are to be recharged. In some embodiments, a motorized
transport unit can be directed to an available recharge station in
response to a determination that the stored power levels are below
a threshold. Similarly, the central computer system may direct a
first motorized transport unit to decouple or detach from a movable
item container so that it can cooperate with a recharge station,
while further directing a second motorized transport unit to take
the place of the first motorized transport unit and couple with the
movable item container to allow a customer to continue a shopping
experience without interruption due to a low power and/or failing
motorized transport unit.
[0087] The shopping assistance system 100 may be utilized with a
single shopping facility (e.g., such as a store location, shopping
mall, retail campus or the like), while in other implementations,
the shopping assistance system may extend across multiple shopping
facility locations. For simplicity, the embodiments herein are
described with respect to a single shopping facility. It will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art that some embodiments can
be applicable to multiple shopping facilities and/or the management
of cooperative shopping experiences at one or more shopping
facilities. Further, the shopping assistance system may be operated
local at a shopping facility location or remote from the shopping
facility location.
[0088] As described above and further below, the motorized
transport units 102 are self-propelled and configured to move
themselves throughout at least some, if not all of the shopping
facility. Typically, the motorized transport units 102 wirelessly
receive commands, instructions, route information and/or mapping
information from the central computer system, which may include a
location controller and/or route controller that can direct the
motorized transport units to desired locations and/or along desired
routes within or outside of the shopping facility. Further, in some
embodiments, the motorized transport units 102 are configured to be
fixed with or removably coupled with the movable item containers
104 to move the movable item containers throughout authorized areas
of the shopping facility, and in some instances outside of the
shopping facility. The movable item containers 104 are configured
to be used by customers and/or shopping facility associates or
other employees in transporting products through the shopping
facility. For example, in some embodiments, the movable item
containers can be baskets, bins, wheeled carts, wheeled pallets,
advertising systems, and/or other such movable item containers. For
simplicity, the embodiments below are described with respect to
carts or shopping carts. It will be appreciated by those skilled in
the art, however, that the movable item containers are not limited
to carts, but can be other objects configured to carry
products.
[0089] In some embodiments, the motorized transport units 102
and/or the movable item containers 104 provide information to the
central computer system 106 to at least allow the central computer
system to facilitate the association of the customers. Typically,
the motorized transport units 102 are configured with one or more
detection systems (e.g., sensors, detectors, measurement systems,
etc.) that can provide relevant information to the central computer
system (e.g., location information, movement information, product
information, video content, and other such information).
[0090] FIG. 6 shows a simplified block diagram of an exemplary
motorized transport unit 602, in accordance with some embodiments.
The motorized transport unit includes one or more control circuit
404, memory 408, input/output (I/O) interfaces or devices 424 and
motorized wheel systems 410. Some embodiments further include a
user interface 426. Still further, the motorized transport unit may
also include one or more sensors and/or measurement units, such as
but not limited to one or more distance measurement units 606,
light receiver units 612, optical and/or machine readable code
readers 614, movement tracker units 618, location controller 620,
camera and/or video recording unit 624, audio sensors and/or
recorders, and/or other such sensors and measurement units, and
typically a combination of two or more of such sensors. In some
embodiments, the motorized transport unit 602 may include one or
more tags 622 or other device that may be detectable, such as by
location tracking units located at one or more positions throughout
the shopping facility, by one or more movable item containers 104,
or by other systems of the shopping assistance system 100. In some
embodiments, the tag 622 is an RFID tag or other tag, and can in
some instances provide a unique identifier of the motorized
transport unit. A recharge coupler 626 is typically also included
with the motorized transport unit. The recharge coupler is
configured to allow the motorized transport unit to temporarily
electrically couple with a recharge station to recharge one or more
power storage devices of the motorized transport unit (e.g.,
battery, capacitor, etc.).
[0091] The control circuit 404 typically comprises one or more
processors and/or microprocessors. The memory 408 stores the
operational code or set of instructions that is executed by the
control circuit 404 and/or processor to implement the functionality
of the motorized transport unit 602. In some embodiments, the
memory 408 may also store some or all of particular data that may
be needed to make any of the associations, determinations,
measurements and/or communications described herein. Such data may
be pre-stored in the memory, received from an external source
(e.g., the central computer system 106), be determined, and/or
communicated to the motorized transport unit, such as from the
movable item container 104, a user interface unit 114, other source
or combination of such sources. It is understood that the control
circuit 404 and/or processor may be implemented as one or more
processor devices as are well known in the art. Similarly, the
memory 408 may be implemented as one or more memory devices as are
well known in the art, such as one or more processor readable
and/or computer readable media and can include volatile and/or
nonvolatile media, such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory and/or
other memory technology. Further, the memory 408 is shown as
internal to the motorized transport unit 602; however, the memory
408 can be internal, external or a combination of internal and
external memory. Additionally, the motorized transport unit
typically includes a power supply (not shown). While FIG. 6
illustrates the various components being coupled together via a
bus, it is understood that the various components may actually be
coupled to the control circuit 404 and/or one or more other
components directly.
