U.S. patent application number 17/034342 was filed with the patent office on 2021-04-08 for temperature-controlled receiving tunnel.
The applicant listed for this patent is Walmart Apollo, LLC. Invention is credited to Jeffrey Scott Cruz, Brandon Joel Easterling, Jeremy L. Velten.
Application Number | 20210101745 17/034342 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005163863 |
Filed Date | 2021-04-08 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210101745 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cruz; Jeffrey Scott ; et
al. |
April 8, 2021 |
TEMPERATURE-CONTROLLED RECEIVING TUNNEL
Abstract
Examples provide an adjustable, temperature-controlled receiving
tunnel for receiving after-hours delivery of pallets or other items
and/or providing temporary overflow storage of items. The receiving
tunnel includes a set of cooling units and drop-down bulkheads
creating temperature-controlled storage zones within the receiving
tunnel. A guidance system provides instructions to a delivery truck
driver connecting to the receiving tunnel. An extension device
enables the tunnel to connect to a delivery truck which is
unaligned with the end of the receiving tunnel. An autonomous
pallet jack can autonomously move pallets from the delivery truck
storage area into the interior of the receiving tunnel. A set of
doors associated with the receiving tunnel can be locked or
unlocked providing a pass-through tunnel into a receiving facility
storage area for transport of pallets from the delivery truck into
the storage area of the receiving facility.
Inventors: |
Cruz; Jeffrey Scott;
(Bentonville, AR) ; Easterling; Brandon Joel;
(Bella Vista, AR) ; Velten; Jeremy L.; (Bella
Vista, AR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Walmart Apollo, LLC |
Bentonville |
AR |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005163863 |
Appl. No.: |
17/034342 |
Filed: |
September 28, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62909798 |
Oct 3, 2019 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 1/00 20130101; B65G
1/0485 20130101; B65G 69/2817 20130101; B65G 2203/0258 20130101;
B66F 9/063 20130101; B65G 2814/0302 20130101; F24F 11/63 20180101;
B65G 69/006 20130101; B65G 69/008 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65G 1/04 20060101
B65G001/04; B66F 9/06 20060101 B66F009/06; B65G 69/28 20060101
B65G069/28; B65G 69/00 20060101 B65G069/00; F24F 1/00 20060101
F24F001/00; F24F 11/63 20060101 F24F011/63 |
Claims
1. A system providing a temperature-controlled receiving tunnel,
the system comprising: a main body comprising a first end, a second
end, a first side member, a second side member, a top member, and a
floor member; a set of cooling devices associated with the top
member configured to adjust an internal temperature of an interior
compartment within the main body; a set of adjustable bulkheads
associated with the top member, at least one adjustable bulkhead in
the set of adjustable bulkheads drops down to create a set of
temperature-controlled zones within the interior compartment; a
control device comprising at least one processor communicatively
coupled to a memory; a temperature manager component, implemented
on the at least one processor, analyzes dynamic truck delivery data
and ambient temperature data to generate a predicted cooling time
and a cooling initiation time, the predicted cooling time
comprising an estimated quantity of time after cooling initiation
to reach a target temperature for a set of pallets within a
selected zone in the set of temperature-controlled zones; a first
door associated with the first end of the main body; a docking
device associated with the first end of the main body, the docking
device configured to connect to an end of a delivery truck; and an
autonomous pallet loader associated with the interior compartment
autonomously moves the set of pallets into at least one
temperature-controlled zone within the interior compartment of the
main body.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a platform; a door
associated with the first side member; and a biometric lock
associated with the door.
3. The system of claim 1, further comprising: an extension device
associated with the first end of the main body, the extension
device comprising a turntable configured to rotate within a
one-hundred-and twenty-degree range, wherein the extension device
connects to an end of the delivery truck which is unaligned with
the first end of the main body.
4. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a guidance system,
implemented on at least one processor, that analyzes sensor data
associated with a location of the end of the delivery truck and
outputs instructions assisting a driver of the delivery truck with
connecting to the docking device.
5. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a set of sensor
devices within the interior compartment generating sensor data
associated with the set of pallets within the interior
compartment.
6. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a pneumatic lift
configured to self-level at least a portion of the main body based
on a height of the delivery truck.
7. The system of claim 1, further comprising: an inventory
component, implemented on the at least one processor, updates
perpetual inventory associated with a receiving facility, wherein
the perpetual inventory is updated to include a set of items
unloaded off the delivery truck and placed with the
temperature-controlled receiving tunnel.
8. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a set of weight
sensors associated with the floor member, wherein the set of weight
sensors generates weight data associated with the set of pallets
within at least one zone of the interior compartment.
9. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a map generation
component, implemented on the at least one processor, generates a
load map organizing placement of items within the interior
compartment of the temperature-controlled receiving tunnel for
prioritized unloading based on delivery schedules, delivery
inventory, and perpetual inventory of a receiving facility
associated with the temperature-controlled receiving tunnel,
wherein the load map provides a placement configuration for
placement of items within the interior compartment of the
temperature-controlled receiving tunnel.
10. A temperature-controlled receiving tunnel comprising: a set of
cooling devices associated with a top member of the
temperature-controlled receiving tunnel configured to adjust an
internal temperature of an interior compartment within the interior
compartment; a control device comprising at least one processor
communicatively coupled to a memory; a temperature manager
component, implemented on the at least one processor, analyzes
dynamic truck delivery data and ambient temperature data to
generate a predicted cooling time and a cooling initiation time,
the predicted cooling time comprising an estimated quantity of time
after cooling initiation to reach a target temperature for a set of
pallets within a selected zone in a set of temperature-controlled
zones within the temperature-controlled receiving tunnel; a set of
sensor devices associated with the interior compartment of the
temperature-controlled receiving tunnel; a guidance system,
implemented on the at least one processor, analyzes sensor data
associated with a location of an end of a delivery truck to
generate docking instructions; and an adjustable docking device
associated with a first end of the temperature-controlled receiving
tunnel, the adjustable docking device removably connecting the
temperature-controlled receiving tunnel with the delivery
truck.
11. The temperature-controlled receiving tunnel of claim 10,
further comprising: an autonomous pallet loader associated with the
interior compartment autonomously moves the set of pallets from a
storage area within the delivery truck connected to the adjustable
docking device into at least one temperature-controlled zone within
the interior compartment.
12. The temperature-controlled receiving tunnel of claim 10,
further comprising: an extension device associated with the first
end of the temperature-controlled receiving tunnel, the extension
device comprising a turntable configured to rotate within a
one-hundred and twenty degree range, wherein the extension device
connects to an end of the delivery truck which is unaligned with
the first end of the temperature-controlled receiving tunnel.
13. The temperature-controlled receiving tunnel of claim 10,
further comprising: an inventory component, implemented on the at
least one processor, updates perpetual inventory associated with a
receiving facility associated with the temperature-controlled
receiving tunnel, wherein the perpetual inventory is updated to
include a set of items unloaded off the delivery truck and placed
within the temperature-controlled receiving tunnel.
14. The temperature-controlled receiving tunnel of claim 10,
further comprising: a map generation component, implemented on the
at least one processor, generates a load map organizing placement
of items within the interior compartment of the
temperature-controlled receiving tunnel for prioritized unloading
based on delivery schedules, delivery inventory, cold-chain
compliance for items and perpetual inventory of a receiving
facility associated with the temperature-controlled receiving
tunnel, wherein the load map provides a placement configuration for
placement of items within the interior compartment of the
temperature-controlled receiving tunnel.
