U.S. patent application number 17/478508 was filed with the patent office on 2022-01-06 for system and method for automated product sorting and coordinated delivery using autonomous delivery vehicles within a facility.
The applicant listed for this patent is Walmart Apollo, LLC. Invention is credited to Jason D. Bellar, Jeremy L. Velten.
Application Number | 20220002085 17/478508 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005843726 |
Filed Date | 2022-01-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220002085 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bellar; Jason D. ; et
al. |
January 6, 2022 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATED PRODUCT SORTING AND COORDINATED
DELIVERY USING AUTONOMOUS DELIVERY VEHICLES WITHIN A FACILITY
Abstract
Systems, methods, and machine readable media are provided for
automated product sorting and coordinated delivery using autonomous
delivery vehicles within a facility. In exemplary embodiments, a
system scans machine readable identifiers affixed to items, and
sorts the items into two or more categories. A selected item is
identified as scheduled to be picked up in-facility based on the
scanning of the machine-readable identifier. An optimal route
within the facility from the automated sorting device to an
in-facility location is determined for a selected autonomous
delivery vehicle based at least in part on at least one of facility
traffic patterns, locations of other autonomous delivery vehicles,
a number of items to be delivered, and additional tasks that can be
performed by the selected autonomous delivery vehicle while
delivering the item. The selected autonomous delivery vehicle
navigates along the optimal route to the in-facility location to
deliver the selected item to the in-facility location.
Inventors: |
Bellar; Jason D.; (Bella
Vista, AR) ; Velten; Jeremy L.; (Bella Vista,
AR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Walmart Apollo, LLC |
Bentonville |
AR |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005843726 |
Appl. No.: |
17/478508 |
Filed: |
September 17, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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16426853 |
May 30, 2019 |
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17478508 |
|
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62678457 |
May 31, 2018 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65G 2203/0216 20130101;
B65G 1/1376 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65G 1/137 20060101
B65G001/137 |
Claims
1. A system for automated product sorting and coordinated delivery
using autonomous delivery vehicles within a facility, comprising:
an automated sorting device that includes at least one of a
plurality of conveyors and sets of rollers, the automated sorting
device configured to: scan a plurality of machine-readable
identifiers that are each respectively associated with one of a
plurality of items; and automatically sort the plurality of items
into two or more predetermined product categories, each category
associated with one of the plurality of conveyors or sets of
rollers, items in each category forwarded to one of the plurality
of conveyors or sets of rollers after being scanned based on the
association; an in-facility location configured for retrieval of
one or more items intended for pick up at the facility; one or more
autonomous delivery vehicles configured to communicate with the
in-facility location via the communication interface; a computing
device communicatively coupled to the automated sorting device and
the one or more autonomous delivery vehicles and configured to
execute a distribution module, the distribution module when
executed: identifying a selected item from the plurality of items
to be picked up in-facility based on the scanning of the
machine-readable identifier, determining an optimal route within
the facility from the automated sorting device to the in-facility
location for a selected one of the one or more autonomous delivery
vehicles based at least in part on at least one of facility traffic
patterns, locations of other autonomous delivery vehicles, a number
of items to be delivered, and additional tasks that can be
performed by the selected one of the one or more autonomous
delivery vehicles while delivering the item, and instructing the
selected one of the one or more autonomous delivery vehicles to
retrieve the item from one of the plurality of conveyors or sets of
rollers; wherein the selected one of the one or more autonomous
delivery vehicles navigates along the optimal route in the facility
from the automated sorting device to the in-facility location to
deliver the selected item to the in-facility location.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the distribution module instructs
the selected one of the one or more autonomous delivery vehicles to
retrieve multiple items to be picked up in-facility until the
selected one of the one or more autonomous delivery vehicles has
reached a predetermined threshold amount of items.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein the selected one of the one or
more autonomous delivery vehicles is one of a cart, an aerial
drone, and an autonomous guided vehicle.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein the selected one of the one or
more autonomous delivery vehicles is re-routed while in transit to
the in-facility location based on instructions received from the
distribution module or based on an event or condition detected by
one or more sensors on the selected one of the one or more
autonomous delivery vehicles.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein the selected one of the one or
more autonomous delivery vehicles picks up an additional item while
on route to the in-facility location.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein the selected one of the one or
more autonomous delivery vehicles is unloaded into the in-facility
location.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein the selected one of the one or
more autonomous delivery vehicles is at least one of self-loading
and self-unloading.