[0092] Generally, the control circuit 404 and/or electronic
components of the motorized transport unit 602 can comprise
fixed-purpose hard-wired platforms or can comprise a partially or
wholly programmable platform. These architectural options are well
known and understood in the art and require no further description
here. The motorized transport unit and/or control circuit can be
configured (for example, by using corresponding programming as will
be well understood by those skilled in the art) to carry out one or
more of the steps, actions, and/or functions described herein.
[0093] The control circuit 404 and the memory 408 may be integrated
together, such as in a microcontroller, application specification
integrated circuit, field programmable gate array or other such
device, or may be separate devices coupled together. The I/O device
424 allows wired and/or wireless communication coupling of the
motorized transport unit to external components, such as the
central computer system 106, the user interface units 114, the
movable item containers 104, and other such components. Typically,
the I/O device 424 provides at least wireless communication (e.g.,
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, RF, and/or other such wireless
communication), and in some instances may include any known wired
and/or wireless interfacing device, circuit and/or connecting
device.
[0094] The user interface 426 may be used for user input and/or
output (e.g., audio and/or visual, display, etc.). For example, the
user interface 426 may include any known input devices, such one or
more buttons, knobs, selectors, switches, keys, touch input
surfaces, audio input unit, and/or displays, etc. Additionally, the
user interface may include one or more output display devices, such
as lights, visual indicators, display screens, etc. to convey
information to a user, such as local customer information, remote
customer information (e.g., identification, contact information,
etc.), shopping or product list information (e.g., local and/or
remote customer shopping lists), product information, video content
(e.g., video from the remote customer, product video information,
etc.), other communication information (e.g., text messages,
emails, etc.), status information, location information, mapping
information, product location information, operating status
information, notifications, errors, conditions, advertising,
product recommendations, and/or other such information. Similarly,
the user interface in some embodiments may include audio units
and/or systems that can receive audio commands or requests verbally
issued by a customer, and/or output audio content (e.g., audio from
the remote customer, information about a product, information about
a route through the shopping facility, advertising, and other such
audio content).
[0095] The motorized transport unit 602 further includes the
motorized wheel system 410 or locomotion system that includes and
controls one or more motors of the motorized transport unit to at
least cause the motorized transport unit to move throughout one or
more areas within and/or exterior to the shopping facility.
Typically, the motorized wheel system controls the one or more
motors in accordance with one or more commands, position
information, mapping coordinates, destination locations and the
like. In some embodiments, the central computer system 106 and/or a
location controller is configured to issue movement commands based
on a determined and/or predicted location of the motorized
transport unit. The motorized wheel system 410 can control the one
or more motors to implement the one or more movement commands. In
some embodiments, the motorized transport unit further includes the
movement tracker unit 618 that is configured to track one or more
parameters corresponding to the movement and/or orientation of the
motorized transport unit. For example, the movement tracker unit
may include and/or communicate with one or more accelerometers,
gyroscopes, compasses, wheel or tread velocity or rate meters,
odometer based on wheel and/or tread movement, compass sensor,
global positioning satellite (GPS) information, Wi-Fi signal
evaluation, and/or other such movement detectors. These parameters
can be used in determining, predicting, and/or fine tuning a
location of the motorized transport unit.
[0096] In some embodiments, the motorized transport unit 602
includes one or more distance measurement units 606 configured to
measure relative distances between the motorized transport unit and
one or more external objects. For example, the distance measurement
unit can be used to measure relative distances between the
motorized transport unit and a shelf or rack within the shopping
facility, another motorized transport unit, a wall, a structural
support column, movable item containers, the customer associated
with the motorized transport unit, other customers not associated
with the motorized transport unit, and/or substantially any other
external object. In some implementations the motorized transport
unit includes a laser distance measurement unit that uses one or
more lasers to measure distances between the motorized transport
unit and an external object. Further, in some embodiments, the
motorized transport unit includes multiple distance measurement
units positioned to measure distances around the motorized
transport unit. In other implementations, one or more distance
measurement units may be capable of measure distances at multiple
different directions or angles. The measured relative distance
information can be communicated to the remote central computer
system 106 allowing the remote central computer system to track
movement of the motorized transport unit and/or use the distance
information to determine a current and/or predicted location of the
motorized transport unit and provide movement instructions.