15. The temperature-controlled receiving tunnel of claim 10,
further comprising: a set of adjustable bulkheads associated with
the top member, at least one adjustable bulkhead in the set of
adjustable bulkheads drops down to create a set of
temperature-controlled zones within the interior compartment.
16. The temperature-controlled receiving tunnel of claim 10,
further comprising: an access component, implemented on the at
least one processor, opens a door associated with a receiving
facility and initiate autonomous unloading of a set of items from
the temperature-controlled receiving tunnel into the receiving
facility.
17. A receiving tunnel comprising: a main body comprising a first
end, a second end, a first side member, a second side member, a top
member, and a floor member; a set of cooling devices associated
with the top member configured to adjust an internal temperature of
an interior compartment within the main body; a set of adjustable
bulkheads associated with the top member, at least one adjustable
bulkhead in the set of adjustable bulkheads drops down to create a
set of temperature-controlled zones within the interior
compartment; a docking device associated with first end of the main
body configured to connect to an end of a delivery truck; a
pneumatic lift configured to self-level at least a portion of the
main body based on a height of the delivery truck; a set of sensor
devices associated with the interior compartment generating sensor
data associated with at least one item within the main body; and a
first aperture associated with the first end of the main body
connecting the interior compartment of the receiving tunnel with an
interior storage area of the delivery truck.
18. The receiving tunnel of claim 17, further comprising: an
autonomous pallet loader associated with the interior compartment
autonomously moves a set of pallets from a storage area within the
delivery truck connected to the docking device into at least one
temperature-controlled zone within the interior compartment of the
main body.
19. The receiving tunnel of claim 17, further comprising: an
extension device associated with the first end of the main body,
the extension device comprising a flexible sleeve and a turntable
configured to rotate within a one-hundred and twenty degree range,
wherein the extension device connects to an end of the delivery
truck which is unaligned with the first end of the main body.
20. The receiving tunnel of claim 17, further comprising: a second
aperture associated with the second end of the main body connecting
the interior compartment of the receiving tunnel with an interior
of a receiving facility, wherein the second aperture is configured
to permit transport of items from the interior compartment of the
receiving tunnel into the interior of the receiving facility.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Stores receive truck delivery of supplies and products at
different hours and days of the week. These deliveries sometimes
include temperature-sensitive items, such as, but not limited to,
frozen foods, dairy products and produce. These items require
refrigeration during transport and storage. However, some stores
can only accept deliveries during the stores open hours of
operation. When the store is closed, there may be no personnel
available to accept delivery and/or placed delivered items into a
temperature-controlled storage within the store. This can result in
limited delivery schedules, inefficient resource utilization and/or
inconvenience to delivery drivers that have to restrict deliveries
to a stores open hours.
SUMMARY
[0002] Some examples provide a temperature-controlled receiving
tunnel. A set of cooling devices associated with the top member
configured to adjust an internal temperature of an interior
compartment within a main body of the receiving tunnel. A set of
adjustable bulkheads associated with the top member include at
least one adjustable bulkhead that drops down to create a set of
temperature-controlled zones within the interior compartment. A
control device includes a processor communicatively coupled to a
memory. A temperature manager component analyzes dynamic truck
delivery data and ambient temperature data to generate a predicted
cooling time and a cooling initiation time. The predicted cooling
time includes an estimated quantity of time after cooling
initiation to reach a target temperature for a set of pallets
within a selected zone in the set of temperature-controlled zones.
A door is associated with the first end of the main body. A docking
device is associated with the first end of the main body. The
docking device is configured to connect to an end of a delivery
truck. An autonomous pallet loader is associated with the interior
compartment to move a set of pallets from a storage area within the
delivery truck connected to the collapsible docking device into at
least one temperature-controlled zone within the interior
compartment of the main body.
[0003] Other examples provide a temperature-controlled receiving
tunnel. A set of cooling devices associated with a top member of
the temperature-controlled receiving tunnel is configured to adjust
an internal temperature of an interior compartment within the
interior compartment. A control device includes at least one
processor communicatively coupled to a memory. A temperature
manager component analyzes dynamic truck delivery data and ambient
temperature data to generate a predicted cooling time and a cooling
initiation time. The predicted cooling time comprising an estimated
quantity of time after cooling initiation to reach a target
temperature for a set of pallets within a selected zone in a set of
temperature-controlled zones within a receiving tunnel. A set of
sensor devices associated with an interior compartment of the
receiving tunnel. A guidance system analyzes sensor data associated
with a location of the end of the delivery truck and outputs
instructions assisting a driver of the delivery truck with
connecting to the collapsible docking device. An adjustable docking
device is associated with a first end of the main body. The
adjustable docking device connects to an end of a delivery truck
associated with an unloading door of the delivery truck. The
adjustable docking device connects the receiving tunnel with the
delivery truck.
[0004] Still other examples provide a receiving tunnel. A main body
of the receiving tunnel includes a first end, a second end, a first
side member, a second side member, a top member, and a floor
member. A set of cooling devices associated with the top member is
configured to adjust an internal temperature of an interior
compartment within the main body. A set of adjustable bulkheads is
associated with the top member. An adjustable bulkhead in the set
of adjustable bulkheads drops down to create a set of
temperature-controlled zones within the interior compartment. A
docking device is associated with first end of the main body. The
docking device is configured to connect to an end of a delivery
truck. A pneumatic lift is configured to self-level at least a
portion of the main body based on a height of the delivery truck. A
set of sensor devices associated with the interior compartment
generates sensor data associated with at least one item within the
main body. A first aperture associated with the first end of the
main body connects the interior compartment of the receiving tunnel
with an interior storage area of the delivery truck.
[0005] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify
key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter,
nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of
the claimed subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a system
providing a set of adjustable temperature-controlled receiving
tunnels.
[0007] FIG. 2 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a
temperature-controlled receiving tunnel.
[0008] FIG. 3 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a
temperature-controlled receiving tunnel including a set of
temperature-controlled zones.
[0009] FIG. 4 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a control
device.
[0010] FIG. 5 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a
temperature manager component.
[0011] FIG. 6 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a
temperature-controlled receiving tunnel including a docking
device.
[0012] FIG. 7 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a delivery
truck connected to a receiving tunnel via a docking device.
[0013] FIG. 8 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a
receiving tunnel having a side door and platform connected to a
delivery truck via a docking device.
[0014] FIG. 9 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a
receiving tunnel including a set of bulkheads separating a set of
temperature-controlled zones.
[0015] FIG. 10 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a
receiving tunnel including an extension device for connecting to an
unaligned delivery truck at a receiving facility.
[0016] FIG. 11 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a system
for an adjustable temperature-controlled receiving tunnel.
[0017] FIG. 12 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a set of
sensor devices associated with a temperature-controlled receiving
tunnel.
[0018] FIG. 13 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating operation of
the control device to manage cooling of temperature-controlled
zones.
[0019] FIG. 14 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating operation of
the computing device to generate docking instructions to assist a
driver with docking to the receiving tunnel.