8. A computer-implemented method for automated product sorting and
coordinated delivery using autonomous delivery vehicles within a
facility, the method comprising: scanning a plurality of
machine-readable identifiers that are each respectively associated
with one of a plurality items with an automated sorting device that
includes at least one of a plurality of conveyors and sets of
rollers; automatically sorting the plurality of items into two or
more predetermined product categories, each category associated
with one of the plurality of conveyors or sets of rollers, and
forwarding items in each category from the plurality of items to
one of the plurality of conveyors or sets of rollers after being
scanned based on the association; identifying, with a computing
device communicatively coupled to the automated sorting device and
one or more autonomous delivery vehicles, a selected item from the
plurality of items to be picked up in-facility based on the
scanning of the machine-readable identifier; determining, with the
computing device, an optimal route within the facility from the
automated sorting device to an in-facility location for a selected
one of the one or more autonomous delivery vehicles based at least
in part on at least one of facility traffic patterns, locations of
other autonomous delivery vehicles, a number of items to be
delivered, and additional tasks that can be performed by the
selected one of the one or more autonomous delivery vehicles while
delivering the item, the in-facility location being configured for
pick up of one or more items by customers in the facility;
instructing, with the computing device, a selected one of the one
or more autonomous delivery vehicles to retrieve the item from one
of the plurality of conveyors or sets of rollers; and providing the
selected one of the one or more autonomous delivery vehicles with
the optimal route in the facility from the automated sorting device
to the in-facility location to deliver the selected item to the
in-facility location.
9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: loading the selected
one of the one or more autonomous delivery vehicles with items to
be picked up in-facility until the selected one of the one or more
autonomous delivery vehicles has reached a predetermined threshold
amount of items.
10. The method of claim 8 wherein the one or more autonomous
delivery vehicles are one of a cart, an aerial drone, and an
autonomous guided vehicle.
11. The method of claim 8 further comprising: detecting a condition
or event within the facility using at least one sensor on the
selected one of the one or more autonomous delivery vehicles; and
re-routing the selected one of the one or more autonomous delivery
vehicles while in route to the in-facility location based on the
detected condition or event.
12. The method of claim 8 further comprising: receiving with the
selected one of the one or more automated delivery vehicles a route
instruction change from the computing device while the selected one
of the one or more automated delivery vehicles is in transit to the
in-facility location; and re-routing the selected one of the one or
more autonomous delivery vehicles while in transit to the
in-facility location based on the instruction.
13. The method of claim 8 further comprising: picking up an
additional item with the selected one of the one or more autonomous
delivery vehicles while on route to the in-facility location.
14. The method of claim 8 further comprising: unloading items from
the selected one of the one or more autonomous delivery vehicles
into the in-facility location.
15. The method of claim 8 wherein the selected one of the one or
more autonomous delivery vehicles is at least one of self-loading
and self-unloading.
16. A non-transitory machine-readable medium storing instructions
executable by a processing device, wherein execution of the
instructions causes the processing device to implement an automated
product sorting and coordinated delivery method, the method
comprising: scanning a plurality of machine-readable identifiers
that are each respectively associated with one of a plurality items
with an automated sorting device that includes at least one of a
plurality of conveyors and sets of rollers; automatically sorting
the plurality of items into two or more predetermined product
categories, each category associated with one of the plurality of
conveyors or sets of rollers, and forwarding items in each category
from the plurality of items to one of the plurality of conveyors or
sets of rollers after being scanned based on the association;
identifying, with a computing device communicatively coupled to the
automated sorting device and one or more autonomous delivery
vehicles, a selected item from the plurality of items to be picked
up in-facility based on the scanning of the machine-readable
identifier; determining, with the computing device, an optimal
route within the facility from the automated sorting device to an
in-facility location for a selected one of the one or more
autonomous delivery vehicles based at least in part on at least one
of facility traffic patterns, locations of other autonomous
delivery vehicles, a number of items to be delivered, and
additional tasks that can be performed by the selected one of the
one or more autonomous delivery vehicles while delivering the item,
the in-facility location being configured for pick up of one or
more items by customers in the facility; instructing, with the
computing device, a selected one of the one or more autonomous
delivery vehicles to retrieve the item from one of the plurality of
conveyors or sets of rollers; and providing the selected one of the
one or more autonomous delivery vehicles with the optimal route in
the facility from the automated sorting device to the in-facility
location to deliver the selected item to the in-facility
location.
17. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 16 wherein
instructing the autonomous delivery vehicle to retrieve the item
from one of the plurality of conveyors or rollers comprises loading
the selected one of the one or more autonomous delivery vehicles
with items to be picked up in-facility until the selected one of
the one or more autonomous delivery vehicles has reached a
predetermined threshold amount of items.
18. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 16 further
comprising: detecting a condition or event within the facility
using at least one sensor on the selected one of the one or more
autonomous delivery vehicles; and re-routing the selected one of
the one or more autonomous delivery vehicles while in route to the
in-facility location based on the detected condition or event.
19. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 16 wherein
the selected one of the one or more autonomous delivery vehicles
picks up an additional item while on route to the in-facility
location.
20. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 16 further
comprising picking up an additional item with the selected one of
the one or more autonomous delivery vehicles while on route to the
in-facility location.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation application of U.S.
application Ser. No. 16/426,853, filed May 30, 2019, which claims
priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/678,457, filed May 31, 2018, the contents of both of which are
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In a retail facility, the delivery, unloading, and sorting
of products at the facility is an important component of the
efficient operation of the facility. These delivery, unloading and
sorting processes often involve unloading items from an external
delivery vehicle into the facility. Once within the facility, the
items may be sorted into appropriate categories and then delivered
to various parts of the facility.
SUMMARY
[0003] In one embodiment, a system for automated product sorting
and coordinated delivery is provided. The system is configured to
execute a scan module, a sorting module and a distribution module.
The scan module when executed scans incoming items to determine the
type of item. The sorting module when executed sorts the items into
one or more categories, each category associated with one or more
conveyors and with the items for each category forwarded to the
appropriate conveyor after being scanned. The distribution module
when executed determines an optimal route for an autonomous
delivery vehicle to deliver an item from the sorting process to a
tower apparatus for later pick-up by the customer. The optimal
route is determined at least in part on at least one of facility
traffic patterns, locations of other autonomous delivery vehicle, a
number of items being delivered and additional tasks that can be
performed by the autonomous delivery vehicle while delivering the
item.
[0004] In another embodiment, a computer implemented method for
automated product sorting and coordinated delivery is provided. The
method includes scanning with an automated sorting device that
includes a plurality of conveyors, machine readable identifiers
affixed to a plurality of items. The method further includes
automatically sorting the plurality of items into two or more
categories, each category associated with one of the plurality of
conveyors, and forwarding items in each category to one of the
plurality of conveyors after being scanned. The method also
includes identifying a selected item from the plurality of items to
be picked up in-facility based on the scanning of the
machine-readable identifier and determining an optimal route within
the facility from the automated sorting device to the tower
apparatus for the autonomous delivery vehicle, the optimal route
based at least in part on at least one of facility traffic
patterns, locations of other autonomous delivery vehicles, a number
of items to be delivered, and additional tasks that can be
performed by the autonomous delivery vehicle while delivering the
item. The method additionally includes instructing the autonomous
delivery vehicle to retrieve the item from one of the plurality of
conveyors, and navigating the autonomous delivery vehicle along the
optimal route to a tower apparatus to deliver the selected item to
the tower apparatus.
[0005] In another embodiment, a non-transitory machine-readable
medium is provided that stores instructions executable by a
processing device. Execution of the instructions causes the
processing device to implement a method for performing an automated
product sorting and coordinated delivery. The method includes
scanning with an automated sorting device that includes a plurality
of conveyors, machine readable identifiers affixed to a plurality
of items. The method further includes automatically sorting the
plurality of items into two or more categories, each category
associated with one of the plurality of conveyors, and forwarding
items in each category to one of the plurality of conveyors after
being scanned. The method also includes identifying a selected item
from the plurality of items to be picked up in-facility based on
the scanning of the machine-readable identifier and determining an
optimal route within the facility from the automated sorting device
to the tower apparatus for the autonomous delivery vehicle, the
optimal route based at least in part on at least one of facility
traffic patterns, locations of other autonomous delivery vehicles,
a number of items to be delivered, and additional tasks that can be
performed by the autonomous delivery vehicle while delivering the
item. The method additionally includes instructing the autonomous
delivery vehicle to retrieve the item from one of the plurality of
conveyors, and navigating the autonomous delivery vehicle along the
optimal route to a tower apparatus to deliver the selected item to
the tower apparatus.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more
embodiments of the invention and, together with the description,
help to explain the invention. The drawings are not necessarily to
scale, or inclusive of all elements of a system, emphasis instead
generally being placed upon illustrating the concepts, structures,
and techniques sought to be protected herein. In the drawings:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an automated product
sorting and coordinated delivery system in terms of modules,
according to an example embodiment.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a diagram of an exemplary system for providing
automated product sorting and coordinated delivery, according to an
example embodiment.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a diagram of a tower apparatus used for storing
orders for customer pickup, according to an example embodiment.