[0097] In some embodiments, the motorized transport unit 602
includes one or more light receiver units and/or light source
identifiers configured to detect light from one or more light
sources and extract and/or determine a unique light source
identifier from the detected light. The light is typically received
from predefined light sources that emit light with encoded unique
light source identifiers within the emitted light. The light
receiver unit 612 detects the light and extracts the unique light
source identifier encoded in the emitted light. As a further
example, a signal can be encoded in the light output from one or
more LED or bulb light sources. The light receiver unit 612, which
in some instances can comprise one or more cameras, light sensors,
photodiodes, etc., detects and decodes this signal to obtain a
light source identifier and/or location information that can be
used in determining a position relative to the light source.
Similarly, other light receiver units or devices can alternatively
or additionally be used such as a camera on a user interface unit
114, a light receiver unit on other devices (e.g., movable item
container, detectors carried by shopping facility associates, etc.)
to detect the light source identifiers and/or signals. The detected
light source identifier can, in some implementations, be
communicated to the central computer system 106 to potentially be
used in determining a location of the motorized transport unit
based on a known location of the light source associated with the
detected light source identifier. The location information can
include, for example coordinates, grid information or other such
information that typically correspond with a shopping facility
mapping.
[0098] The camera and/or video recording unit 624 (referred to
below generally as the video recording unit) can include one or
more cameras configured to capture images and/or video content of
products and other aspects of the shopping facility that can be
communicated to the remote customer's user interface unit to allow
the remote customer to visually see at least portions of products
and/or the shopping facility to enhance the remote customer's
cooperative shopping experience. The camera 624 may be activated by
default (such as upon association with a remote customer), while in
other instances the video recording unit may be activated in
response to a command from the local customer, the central computer
system, the remote customer or the like. Similarly, the video
recording unit may be active for an extended period of time, such
as once activated it is maintained active unit the local or remote
customer is disassociated with the corresponding motorized
transport unit and/or the movable item container; or may be
activated for a limited time to provide a remote customer with a
picture or relatively short video and then shut down until a
subsequent command to activate. Still further, different commands
may be used to implement a temporary activation and an extended
activation. In some embodiments, the central computer system and/or
the motorized transport unit may track movements of the local
customer in identifying relevant product information and/or
identify how to direct the one or more video recording units (e.g.,
motors that can move the cameras, motors to move the motorized
transport unit, etc.) to capture video consistent with the local
customer's movements and/or the products being considered by the
local customer. Some embodiments may additionally or alternatively
include one or more audio sensors, audio detection system and/or
audio output systems. The audio system, similar to the camera, may
be activated by default (such as upon association with a remote
customer), while in other instances the video recording unit may be
activated in response to a command from the local customer, the
central computer system, the remote customer or the like. In some
embodiments, the central computer system and/or the motorized
transport unit may track movements of the local customer in
identifying relevant product information and/or identify how to
direct the one or more audio recording units to capture audio
consistent. In some instances, for example, the audio system may
receive voice commands that allow the motorized transport unit
and/or the central computer system to identify corresponding
instructions be implemented by the motorized transport unit.
[0099] FIG. 7 shows a simplified block diagram of an exemplary
recharge station 700, in accordance with some embodiments. As
described above and further below, in some embodiments, the
recharge station 700 is or is part of a docking station 122, a
dispenser 120, or is a separate recharging station. The recharge
station includes a control circuit 702, memory 704, one or more
input/output (I/O) interfaces 708, and one or more recharge
couplers 726. In some embodiments, the recharge station includes
one or more user interfaces 710.
[0100] Further, in some embodiments, the recharge station may also
include one or more sensors and/or measurement units, such as but
not limited to one or more distance measurement units 706, light
receiver units 712, optical and/or machine readable code readers
714, movement tracker units 718, camera and/or video recording unit
724, audio sensors and/or recorders, and/or other such sensors and
measurement units, and typically a combination of two or more of
such sensors. In some embodiments, a recharge station may include
one or more tags 722 or other device that may be detectable, such
as by location tracking units located at one or more positions
throughout the shopping facility, by one or more motorized
transport units, movable item containers 104, or by other devices
at the shopping facility. In some embodiments, the tag 622 is an
RFID tag or other tag, and can in some instances provide a unique
identifier of the motorized transport unit.
[0101] The recharge coupler 726 is configured to couple at least
with the recharge coupler 626 of a motorized transport unit 102,
and typically a plurality if not all of the motorized transport
units at a shopping facility. As such, the recharge coupler 726
allows the motorized transport unit to temporarily electrically
couple with the recharge station 700 to recharge one or more power
storage devices of the motorized transport unit (e.g., battery,
capacitor, etc.). The recharge station further includes one or more
electrical power sources (not shown) or it may receive power from
an external source. In some implementations, the recharge station
includes one or more batteries, capacitors, or other such power
storage devices, or combinations of such power storage devices that
can be used to power the recharge station and/or supply electrical
power to a motorized transport unit in charging one or more power
storage devices of the motorized transport unit. As further
described herein, in some implementations, the recharge station is
configured to utilize electrical power stored in one or more other
motorized transport units cooperated with the recharge station in
charging a first motorized transport unit. In some embodiments, the
recharge coupler 726 is positioned such that it is not readily
accessible to humans providing added safety to the recharge
station.