[0020] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
parts throughout the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] A more detailed understanding can be obtained from the
following description, presented by way of example, in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings. The entities, connections,
arrangements, and the like that are depicted in, and in connection
with the various figures, are presented by way of example and not
by way of limitation. As such, any and all statements or other
indications as to what a particular figure depicts, what a
particular element or entity in a particular figure is or has, and
any and all similar statements, that can in isolation and out of
context be read as absolute and therefore limiting, can only
properly be read as being constructively preceded by a clause such
as "In at least some examples, . . . " For brevity and clarity of
presentation, this implied leading clause is not repeated ad
nauseum.
[0022] Referring to the figures, examples of the disclosure enable
a temperature-controlled receiving tunnel. In some examples, the
temperature-controlled receiving tunnel is portable and provides
temporary storage of items and/or a pass-through tunnel leading
into a storage area of a receiving facility. The receiving trailer
enables after-hours access to a portable storage location for
drop-off of deliveries/pallets by a third-party, such as a delivery
truck driver, without permitting the third-party access to the
interior of the receiving facility while the facility is
closed/unmanned. This improves security while providing increased
flexibility for delivery of items/pallets to the facility.
[0023] The receiving trailer in other examples includes a set of
temperature-controlled (refrigerated/freezer) zones. This enables
products stored in the receiving truck to be kept at the correct
storage temperature for frozen, chilled, or ambient temperature
items.
[0024] FIG. 1 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a system
100 providing a set of adjustable temperature-controlled receiving
tunnels. In this example, the set of adjustable
temperature-controlled receiving tunnels includes a first receiving
tunnel 102 and a second receiving tunnel 104 providing temporary
storage for a receiving facility 106.
[0025] In this example, the receiving facility 106 includes a first
door 108 providing access into a storage area 110 associated with
the first receiving tunnel 102 when open. A second door 112 is
associated with the second receiving tunnel 104 provides access
into the storage area 110 when open. In other examples, the
receiving facility 106 can include a single door, as well as three
or more doors providing access into one or more storage areas.
[0026] In this example, a first delivery truck 114 connects to one
end of the receiving tunnel 102 via a docking device 116. The
docking device 116 connects to the back end of the delivery truck
associated with the cargo/storage area storing one or more item(s)
118, such as, but not limited to, a set of pallets. The other side
of the docking device 116 connects to the back end of the receiving
tunnel associated with a door providing access to an interior
compartment of the receiving tunnel providing storage space for the
item(s) 118. In some examples, the docking device provides an
accordion dock seal to compensate for dock slope and angle of the
backing in delivery truck trailer.
[0027] The item(s) 118 can be moved into the receiving tunnel 102
for storage or the item(s) 118 can be moved through the receiving
tunnel and directly into the storage area 110 of the receiving
facility via the door 108 on the receiving facility 106.
[0028] In this example, another delivery truck 120 can connect to
the second receiving tunnel 104 via a second docking device 122
associated with the receiving tunnel 104. The item(s) 124 can be
temporarily stored inside the temperature-controlled interior of
the receiving tunnel 104 or transported through the receiving
tunnel 104 directly into the storage area 110.
[0029] In some non-limiting examples, the docking device is
collapsible. The docking device can expand during connection with
the delivery truck and fold or collapse (accordion-style) when the
docking device is not in use.
[0030] In this example, two delivery trucks are able to unload
pallets into the set of two receiving tunnels simultaneously. In
other examples, a single delivery truck unloads items into a single
receiving tunnel. In still other examples, three or more delivery
trucks can unload items simultaneously into three or more receiving
tunnels simultaneously. In other words, if there are four receiving
tunnels associated with the receiving facility, then four delivery
trucks can unload pallets into the set of receiving tunnels
simultaneously.
[0031] FIG. 2 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a
temperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200. The
temperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200 includes a main body
202 having a first end 204, a second end 206, a side member 208,
and a second side member 210. The receiving tunnel includes a door
212 in the first end 204, a door 216 in the second end 206 and a
side door 214 in the side member 210. Each of the doors can include
a lock, such as, but not limited to, the lock 218 in the second end
206.
[0032] The lock 218 can be implemented as a key lock, a coded lock,
a biometric lock, a combination lock, a key card lock, or any other
type of lock. A biometric lock can include a lock which is opened
using fingerprint, facial recognition, retinal scan, voice
recognition or any other type of biometrics. The lock in other
examples can be opened by a user device associated with the driver,
such as a cellular telephone or a tablet computing device.
[0033] In this example, a delivery truck 114 connects to the
temperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200 via a docking device
116. When the back door of the delivery truck is open and the door
212 in the end 204 of the receiving tunnel is open it creates an
opening/aperture between the interior of the delivery truck storage
area and the interior of the receiving truck through the docking
device 116. This enables the pallet(s) 220 or other items inside
the delivery truck to be moved smoothly into the interior of the
temperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200.
[0034] In some examples, a pneumatic lift 222 adjusts the height
224 of the receiving tunnel to self-level at least a portion of the
main body 202 and/or the floor member 225 based on the height of
the delivery truck, such as, but not limited to, the delivery truck
114 and/or the delivery truck 120. The pneumatic lift 222 is
utilized during the initial docking procedure to connect the
delivery truck 114 to the temperature-controlled receiving tunnel
200. In other words, the receiving tunnel self-levels based on
trailer height with one or more electrically operated pneumatic
lifts.
[0035] In another example, the door 216 of the receiving tunnel is
opened and the door 226 of the receiving facility 106 is opened to
create an aperture between the interior of the
temperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200 and the interior of the
receiving facility 106. The opening enables items within the
receiving tunnel to be moved into the receiving facility 106.
[0036] In another example, an extension device 230 enables the
temperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200 to connect to a
delivery truck which is not aligned with the door 212 in the
receiving end 204 of the receiving tunnel. In some examples, the
extension device 230 is a flexible extension device including a
turntable configured to rotate within a one-hundred- and
twenty-degree range. The extension device 230 can connect an end of
the delivery truck 120 while it is unaligned with the first end of
the main body of the receiving tunnel. The first end of the main
body can also be referred to as the first end of the receiving
tunnel. In one example, the extension device 230 can connect to the
delivery truck while it is parked perpendicular to the receiving
tunnel or parallel to another delivery truck connected to the door
212.
[0037] FIG. 3 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a
temperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200 including a set of
temperature-controlled zones. The main body 202 of the receiving
tunnel in this non-limiting example includes a set of one or more
zones 302, including at least one temperature-controlled zone 304
storing one or more item(s) 118. A set of one or more adjustable
bulkheads 306 and a set of one or more cooling devices 308
associated with a top member 310 of the temperature-controlled
receiving tunnel 200 creates the set of zones 302 within the
interior compartment 312 of the receiving tunnel.
[0038] In some examples, a bulkhead in the set of adjustable
bulkheads 306 is an autonomous bulkheads. The autonomous bulkhead
drops downward automatically after all items/pallets for a selected
zone are placed in the selected zone. The system can determine all
items/pallets have been placed in a zone based on weight of the
items/pallets, camera images (image data) of the items/pallets in
the zone, sensor data (scanner data generated by scanning
item/pallet barcodes) and/or input from a user indicating all
items/pallets have been placed. After unloading all of the items
into one temperature-controlled zone, at least one bulkhead
automatically drops-down from the ceiling/top member. The bulkhead
adjusts to segregate the freight/pallets inside the selected zone
with motorized pulleys and cables.
[0039] In one example, the delivery truck driver pulls a rope at
bottom and the bulkhead(s) nest up at the ceiling. The driver can
release the rope and pully to drop-down the bulkhead(s). The
bulkheads can also slide forward or back along a track to adjust
the size of each zone. In other words, the size of the
temperature-controlled zones are adjustable and customizable based
on the number of pallets/amount of space required to accommodate
the items/pallets to be placed in each zone.
[0040] In some examples, the temperature-controlled receiving
tunnel 200 includes a set of one or more sensor devices 314
generating sensor data 316 associated with the item(s) 118 within
the interior compartment 312. In other words, as items are placed
inside the temperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200, the set of
sensor devices 314 scans the items. The sensor data 316 is analyzes
to identify the pallets/items placed into the receiving tunnel,
update inventory records for items inside the receiving tunnel,
etc.
[0041] In some examples, the set of sensor devices 314 optionally
includes light detection and ranging (LIDAR) externally to the
receiving trailer, LIDAR internally to the receiving trailer, one
or more temperature sensors, one or more hygrometers (humidity
sensors), one or more biometric sensors, BLUETOOTH.RTM., Wi-Fi,
near-field communication (NFC), simultaneous localization and
mapping (SLAM), one or more cameras, machine vision, alarm
system(s), motion detection, barcode scanners, or any other type of
sensor devices.
[0042] In some examples, a door 212 in the receiving end 204 of the
temperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200 can be opened to create
an aperture permitting access with the interior compartment 312.
The item(s) are moved through the aperture 318 from a delivery
truck into the temperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200.
[0043] An autonomous pallet loader 320 can optionally be included
inside the temperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200. The
autonomous pallet loader 320 automatically moves pallets or other
items off the delivery truck and into the temperature-controlled
receiving tunnel 200.
[0044] In still other examples, the side member 210 of the
temperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200 can include a side door
214 and a platform 322 enabling the driver of the delivery truck or
other user to enter the interior compartment 312 of the
temperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200 via the door 214. The
door 214 can include a lock, such as the lock 218. The lock can be
a keyed lock, a biometric lock, a coded lock, or any other type of
lock.
[0045] The temperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200 can
optionally also include a control device 324. The control device
324 includes a computing device for controlling the cooling units,
adjusting internal temperature within each zone, etc.
[0046] FIG. 4 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a control
device 324. In the example of FIG. 1, the control device 324
represents any device executing computer-executable instructions
402 (e.g., as application programs, operating system functionality,
or both) to implement the operations and functionality associated
with the control device 324.
[0047] In some examples, the control device 324 has at least one
processor 404 and a memory 406. The control device 324 in other
examples includes a user interface component 408.
[0048] The processor 404 includes any quantity of processing units
and is programmed to execute the computer-executable instructions
402. The computer-executable instructions 402 is performed by the
processor 404, performed by multiple processors within the control
device 324 or performed by a processor external to the receiving
tunnel. In some examples, the processor 404 is programmed to
execute instructions such as those illustrated in the figures
(e.g., FIG. 13 and FIG. 14).
[0049] The control device 324 further has one or more
computer-readable media such as the memory 406. The memory 406
includes any quantity of media associated with or accessible by the
control device 324. The memory 406 in these examples is internal to
the control device 324 (as shown in FIG. 4). In other examples, the
memory 406 is external to the receiving tunnel (not shown) or both
(not shown).
[0050] The memory 406 stores data, such as one or more
applications. The applications, when executed by the processor 404,
operate to perform functionality on the receiving tunnel. The
applications can communicate with counterpart applications or
services such as web services accessible via a network. In an
example, the applications represent downloaded client-side
applications that correspond to server-side services executing in a
cloud.
[0051] In other examples, the user interface component 408 includes
a graphics card for displaying data to the user and receiving data
from the user. The user interface component 408 can also include
computer-executable instructions (e.g., a driver) for operating the
graphics card. Further, the user interface component 408 can
include a display (e.g., a touch screen display or natural user
interface) and/or computer-executable instructions (e.g., a driver)
for operating the display. The user interface component 408 can
also include one or more of the following to provide data to the
user or receive data from the user: speakers, a sound card, a
camera, a microphone, a vibration motor, one or more
accelerometers, a BLUETOOTH.RTM. brand communication module, global
positioning system (GPS) hardware, and a photoreceptive light
sensor.
[0052] In some examples, the receiving tunnel optionally includes a
communications interface component 410. The communications
interface component 410 includes a network interface card and/or
computer-executable instructions (e.g., a driver) for operating the
network interface card. Communication between the receiving tunnel
and other devices, such as a cloud server, delivery truck, cloud
storage or user device can occur using any protocol or mechanism
over any wired or wireless connection. In some examples, the
communications interface component 410 is operable with short range
communication technologies such as by using NFC tags.
[0053] The receiving tunnel can optionally include a data storage
device 412 for storing data, such as, but not limited to delivery
data 414, temperature data 416 and/or inventory data 418. The
delivery data 414 includes data associated with one or more
expected delivery trucks. The delivery data 414 can include
estimated arrival time of a delivery truck, shipment invoice data,
GPS data associated with an expected delivery truck, date, and time
of expected truck arrival, etc.
[0054] The temperature data 416 can include current temperature
outside the receiving tunnel (ambient temperature), current
temperature inside the receiving tunnel, weather forecast
(predicted future temperature), humidity outside the receiving
tunnel, humidity inside the receiving tunnel, etc.
[0055] The inventory data 418 includes data associated with
inventory of a delivery truck, inventory of a receiving facility
and/or inventory of items inside the receiving tunnel. The system
can update the inventory data 418 in real-time as items are loaded
into the receiving tunnel and/or as items are removed from the
receiving tunnel. The system can also update the inventory data 418
in real-time as items are moved from the receiving tunnel into the
receiving facility.
[0056] The data storage device 412 can include one or more
different types of data storage devices, such as, for example, one
or more rotating disks drives, one or more solid state drives
(SSDs), and/or any other type of data storage device. The data
storage device 412 in some non-limiting examples includes a
redundant array of independent disks (RAID) array. In other
examples, the data storage device 412 includes a database.
[0057] The data storage device 412 in this example is included
within the control device or otherwise associated with the
receiving tunnel. In other examples, the data storage device 412
includes a remote data storage accessed by the control device via a
network, such as a remote data storage device, a data storage in a
remote data center, or a cloud storage.
[0058] The memory 406 in some examples stores one or more
computer-executable components executed by the processor 404, such
as, but not limited to, the temperature manager component 420.
[0059] The temperature manager component 420 in some examples
analyzes dynamic truck delivery data 414 and ambient temperature
data 416 to generate per-zone cooling instructions 422 for each
zone in the set of temperature-controlled zones within the
receiving tunnel. The per-zone cooling instructions include a
predicted cooling time and/or a cooling initiation time. The
predicted cooling time includes an estimated quantity of time
(time-period) after cooling initiation to reach a target
temperature for a set of pallets within a selected zone in the set
of temperature-controlled zones. The cooling initiation time is the
time at which a set of cooling units associated with a
temperature-controlled zone are turned on to begin cooling the
space within the selected zone.
[0060] In some examples, a guidance system 424 analyzes sensor data
associated with a location 426 of the end of the delivery truck and
outputs instructions 428 assisting a driver of the delivery truck
with connecting to the docking device.