[0102] The control circuit 702 of the recharge station 700
typically comprises one or more processors and/or microprocessors.
Generally, the memory 704 stores the operational code or set of
instructions that is executed by the control circuit 702 and/or
processor to implement the functionality of the recharge station.
In some embodiments, the memory 704 may also store some or all of
particular data that may be needed to determine a current location
of recharge station, identify a motorized transport unit,
communicate with the central computer system, communicate with one
or more motorized transport units electrically and/or
communicationally coupled with the recharge station, track
recharging of one or more motorized transport units, track power
levels of one or more motorized transport units couple with the
recharge station, track one or more power levels of local power
storage sources or devices of the recharge station, and the like.
Such data may be pre-stored in the memory or be determined, for
example, from detected measurements, light and the like, and/or
communicated to the recharge station, such as from the central
computer system 106, a motorized transport unit, a user interface
unit 114, other source or combination of such sources. It is
understood that the control circuit 702 and/or processor may be
implemented as one or more processor devices as are well known in
the art. Similarly, the memory 704 may be implemented as one or
more memory devices as are well known in the art, such as one or
more processor readable and/or computer readable media and can
include volatile and/or nonvolatile media, such as RAM, ROM,
EEPROM, flash memory and/or other memory technology. Further, the
memory 704 is shown as internal to the recharge station; however,
the memory 704 can be internal, external or a combination of
internal and external memory. While FIG. 7 illustrates the various
components being coupled together via a bus, it is understood that
the various components may actually directly couple with the
control circuit 702 and/or one or more other components.
[0103] Generally, the control circuit 702 and/or electronic
components of the recharge station can comprise fixed-purpose
hard-wired platforms or can comprise a partially or wholly
programmable platform. Again, these architectural options are well
known and understood in the art and require no further description
here. The motorized transport unit and/or control circuit can be
configured (for example, by using corresponding programming as will
be well understood by those skilled in the art) to carry out one or
more of the steps, actions, and/or functions described herein.
[0104] The control circuit 702 can be configured, in part, to
provide overall control and/or coordinate operation of the
components of the recharge station. For example, the control
circuit 702 can implement code to determine a current location of
recharge station, identify a motorized transport unit, communicate
with the central computer system, communicate with one or more
motorized transport units electrically and/or communicationally
coupled with the recharge station, track recharging of one or more
motorized transport units, track power levels of one or more
motorized transport units couple with the recharge station, track
one or more power levels of local power storage sources or devices
of the recharge station, obtain data from one or more sensors,
evaluate sensor data, and the like.
[0105] The user interface 710 can be included and/or coupled with
the recharge station, which may be used for user input and output.
For example, the user interface 710 may include any known input
devices, such one or more buttons, knobs, selectors, switches,
keys, touch input surfaces, audio unit, and/or displays, etc.
Additionally, the user interface may include one or more output
audio and/or display devices, such as lights, visual indicators,
display screens, etc. to convey information to a user.
[0106] Referring back to FIG. 1, the central computer system 106 is
configured to monitor the multiple motorized transport units and
identify motorized transport units that have power levels that are
below at least a first power level threshold indicating that the
motorized transport unit should be cooperated with a docking
station, dispenser or other recharge station. In some instances,
the motorized transport units communicate their power levels to the
central computer system based on a schedule, periodically, in
response to power levels dropping below one or more power
thresholds, in response to power levels increasing due to charging
above one or more charging power thresholds, in response to a
request from the central computer system, or the like. Further, the
communication of the power level may be in response to a prediction
of when power levels are predicted to drop below one or more
threshold levels. The prediction can depend on one or more factors,
such as expected customer shopping duration, areas of the shopping
facility passed through during a shopping experience, shopping
list, expected products to be purchased by a customer, rate at
which power levels are dropping on the motorized transport unit,
other such factors, and typically a combination of such factors.
The recharge stations are configured to at least electrically
couple with one or more the motorized transport units to recharge
the motorized transport unit. Accordingly, the central computer
system can determine when to direct motorized transport units to
recharge stations, and to which recharge station a motorized
transport unit should be directed.
[0107] Typically, the shopping assistance system 100 includes
multiple docking stations that are distributed through the shopping
facility and the motorized transport units are not restricted to a
single docking station. Upon identifying a motorized transport unit
that should be recharged, the central computer system evaluates the
recharge stations to identify an available recharge station. The
identification of an available recharge station can be dependent on
one or more factors, including at least that a recharge station is
capable of electrically coupling with the motorized transport unit
at the time the central computer system intends to issue a
recharging command, which may be at a current time, scheduled by
the central computer system at a later time based for example on an
anticipated need to recharge, or the like. Additional or
alternative factors may be considered such as a proximity of the
recharge station to the motorized transport unit, a capability of
the low power motorized transport unit to transport itself to the
recharge station, a location of a second motorized transport unit
that may replace a first motorized transport unit, other such
factors, and typically a combination of such factors.
[0108] FIG. 8 illustrates a simplified flow diagram of an exemplary
process 800 implemented by the central computer system 106 in
issuing one or more commands to implement a recharging of one or
more motorized transport units in accordance with some embodiments.
In step 802, the control circuit of the central computer system 106
identifies available stored power levels at each of a plurality of
motorized transport units distributed through the shopping
facility. Typically, each of the motorized transport units
wirelessly communicates their power levels to the central computer
system 106. The power levels may be communicated in response to a
request wirelessly received from the central computer system, in
response to a schedule stored on the motorized transport unit, in
response to the control circuit of the motorized transport unit
detecting that the power level of the motorized transport unit has
dropped below a locally stored threshold level, or the like.
[0109] The central computer system is configured to evaluate the
power levels relative to one or more threshold power levels. For
example, the central computer system may evaluate a first threshold
that triggers the central computer system to flag the motorized
transport unit as in need of a recharging. Similarly, a second
threshold may indicate a higher priority status because the
motorized transport unit has been unable to be cooperated with a
recharge station for one or more reasons and the power level has
dropped below the second threshold that is lower than the first
threshold. A third threshold may be dependent on whether one or
more other motorized transport units may be available and/or within
a threshold distance that can be used to replace a motorized
transport unit having a power level that is below the third
threshold. Still further, a fourth threshold may be considered upon
a customer completing her/his use of a motorized transport unit. In
some instances, the fourth threshold may be higher than some other
thresholds because the motorized transport unit is no longer being
used and recharging would not interfere with a customer's shopping
experience. A fifth threshold may be set corresponding to when all
other motorized transport units are in use and a customer has
requested a motorized transport unit. A sixth threshold may be set
as dependent on an anticipated time or duration when a customer
using a motorized transport unit is predicted to be done with
her/his shopping experience. The anticipation can be based on an
evaluation of a customer profile, including typically shopping
durations, recent products purchased, a shopping list being used by
the customer, products already acquired by the customer when such
information is available, locations within the shopping facility
that the customer has already passed through relative to products
on a list and/or locations where the customer is anticipated to go
to based on a list, and other such factors. Other threshold may be
set based on one or more of such above factors and/or other
different factors.
[0110] In step 804, the control circuit 202 identifies one or more
available recharge stations, of a plurality of recharge stations
distributed throughout the shopping facility. In some instances,
the identification of the one or more recharge stations is relative
to a location of the motorized transport unit intended to be
subjected to recharging. In some embodiments, the control circuit
determines a location at the shopping facility of at least the
motorized transport unit of the plurality of motorized transport
units in need of a recharge. Further, the control circuit in
identifying the available recharge station is configured to
identify that the available recharge station is a closest recharge
station of the plurality of recharge stations to the motorized
transport unit and has an available coupling configured to couple
at least with the motorized transport unit to supply electrical
power to the motorized transport unit. Some embodiments take into
consideration alternative or additional factors, such as a power
level of the motorized transport unit, a location of the recharge
station, whether the recharge station can be moved to the motorized
transport unit, whether a replacement motorized transport unit is
available to take the place of the low power motorized transport
unit, whether a recharge station can deliver a replacement
motorized transport unit, or other such factors, and typically a
combination of two or more of such factors.
[0111] In step 806, one or more instructions are wirelessly
communicated to cause a motorized transport unit to cooperate with
an available recharge station. In some instances, the control
circuit causes one or more movement commands to be communicated to
the motorized transport unit to cause the motorized transport unit
to move itself consistent with the one or more commands toward an
intended recharge station. For example, the control circuit may
wirelessly communicate one or more instructions to a motorized
transport unit directing the motorized transport unit to implement
one or more physical movements through at least a portion of the
shopping facility such that the motorized transport unit approaches
the available recharge station. In some embodiments, the recharge
station may be movable. Accordingly, one or more movement commands
may additionally or alternatively be communicated to cause
movements to be implemented to move the recharge station consistent
with the one or more commands toward an intended motorized
transport unit. For example, one or more instructions can be
wirelessly communicated to the available recharge station directing
the available recharge station to implement one or more physical
movements through at least a portion of the shopping facility such
that the available recharge station approaches the first motorized
transport unit.
[0112] Again, in some implementations, the central computer system
106 monitors and/or manages the motorized transport units 102.