[0061] An access component 430 in some examples can automatically
unlock 432 a door associated with a receiving facility to enable
access to an interior storage area within the receiving facility to
initiate autonomous unload 434 a set of items from the receiving
tunnel into the receiving facility. In other words, the access
component initiates and assist automatic transfer of pallets from
the receiving tunnel into the receiving facility.
[0062] FIG. 5 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a
temperature manager component 420. The temperature manager
component 420 in some examples generates a per-zone target
temperature 502 for a selected zone in the set of
temperature-controlled zones within the receiving tunnel. The
target temperature is the temperature at which items within a zone
should be stored. For example, if ice cream which is going to be
placed into the selected zone should be stored at thirty-two
degrees Fahrenheit, the per-zone target temperature 502 for the
selected zone 504 is thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature
manager component 420 calculates a predicted cooling time 506 to
bring the interior temperature of the selected zone to the target
temperature by the expected delivery time of the ice cream shipment
(expected ice cream arrival time).
[0063] The predicted cooling time 506 can include the estimated
cooling duration 508 and the cooling initiation time 510. The
estimated cooling duration 508 is the amount of time it is expected
to take for the set of cooling units to lower the temperature
within the selected zone to the target temperature. Based on
temperature on outside of the receiving tunnel and how long it
takes to cool the inside of the receiving tunnel, the system turns
on the cooling units automatically to prepare the receiving tunnel
to the target (correct) temperature when a delivery arrives. In one
example, the receiving tunnel turns on the cooling unit one hour
prior to the expected arrival of a shipment if the expected cooling
duration to reach the target temperature is an hour.
[0064] The cooling initiation time 510 is the time at which the
cooling unit(s) should be turned on so that the interior
temperature of the selected zone will be at the target temperature
when the items are placed into the selected zone. In other words,
the predicted cooling time includes an estimated quantity of time
538 (time-period) after cooling initiation to reach a target
temperature for a set of pallets within a selected zone in the set
of temperature-controlled zones.
[0065] The temperature manager component 420 determines the
predicted cooling time 506 based on temperature data 416 and
dynamic truck delivery data 414. The dynamic truck delivery data
414 can include the current location 512 of a delivery truck,
delivery schedule(s) 514 and/or invoice data 516, including
inventory 518 of the delivery truck, inventory of the receiving
tunnel and/or inventory of the receiving facility.
[0066] The temperature data 416 can include ambient temperature 520
outside the receiving tunnel and/or interior temperature 522 inside
the receiving tunnel. The temperature data can also include
humidity data. The ambient temperature can influence cooling
duration. For example, it can take longer to cool the interior of a
receiving tunnel during the summer in Texas than it would in North
Dakota where the temperature in summer is lower than it is further
South.
[0067] A map generation component 524 generates a load map 526
organizing placement of items within an interior compartment of the
receiving tunnel for prioritized unloading based on delivery
schedules, delivery inventory, and/or perpetual inventory 530 of a
receiving facility associated with the receiving tunnel. The load
map 526 provides a placement configuration 528 for placement of
items within the interior compartment of the receiving tunnel. The
load map indicates location of each pallet in the tunnel and
order/sequence in which pallets are loaded or unloaded off the
receiving tunnel. In one example, the automatic pallet loader
determines best way to unload product into different temperature
zones based on the load map and configuration.
[0068] An inventory component 532 performs an update 536 of
perpetual inventory 530 (system inventory) associated with a
receiving facility and/or the receiving tunnel. The perpetual
inventory is updated to include a set of items 534 unloaded off the
delivery truck and placed within the receiving tunnel.
[0069] FIG. 6 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a
temperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200 including a docking
device 116. An aperture 608 is created when the back door of the
temperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200 is open. A user can
access the interior of the temperature-controlled receiving tunnel
200 via a side door 214 in the side member 210 of the
temperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200. The
temperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200 can optionally include
a platform 322 having stairs and/or a rail enabling the user to
reach the door 214.
[0070] The receiving trailer can include a set of cooling devices.
In this example, the set of cooling devices (cooling units) include
a first cooling unit 602, a second cooling unit 604 and/or a third
cooling unit 606. In other examples, the receiving tunnel can
include a single cooling unit, two cooling units, as well as four
or more cooling units.
[0071] In other examples, the receiving tunnel includes a set of
wheels which enables the receiving tunnel to be portable for easy
transport/relocation. The receiving trailer in some examples is
built on a trailer chassis which enables it to be moved easily from
one location to another.
[0072] In still other examples, the receiving trailer is hardwired
into the receiving facility to receive electricity for
powering/operating the cooling units and other electronic devices
on the receiving tunnel. Thus, the receiving tunnel does not
require fuel or a generator to operate.
[0073] FIG. 7 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a delivery
truck 114 connected to a receiving tunnel 200 via a docking device
116. A user can manually move pallets and/or other items from the
delivery truck through the docking device into the
temperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200.
[0074] In other examples, an automatic pallet loader can
autonomously move the pallets/items into the receiving tunnel.
Post-delivery of non-refrigerated product, the autonomous pallet
loader (pallet jack) unloads product into the receiving facility
(store), deactivates receiving facility alarms, opens door to
receiving facility and moves items into the receiving facility
automatically.
[0075] In some examples, the receiving tunnel is a
fifty-three-foot-long trailer. In other examples, the receiving
tunnel is between forty and fifty feet long. In still other
non-limiting examples, the receiving tunnel is fifty-three feet
long.
[0076] FIG. 8 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a
receiving tunnel 200 having a side door 214 and platform 322
connected to a delivery truck 114 via a docking device 116. The
delivery truck backs up to the receiving tunnel and connects to the
back of the receiving tunnel via the docking device.
[0077] FIG. 9 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a
receiving tunnel 200 including a set of bulkheads separating a set
of temperature-controlled zones. In this example, a pallet 902 can
be moved from the delivery truck into one of the
temperature-controlled zones. In this non-limiting example, a first
zone 908 and a second zone 910 are created via the bulkhead 904. A
third zone is created by the bulkhead 906. The bulkheads can fold
up into the ceiling/top member of the receiving tunnel. In this
example, each zone can be maintained at a different
temperature.
[0078] The set of temperature-controlled zones includes three
zones. In other examples, the set of temperature-controlled zones
includes a single temperature-controlled zone using no bulkheads,
two temperature-controlled zones using two bulkheads, as well as
four or more zones.
[0079] FIG. 10 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a
receiving tunnel 102 including an extension device 230 for
connecting to an unaligned delivery truck 114 or the delivery truck
120 at a receiving facility. The extension device 230 extends and
bends to attach to the back of the delivery truck. The extension
device can move sideways/laterally to reach the back door of
delivery trucks.
[0080] When the door 1002 on the delivery truck is opened and the
door 212 on the receiving tunnel is open, the extension device
creates a flexible and collapsible tunnel connecting the delivery
truck with the receiving tunnel for unloading of items off the
truck and into the receiving tunnel. If the other the door 226 of
the receiving facility is open and the unloading door of the
receiving tunnel is also open, the items inside the receiving
tunnel can be moved smoothly and easily into the receiving facility
106. The receiving tunnel backs-up to the receiving facility
(store) dock. The receiving trailer provides storage for facilities
that do not have special, sectioned off delivery areas/storage
areas for drop-off of deliveries.