Accordingly, the central computer system take note of and/or
internally flag a motorized transport unit as unavailable or
temporarily out of availability inventory of motorized transport
units when the motorized transport unit is cooperated with a
recharge station. Similarly, the central computer system may set a
motorized transport unit status as being docked with a recharge
station. Further, the central computer system may estimate a down
time of the motorized transport unit based upon one or more
factors, such as past performance, past recharging, past recharging
at a particular recharge station, available power for recharging at
a mobile recharge station, other such factors, or combinations of
such factors. Accordingly, the central computer system may track
down times for each motorized transport unit. One or more logs,
reports or the like may be maintained and/or distributed (e.g., to
a shopping facility manager, maintenance department, a shopping
facility headquarters, and the like).
[0113] As introduced above, some embodiments direct a motorized
transport unit to take the place of a motorized transport unit with
a power level below a threshold. This allows low power motorized
transport unit cooperated with a customer and moving a movable item
container for the customer to be swapped out with another motorized
transport unit having a greater stored power in attempts to reduce
or eliminate issues that can adversely affect a customer's shopping
experience (e.g., having to change movable item containers, having
the customer manually move the motorized transport unit to a
recharge station, etc.). For example, in some embodiments, a
dispense command is communicated to a recharge station and/or a
motorized transport unit cooperated with the recharge station
instructing the station and/or motorized transport unit to dispense
a more fully charged motorized transport unit. Accordingly, the
dispense command in some implementations causes a more fully
charged motorized transport unit to be dispensed from a recharge
station such that the second motorized transport unit is dispensed
from the recharge station to removably couple with the movable item
container in place of the low power motorized transport unit such
that the higher charged motorized transport unit when coupled with
the movable item container is configured to move the movable item
container through one or more areas of the shopping facility.
[0114] In some embodiments, the recharge station includes one or
more motorized wheel systems to move the recharge station through
the shopping facility. In other embodiments, a motorized transport
unit cooperated with the recharge station is configured to operate
as a motorized wheel system of the recharge station such that the
motorized transport unit moves the recharge station. Accordingly,
in some implementations, the central computer system 106 is
configured to communicate one or more instructions to the motorized
transport unit cooperated with the available recharge station
directing the motorized transport unit to move the available
recharge station through at least a portion of the shopping
facility such that the available recharge station approaches and/or
couples with the low power motorized transport unit.
[0115] FIG. 9 shows a simplified block diagram of a recharge
docking station 922, in accordance with some embodiments. The
docking station includes one or more recharge couplers 726 that are
configured to electrically couple with one or more motorized
transport units and to supply electrical power to the motorized
transport unit to recharge one or more power sources internal to
the motorized transport unit. In some implementations, the docking
station 922 is configured to partially or fully receive one or more
motorized transport units 102 and electrically couple with the
motorized transport unit. The docking station recharges the one or
more motorized transport units while they are coupled with the
docking station. Further, as described herein, the docking station
may be in communication with the central computer system, for
example, to notify the central computer system that it is charging
a motorized transport unit, that a motorized transport unit is
fully charged, and/or that a motorized transport unit has decoupled
from the docking station such that a recharging connector is
available for an alternative motorized transport unit. Similarly,
the docking station may be in communication with the motorized
transport unit, such as to receive charge levels of the internal
power storage units of the motorized transport unit, an identifier
of the motorized transport unit, and/or other such communications.
Typically, the docking station is stationary and electrically
coupled with an electrical power of the shopping facility. Further,
the docking station may be positioned within the shopping facility
such that it is not readily accessible to customers of the shopping
facility to enhance safety.
[0116] FIG. 10 shows a simplified exposed view of a motorized
transport unit dispenser 1020 and/or mobile recharge docking
station, in accordance with some embodiments. The recharge
dispenser 1020 is configured to receive one or more motorized
transport units. In some implementations, one or more of the
motorized transport units may couple with a recharge coupler of the
dispenser 1020 to recharge the one or more motorized transport
units while they are positioned within the dispenser. Further, the
dispenser may be configured to cooperate with the one or more
motorized transport units such that a bottom most motorized
transport unit may extend from a bottom of the dispenser allowing
the bottom most motorized transport unit to move the dispenser. For
example, in some applications, the motorized transport unit is
configured to telescope to increase its height or at least to lift
the dispenser allowing the motorized transport unit to move the
dispenser.
[0117] Further, the central computer system may communicate
instructions to the bottom most motorized transport unit. In other
implementations, the movement instructions may be relayed through
the dispenser to the bottom most motorized transport unit.
Similarly, the central computer system 106 may issue instructions
that one or more motorized transport units within the movable
dispenser be dispensed from the dispenser. In some instances, the
bottom most motorized transport unit receives the dispensing
instruction and disengages from the dispenser in response to the
instruction. For example, the bottom most motorized transport unit
may de-telescoped reducing its height such that the dispenser is
supported by legs or stands 1024, and the reduced height is less
than the leg height or a distance between the floor and a bottom of
a storage compartment. The motorized transport unit can then
disengage from the dispenser 120 and move out from underneath the
dispenser and proceed to an instructed location within the shopping
facility (e.g., to replace a low power motorized transport unit,
cooperate with a movable item container, etc.).
[0118] Similar engagement instructions can be communicated to a low
power motorized transport unit to telescope and engage with the
dispenser. In some instances, when a power level of a motorized
transport unit to be engaged with a dispenser is below a threshold
(e.g., dispenser movement threshold), an additional motorized
transport unit already engaged with and/or within the dispenser is
dispensed allowing the low power motorized transport unit to engage
with the dispenser followed by the additional motorized transport
station reengaging with the dispenser to allow the additional
motorized transport unit to operate and move the dispenser through
the shopping facility.
[0119] The recharge coupler 626 of the motorized transport unit and
the recharge coupler 726 of the docking station or dispenser are
configured to cooperate to provide power at least from the docking
station or dispenser to the motorized transport unit. The coupling
can be through a plug system (e.g., the docking station includes
one or more plugs that can be extended to engage a receptacle on
the motorized transport unit), through contact between two
electrically conductive contacts (e.g., the dispenser may include
one or more charge bars extending up vertical, helically, or the
like, through an interior of the dispenser that is contacted by one
or more electrodes (e.g., retractable electrodes) of the motorized
transport unit), or other such coupling. In some implementations,
when the dispenser is movable, the dispenser includes a battery or
other electrical power storage device that can supply power to the
motorized transport unit. Additionally or alternatively, power from
one or more other motorized transport units may be used to charge
another motorized transport unit at the dispenser.
[0120] In some implementations, the docking station and the
dispenser may comprise a recharge controller that controls the
distribution of power between the one or more motorized transport
units and/or one or more internal power storage devices of the
docking station or dispenser. The dispenser may further temporarily
couple with an electrical source such as a docking station to
provide electrical power to the one or more motorized transport
units and/or to charge its internal power supply. Typically, the
one or more docking stations for the movable dispenser are fixed
and do not move. A motorized transport unit may move the movable
dispenser to the docking station. In some implementations, the
docking station may also be considered a fixed recharge station
configured to electrically couple with one or more movable
dispenser and motorized transport stations. Accordingly, in some
instances, the recharge coupler of the motorized transport unit is
similar to a recharge couple of the movable dispenser that is
configured to couple with the docking station. In this
configuration, the number of recharge stations can be increased by
providing the one or more movable dispenser and the one or more
fixed docking stations.
[0121] When one or more of the recharge stations are mobile (e.g.,
the dispenser 120), the central computer system can be further
configured to track the location of each of the movable recharge
stations. Using the location information of the recharge stations
and the motorized transport units, the central computer can
identify available recharge stations and routes to cooperate a low
power motorized transport units with the recharge station (e.g., a
docking station, dispenser, etc.), which can include communicating
instructions to the low power motorized transport unit, the movable
recharge station, a motorized transport unit moving a recharge
station, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the central
computers determines a location at the shopping facility of an
available recharge station (e.g., dispenser), where the available
recharge station is configured to move throughout at least a
portion of the shopping facility. A route can be determined by the
central computer system between the location of the available
recharge station and the location of the low power motorized
transport unit. One or more instructions can be communicated
consistent with the determined route. The communicated one or more
instructions are configured to cause physical movement by the low
power motorized transport unit, the recharge station, a secondary
motorized transport unit (e.g., moving the recharge station, to
retrieve the low power motorized transport unit, other such
movement, or a combination thereof) consistent with the determined
route. For example, in some embodiments, the control circuit can be
configured to communicate an instruction to the available recharge
station or a secondary motorized transport unit that can move the
recharge station, directing the available recharge station or
secondary motorized transport unit to implement one or more
physical movements consistent with the determined route through at
least a portion of the shopping facility such that the available
recharge station approaches the low power motorized transport unit.
Some embodiments combine the remote processing by the central
computer system of movement and/or routing for major routing
changes with the local processing on the motorized transport unit
that can perform minor routing changes in order to enable efficient
autonomous control of the motorized transport unit, such as to
avoid objects (e.g., based on information from one or more sensors,
board IR, sonic, camera sensors to look for minor obstructions to
route around). Additionally or alternatively, the motorized
transport unit may request the central computer system provide
major route changes, such as in response to detecting a chosen
route is blocked.