[0081] After unloading of the first delivery truck 114 is complete,
the extension device 230 can detach from the delivery truck 114 and
attach to the waiting delivery truck 120. The extension device 230
in this non-limiting example can connect to the delivery truck 120
without requiring the delivery truck to move or connect in perfect
alignment with the delivery truck 120.
[0082] In one non-limiting example, the last twelve feet of the
extension device on one end is on a turntable which turns
one-hundred and twenty degrees so it can turn and aim towards a
trailer/delivery truck on the left and then a trailer/delivery
truck on the right to unload multiple deliveries side by side. The
flexible accordion piece can be hinged on the bottom enabling the
end of the extension device to move forward to the top of the
delivery trailer.
[0083] FIG. 11 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a system
1100 for an adjustable temperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200.
In this non-limiting example, the temperature-controlled receiving
tunnel 200 includes a communications interface component which
enables the temperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200 to send and
receive data via a network 1102.
[0084] The network 1102 is implemented by one or more physical
network components, such as, but without limitation, routers,
switches, network interface cards (NICs), and other network
devices. The network 1102 is any type of network for enabling
communications with remote computing devices, such as, but not
limited to, a local area network (LAN), a subnet, a wide area
network (WAN), a wireless (Wi-Fi) network, or any other type of
network. In this example, the network 1102 is a WAN, such as the
Internet. However, in other examples, the network 1102 is a local
or private LAN.
[0085] The temperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200 can send
data to one or more other devices via the network 1102 and/or
receive data from one or more other devices via the network, such
as, but not limited to, a user device 1104, a cloud server 1106
and/or a set of sensor devices 314. A user device 1104 represent
any device executing computer-executable instructions. The user
device 1104 can be implemented as a mobile computing device, such
as, but not limited to, a wearable computing device, a mobile
telephone, laptop, tablet, computing pad, netbook, gaming device,
and/or any other portable device. The user device 1104 includes at
least one processor and a memory. The user device 1104 can also
include a user interface component.
[0086] The cloud server 1106 is a logical server providing services
to the temperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200 or other
clients, such as, but not limited to, the user device 1104. The
cloud server 1106 is hosted and/or delivered via the network 1102.
In some non-limiting examples, the cloud server 1106 is associated
with one or more physical servers in one or more data centers. In
other examples, the cloud server 1106 is associated with a
distributed network of servers.
[0087] In some examples, the receiving tunnel system communicates
with the cloud server 1106 to obtain trailer location data,
temperature data, weather data, inventory data, etc. The trailer
system uses the data to control trailer cooling, etc.
[0088] The set of sensor devices 314 in this example includes one
or more sensor devices associated with the temperature-controlled
receiving tunnel 200. In other examples, the set of sensor devices
314 can also include one or more sensor devices inside the interior
compartment of the temperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200. The
set of sensor devices 314 can also include one or more sensor
devices associated with the door of the temperature-controlled
receiving tunnel 200, the pallet loader and/or the collapsible
docking device. In an example scenario, the sensors are located on
the top and sides around the loading door leading into the interior
of the receiving tunnel. The sensors scan multiple sides of the
items brought in through the door.
[0089] In some examples, the set of sensor devices 314 generates
sensor data associated with items, such as a set of pallets 1110
moved from the storage area 1112 of the delivery truck 114 and
placed inside the temperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200. The
set of pallets 1110 in this example are moved manually by a driver
1114 or other personnel. In other examples, the pallet(s) are moved
by an autonomous pallet loader (pallet jack).
[0090] FIG. 12 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a set of
sensor devices 314 associated with a temperature-controlled
receiving tunnel. The set of sensor devices 314 can include a set
of one or more scanners 1202 generating scan data 1204 associated
with items in the receiving tunnel. The set of scanners can include
barcode scanners, universal product code (UPC) readers, matrix
barcode readers, or any other type of scanner.
[0091] The set of sensor devices optionally includes a set of radio
frequency identification (RFID) tag readers 1206. The RFID tag
readers generate RFID tag data 1208 associated with one or more
RFID tags on one or more of the items in the receiving tunnel.
[0092] The set of sensor devices can include a set of weight
sensors 1210. The set of weight sensors 1210 generate weight data
1212 associated with one or more items inside the receiving tunnel.
In one example, the weight data is used to identify items in the
receiving tunnel. The weight tunnel can also be used to generate a
load map for pallets/items in the receiving tunnel. The receiving
tunnel system weighs the pallets to balance the weight of the load
in the receiving tunnel.
[0093] A set of temperature sensors 1214 includes one or more
temperature sensor devices. The set of temperature sensors 1214
generate temperature data associated with the interior temperature
of the receiving tunnel and/or the ambient (exterior) temperature
outside the receiving tunnel.
[0094] The set of sensor devices 314 can optionally also include
LIDAR 1218. LIDAR 1218 can be used during docking procedures to
assist the driver of a delivery truck with connecting to the
receiving tunnel. The LIDAR 1218 data can also be used to generate
instructions to assist the driver with connecting to the receiving
tunnel.
[0095] One or more hygrometer(s) 1220 can be included to generate
temperature data associated with the humidity inside the receiving
tunnel and/or the humidity outside the receiving tunnel.
[0096] Motion detector(s) 1222 in some examples are included on the
receiving tunnel to assist with docking procedures and/or
generating instructions to assist the driver with connecting to the
receiving tunnel.
[0097] The set of sensor devices 314 in other examples can include
one or more biometric sensor(s) 1224. In some examples, one or more
locks on one or more doors on the receiving tunnel include a
biometric sensor for unlocking the door.
[0098] The set of sensor devices 314 in other examples includes a
set of image capture devices 1226, such as camera(s) and/or
infrared sensors. The image capture devices 1226 generate image
data 1228 associated with items placed into the receiving tunnel, a
delivery truck attempting to dock with the receiving tunnel and/or
a driver or pallet jack moving items/pallets into or out of the
receiving tunnel.
[0099] FIG. 13 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating operation of
the control device to manage cooling of temperature-controlled
zones. The process in FIG. 13 is implemented by a temperature
manager component executing on a control device associated with a
receiving tunnel, such as, but not limited to, the control device
324 in FIG. 3.
[0100] The process begins by analyzing delivery data and
temperature data at 1302. The temperature manager component
generates a predicted cooling time at 1304. The temperature manager
component calculates a cooling initiation time at 1306. The
temperature manager component determines whether the cooling
initiation time is reached at 1308. If yes, the temperature manager
component begins cooling the selected zone at 1310. The process
terminates thereafter.
[0101] While the operations illustrated in FIG. 13 are performed by
a computing device, aspects of the disclosure contemplate
performance of the operations by other entities. In a non-limiting
example, a cloud service performs one or more of the
operations.
[0102] FIG. 14 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating operation of
the computing device to generate docking instructions to assist a
driver with docking to the receiving tunnel. The process in FIG. 13
is implemented by a guidance system executing on a control device
associated with a receiving tunnel, such as, but not limited to,
the control device 324 in FIG. 3.
[0103] The process begins by analyzing sensor data at 1402. The
guidance system determines if the delivery truck is aligned with
the receiving tunnel at 1404. If no, the guidance system generates
docking instructions at 1406. The guidance system transmits
instructions to the user interface device associated with the
driver of the delivery truck at 1408. The guidance system
determines if docking is complete at 1410. If yes, the process
terminates thereafter.
Additional Examples
[0104] In some examples, a receiving "reefer" tunnel is provided
which has dual ends permitting passthrough access from a delivery
truck to the interior of the receiving tunnel through to the
interior of the receiving facility. In other words, the receiving
tunnel acts as a receiving dock during the receiving facility's
open (working) hours. The receiving tunnel can also act as an
overflow area for temporary storage of items during open hours.
This provides an additional staging area or storage for items for
early (unexpected) deliveries, late deliveries, deliveries while
the receiving facility is short-staffed, during power-outage, when
the receiving facility storage area is at capacity, after-hours, or
any other time a temporary or additional storage is required. The
receiving tunnel can also be used to improve DC efficiency and
increase storage capacity at a DC or other storage facility.
[0105] The receiving tunnel permits delivery of products without
intervention/assistance of store personnel. A delivery truck driver
can back-up to the receiving tunnel to connect to it. The receiving
tunnel has parking/docking guidance system for driver assistance
that measures the distance between the backing trailer of the
delivery truck and the docking device for the receiving tunnel. The
system communicates to the driver and provides instructional help
to make it easier to back the delivery truck into the dock.
[0106] In some non-limiting examples, the driver of the delivery
truck only raises his/her trailer door and initiates the unload
procedure. The receiving tunnel autonomously does the rest with an
onboard autonomous pallet jack or pallet mover. The receiving
tunnel downloads daily delivery schedules to anticipate
refrigeration start and stop times.
[0107] In other examples, the system utilizes GPS to locate
delivery trucks/loads and calculates delivery times to anticipate
refrigeration start and stop times. The system updates perpetual
inventory information and finalizes deliveries by using cameras,
scanners, and sensors to identify invoice data on each pallet moved
into the receiving tunnel. The receiving tunnel turns on
refrigeration/freezer zones based on anticipated delivery
information and GPS data transmitted by the delivery truck. Sensor
devices read barcodes on pallets/delivered items using a scanner,
camera, or other sensors to determine which pallets go into which
zones inside the receiving tunnel.
[0108] In another example, the system analyzes truck delivery data
and inventory data to determine whether a pallet is for a
store/receiving facility at the receiving truck's location or for a
facility at another location (different store). The system
determines which temperature zone a pallet/item should be assigned
based on cold-chain compliance requirements for the item(s). The
system understands which items are on each pallet, pulls inventory
and other item metrics to determine which pallets have the most
need to be stocked into the receiving facility first and/or
arranges pallets with the highest priority closest to the receiving
facility (store) receiving door to be unloaded first.
[0109] In an example scenario, as pallets are taken off a delivery
truck, the receiving trailer system scans pallets, pulls invoice
data and identifies what is on each pallet. The artificial
intelligence (machine learning) checks store inventory to determine
which items are out of stock or low in stock. The system places
those items which are low in inventory or out (highest priority to
be restocked) in a location or zone which is closest to the door
adjacent to the receiving facility door to be pulled out of the
receiving tunnel first and restocked first.
[0110] In yet another example, a driverless delivery truck
communicates with the receiving tunnel to automatically dock with
the loading-end of the receiving tunnel. The driverless delivery
truck systems communicate with the guidance system to align with
the receiving tunnel and connect to the dock.
[0111] In other examples, an autonomous pallet loader (pallet jack)
on the delivery truck automatically moves the pallets/items from
the truck onto the receiving tunnel. In other examples, an
autonomous pallet loader in the receiving facility assists with
moving pallets/items into the receiving facility.
[0112] Alternatively, or in addition to the other examples
described herein, examples include any combination of the
following: [0113] a platform; [0114] a door associated with the
first side member; [0115] a biometric lock associated with the
door; [0116] an extension device associated with the first end of
the main body, the extension device comprising a flexible extension
device and a turntable configured to rotate within a one-hundred-
and twenty-degree range; [0117] wherein the extension device
connects to an end of the delivery truck which is unaligned with
the first end of the main body; [0118] a guidance system,
implemented on at least one processor, that analyzes sensor data
associated with a location of the end of the delivery truck and
outputs instructions assisting a driver of the delivery truck with
connecting to the collapsible docking device; [0119] an adjustable
docking device associated with a first end of the main body, the
adjustable docking device removably connecting the receiving tunnel
with the delivery truck; [0120] a set of sensor devices within the
interior compartment generating sensor data associated with a set
of pallets within the interior compartment; [0121] a pneumatic lift
configured to self-level at least a portion of the main body based
on a height of the delivery truck attempting to dock with the
receiving tunnel; [0122] an inventory component, implemented on the
at least one processor, updates perpetual inventory associated with
a receiving facility; [0123] wherein the perpetual inventory is
updated to include a set of items unloaded off the delivery truck
and placed within the receiving tunnel; [0124] a set of weight
sensors associated with the floor member, wherein the set of weight
sensors generates weight data associated with a set of pallets
within at least one zone of the interior compartment; [0125] a map
generation component, implemented on the at least one processor,
generates a load map organizing placement of items within an
interior compartment of the receiving tunnel for prioritized
unloading based on delivery schedules, delivery inventory, and
perpetual inventory of a receiving facility associated with the
receiving tunnel, wherein the load map provides a placement
configuration for placement of items within the interior
compartment of the receiving tunnel; [0126] a control device
comprising at least one processor communicatively coupled to a
memory; [0127] a temperature manager component, implemented on the
at least one processor, analyzes dynamic truck delivery data and
ambient temperature data to generate a predicted cooling time and a
cooling initiation time, the predicted cooling time comprising an
estimated quantity of time after cooling initiation to reach a
target temperature for a set of pallets within a selected zone in a
set of temperature-controlled zones within a receiving tunnel;
[0128] an adjustable docking device associated with a first end of
the main body, the adjustable docking device configured to connect
to an end of a delivery truck associated with an unloading door of
the delivery truck, the adjustable docking device connecting the
receiving tunnel with the delivery truck; [0129] an autonomous
pallet loader associated with the interior compartment autonomously
moves a set of pallets from a storage area within the delivery
truck connected to the collapsible docking device into at least one
temperature-controlled zone within the interior compartment of the
main body; [0130] docking instructions assisting a driver of the
delivery truck with connecting to a docking device; [0131] an
extension device associated with the first end of the main body,
the extension device comprising a flexible sleeve and a turntable
configured to rotate within a one-hundred and twenty degree range,
wherein the extension device connects to an end of the delivery
truck which is unaligned with the first end of the main body;
[0132] a set of adjustable bulkheads associated with the top
member, at least one adjustable bulkhead in the set of adjustable
bulkheads drops down to create a set of temperature-controlled
zones within the interior compartment; [0133] an access component,
implemented on the at least one processor, opens a door associated
with a receiving facility and initiate autonomous unloading of a
set of items from the receiving tunnel into the receiving facility;
[0134] a first aperture associated with the first end of the main
body connecting the interior compartment of the receiving tunnel
with an interior storage area of the delivery truck; and [0135] a
second aperture associated with the second end of the main body
connecting the interior compartment of the receiving tunnel with an
interior of a receiving facility, wherein the second aperture is
configured to permit transport of items from the interior
compartment of the receiving tunnel into the interior of the
receiving facility.
[0136] At least a portion of the functionality of the various
elements in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7,
FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. 10, FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 can be performed by
other elements in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 6,
FIG. 7, FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. 10, FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, or an entity
(e.g., processor 404, web service, server, application program,
computing device, etc.) not shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG.
4, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. 10, FIG. 11 and
FIG. 12.
[0137] In some examples, the operations illustrated in FIG. 13 and
FIG. 14 can be implemented as software instructions encoded on a
computer-readable medium, in hardware programmed or designed to
perform the operations, or both. For example, aspects of the
disclosure can be implemented as a system on a chip or other
circuitry including a plurality of interconnected, electrically
conductive elements.
[0138] In other examples, a computer readable medium having
instructions recorded thereon which when executed by a computer
device cause the computer device to cooperate in performing a
method of ***, the method comprising ****.
[0139] While the aspects of the disclosure have been described in
terms of various examples with their associated operations, a
person skilled in the art would appreciate that a combination of
operations from any number of different examples is also within
scope of the aspects of the disclosure.
[0140] The term "Wi-Fi" as used herein refers, in some examples, to
a wireless local area network using high frequency radio signals
for the transmission of data. The term "BLUETOOTH.RTM." as used
herein refers, in some examples, to a wireless technology standard
for exchanging data over short distances using short wavelength
radio transmission. The term "cellular" as used herein refers, in
some examples, to a wireless communication system using short-range
radio stations that, when joined together, enable the transmission
of data over a wide geographic area. The term "NFC" as used herein
refers, in some examples, to a short-range high frequency wireless
communication technology for the exchange of data over short
distances.
Exemplary Operating Environment
[0141] Exemplary computer-readable media include flash memory
drives, digital versatile discs (DVDs), compact discs (CDs), floppy
disks, and tape cassettes. By way of example and not limitation,
computer-readable media comprise computer storage media and
communication media. Computer storage media include volatile and
nonvolatile, removable, and non-removable media implemented in any
method or technology for storage of information such as
computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules
and the like. Computer storage media are tangible and mutually
exclusive to communication media. Computer storage media are
implemented in hardware and exclude carrier waves and propagated
signals. Computer storage media for purposes of this disclosure are
not signals per se. Exemplary computer storage media include hard
disks, flash drives, and other solid-state memory. In contrast,
communication media typically embody computer-readable
instructions, data structures, program modules, or the like, in a
modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport
mechanism and include any information delivery media.
[0142] Although described in connection with an exemplary computing
system environment, examples of the disclosure are capable of
implementation with numerous other general purpose or special
purpose computing system environments, configurations, or
devices.
[0143] Examples of well-known computing systems, environments,
and/or configurations that can be suitable for use with aspects of
the disclosure include, but are not limited to, mobile computing
devices, personal computers, server computers, hand-held or laptop
devices, multiprocessor systems, gaming consoles,
microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmable consumer
electronics, mobile telephones, mobile computing and/or
communication devices in wearable or accessory form factors (e.g.,
watches, glasses, headsets, or earphones), network PCs,
minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributed computing
environments that include any of the above systems or devices, and
the like. Such systems or devices can accept input from the user in
any way, including from input devices such as a keyboard or
pointing device, via gesture input, proximity input (such as by
hovering), and/or via voice input.
[0144] Examples of the disclosure can be described in the general
context of computer-executable instructions, such as program
modules, executed by one or more computers or other devices in
software, firmware, hardware, or a combination thereof. The
computer-executable instructions can be organized into one or more
computer-executable components or modules. Generally, program
modules include, but are not limited to, routines, programs,
objects, components, and data structures that perform tasks or
implement abstract data types. Aspects of the disclosure can be
implemented with any number and organization of such components or
modules. For example, aspects of the disclosure are not limited to
the specific computer-executable instructions or the specific
components or modules illustrated in the figures and described
herein. Other examples of the disclosure can include different
computer-executable instructions or components having more
functionality or less functionality than illustrated and described
herein.
[0145] In examples involving a general-purpose computer, aspects of
the disclosure transform the general-purpose computer into a
special-purpose computing device when configured to execute the
instructions described herein.
[0146] The examples illustrated and described herein as well as
examples not specifically described herein but within the scope of
aspects of the disclosure constitute exemplary means for managing a
receiving tunnel. For example, the elements illustrated in FIG. 1,
FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, FIG. 8, FIG. 9,
FIG. 10, FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, such as when encoded to perform the
operations illustrated in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, constitute exemplary
means for adjusting temperature within a set of zones and
generating guidance instructions to assist a delivery truck with
docking to the receiving tunnel.
[0147] Other non-limiting examples provide one or more computer
storage devices having a first computer-executable instructions
stored thereon for providing instructions to a delivery truck and
controlling a set of cooling units associated with
temperature-controlled zones within a receiving tunnel.
[0148] The order of execution or performance of the operations in
examples of the disclosure illustrated and described herein is not
essential, unless otherwise specified. That is, the operations can
be performed in any order, unless otherwise specified, and examples
of the disclosure can include additional or fewer operations than
those disclosed herein. For example, it is contemplated that
executing or performing an operation before, contemporaneously
with, or after another operation is within the scope of aspects of
the disclosure.
[0149] When introducing elements of aspects of the disclosure or
the examples thereof, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are
intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The
terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be
inclusive and mean that there can be additional elements other than
the listed elements. The term "exemplary" is intended to mean "an
example of." The phrase "one or more of the following: A, B, and C"
means "at least one of A and/or at least one of B and/or at least
one of C."
[0150] In an exemplary embodiment, one or more of the exemplary
embodiments include one or more localized Internet of Things (IoT)
devices and controllers. As a result, in an exemplary embodiment,
the localized IoT devices and controllers can perform most, if not
all, of the computational load and associated monitoring and then
later asynchronous uploading of summary data can be performed by a
designated one of the IoT devices to a remote server. In this
manner, the computational effort of the overall system can be
reduced significantly. For example, whenever localized monitoring
allows remote transmission, secondary utilization of controllers
keeps securing data for other IoT devices and permits periodic
asynchronous uploading of the summary data to the remote server. In
addition, in an exemplary embodiment, the periodic asynchronous
uploading of summary data can include a key kernel index summary of
the data as created under nominal conditions. In an exemplary
embodiment, the kernel encodes relatively recently acquired
intermittent data ("KRI"). As a result, in an exemplary embodiment,
KRI includes a continuously utilized near term source of data, but
KRI can be discarded depending upon the degree to which such KRI
has any value based on local processing and evaluation of such KRI.
In an exemplary embodiment, KRI may not even be utilized in any
form if it is determined that KRI is transient and can be
considered as signal noise. Furthermore, in an exemplary
embodiment, the kernel rejects generic data to provide a modified
kernel ("KRG") by filtering incoming raw data using a stochastic
filter that thereby provides a predictive model of one or more
future states of the system and can thereby filter out data that is
not consistent with the modeled future states which can, for
example, reflect generic background data. In an exemplary
embodiment, KRG incrementally sequences all future undefined cached
kernels of data to filter out data that can reflect generic
background data. In an exemplary embodiment, KRG further
incrementally sequences all future undefined cached kernels having
encoded asynchronous data to filter out data that can reflect
generic background data.
[0151] Having described aspects of the disclosure in detail, it
will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible
without departing from the scope of aspects of the disclosure as
defined in the appended claims. As various changes could be made in
the above constructions, products, and methods without departing
from the scope of aspects of the disclosure, it is intended that
all matter contained in the above description and shown in the
accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not
in a limiting sense.
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