[0122] Again, in some instances, when a power level of a motorized
transport unit drops below a threshold, an alternative motorized
transport unit may be directed to replace the low power motorized
transport unit. For example, some embodiments identify a replacing
motorized transport unit, of the plurality of motorized transport
units, having a power level greater than a first power level
threshold. The first power level threshold may be based on a power
level of a motorized transport unit being replaced, based on an
expected duration of use of the replacement motorized transport
unit (e.g., based on a customer profile, customer shopping list,
locations the customer has already passed through at the shopping
facility, etc.). In some embodiments, a customer receives advanced
notice when the power level of the motorized transport unit drops
below a threshold informing the customer of potential recharging
needs of the motorized transport unit. The notice may inform the
customer with an estimated time remaining. Similarly, advanced
notice can be provided to the customer of potential motorized
transport unit swapping. For example, a user interface unit (e.g.,
smart device) on the movable item container 104 can audibly and/or
visually notify the customer. Similarly, the motorized transport
unit may notify the customer (e.g., display an out of service
notification), or a notification can be communicated to a user
interface unit carried by the customer (whether it is the
customer's or provided by the shopping facility).
[0123] Further, the central computer system and/or the low power
motorized transport unit may predict when the power level of the
low power motorized transport unit is expected to drop below a
threshold, such as a critical threshold where performance of the
motorized transport unit may start to deteriorate or a threshold
where the motorized transport unit may experience difficulty in
reaching a recharge station. Based on the predicted power level
dropping below the threshold, the central computer system can
direct the replacement motorized transport unit to take the place
of the low power transfer unit prior to the power level on the low
power motorized transport unit dropping below the critical
threshold. Further, it may be advantageous to maximize use of
motorized transport units to cause a swapping of motorized
transport units just prior to the power level of the low power
motorized unit dropping below the critical threshold. Again,
because a second motorized transport unit can couple with a movable
item container 104 in place of the low power motorized transport
unit a customer does not have to remove products from the cart or
switch carts, while still being able to take advantage of the help
and support provided by the motorized transport unit and/or central
computer system.
[0124] The central computer system can wirelessly communicate one
or more instructions including a replace instruction to cause the
replacement motorized transport unit to move through at least a
portion of the shopping facility and to removably couple with the
movable item container in place of the low power motorized
transport unit to move the movable item container through one or
more areas of the shopping facility. Similarly, a decoupling
command may be communicated to the low power motorized transport
unit to cause the low power transport unit to disengage from the
movable item container. Further, instructions can be directed to
the low power transport unit to move toward a recharge station.
[0125] Additionally or alternatively, a motorized transport unit
can be instructed to retrieve a low power motorized transport unit.
For example, when a low power motorized transport unit has a power
level that drops below a threshold such that the low power
motorized transport unit is unable to effectively move itself, a
higher power motorized transport unit can be instructed to the
location of the low power transport unit. A further instruction can
cause the higher power motorized transport unit to couple with the
low power transport unit (e.g., a clasp, magnetics, push contact,
or the like). The higher power motorized transport unit can then be
instructed to move the low power transport unit to an available
recharge station. In some embodiments, a motorized transport unit
can carry a backup battery, and drop a low power battery for
recharge at a recharge station and continue using the other
battery. The motorized transport unit can then be notified when
battery is fully charged, and can retrieve the charged battery when
convenient. Similarly, the central computer system can locate a
nearest available recharge station with one or more fully charged
spare batteries that can be used by a motorized transport unit and
direct the motorized transport unit to acquire a charged battery
from the identified recharge station.
[0126] In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided
herein useful to monitor power levels of portable units. In some
embodiments, an apparatus configured to monitor power levels at a
shopping facility, comprises: a transport unit central control
system separate and distinct from a plurality of self-propelled
motorized transport units at a shopping facility, wherein the
transport unit central control system comprises: a transceiver
configured to wirelessly receive communications from the plurality
of motorized transport units located at the shopping facility; a
control circuit coupled with the transceiver; a memory coupled to
the control circuit and storing computer instructions that when
executed by the control circuit cause the control circuit to:
identify available stored power levels at each of the plurality of
motorized transport units; identify an available recharge station,
of a plurality of recharge stations distributed throughout the
shopping facility, at least relative to a location of the first
motorized transport unit intended to be subjected to recharging;
and wirelessly communicate one or more instructions to cause the
first motorized transport unit to cooperate with an available
recharge station.
[0127] In some embodiments, a method of recharging of a motorized
transport unit at a shopping facility, comprises: identifying
available stored power levels for each of a plurality of motorized
transport units at a shopping facility; identifying an available
recharge station, of a plurality of recharge stations distributed
throughout the shopping facility, relative to a location of the
first motorized transport unit intended to be subjected to
recharging; and wirelessly communicating one or more instructions
to cause the first motorized transport unit to cooperate with an
available recharge station.
[0128] Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety
of modifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with
respect to the above described embodiments without departing from
the scope of the invention, and that such modifications,
alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as being within the
ambit of the inventive concept.
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