[0010] FIGS. 4A and 4B are flowcharts illustrating an exemplary
method for automated product sorting and coordinated delivery,
according to an example embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a diagram of an exemplary network environment
suitable for implementation of exemplary embodiments.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an exemplary computing device
that may be used to implement exemplary embodiments described
herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] Exemplary embodiments provide an automated product sorting
and coordinated delivery system for one or more items. Items are
received at a facility and processed. The items are processed using
an automated sorting system that includes multiple conveyor belts
that are each associated with one or more specific product
categories. The automated sorting system, which may be, but is not
limited to, a flexible automated sortation technology (FAST)
system, scans machine-readable identifiers of each item being
unloaded and diverts the item to its appropriate conveyor based on
the identified category. The facility includes a tower apparatus,
such as, but not limited to, a Cleveron.TM. tower system, or other
specified location such as storage lockers where customers can
retrieve items that are intended to be picked up in-facility. This
may be the result of an online order having been placed. A
computing device executes a distribution module which selects an
autonomous delivery vehicle from among one or more autonomous
delivery vehicles in the facility to deliver the item to the tower
(or other location). The selection may be based on a number of
factors as described further herein. The distribution module also
calculates an optimal route from the sortation system conveyor to
the tower (or other location) for the selected autonomous delivery
vehicle so that the ordered item may be picked-up by a customer.
The optimal route may be based at least in part on at least one of
facility traffic patterns, locations of other autonomous delivery
vehicles within the facility, a number of items to be delivered,
and additional tasks that can be performed by the selected
autonomous delivery vehicle while delivering the item.
[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an automated product
sorting and coordinated delivery system 100 in terms of modules for
an example embodiment. One or more modules may be implemented using
server 530 shown in FIG. 5 while other modules may be implemented
using computing devices 510, 520 shown in FIG. 5. The modules
include a scan module 102, a sorting module 104 and a distribution
module 106. The modules may include various circuits, circuitry and
one or more software components, programs, applications, or other
units of code base or instructions configured to be executed by one
or more processors. Although modules 102, 104 and 106 are shown as
distinct modules in FIG. 1, it should be understood that modules
102, 104 and 106 may be implemented as fewer or more modules than
illustrated. It should be understood that modules 102, 104 and 106
may communicate with one or more components included in system 500
(FIG. 5), such as computing devices 510,520, server 530, and
database(s) 540.
[0015] The scan module 102 may be a hardware or
software-implemented module configured to scan incoming items as
they are unloaded and made ready for delivery or storage within a
retail facility. The items have machine-readable identifiers which
the scan module reads and uses to identify the item and determine
how the item should be handled. In one embodiment, the scan module
may be part of a FAST system or other automated sorting system.
[0016] The sorting module 104 may be a hardware or
software-implemented module configured to sort incoming items after
they are scanned and made ready for delivery or storage within a
retail facility. Depending on the scan of the machine readable
identifier, the item is forwarded to the appropriate area where it
can be picked up and delivered to the desired location. In one
embodiment, the scan module may be part of a FAST system or other
automated sorting system and the items may be sorted by being
diverted to a conveyor belt associated with the identified category
of the item after scanning.
[0017] The distribution module 106 may be a hardware or
software-implemented module configured to coordinate the delivery
of incoming items as they are unloaded. The distribution module
identifies a selected autonomous delivery vehicle in the facility
to deliver an item and determines an optimal route within the
facility. The optimal route determination may be made taking into
account one or more of facility traffic patterns, locations of
other autonomous delivery vehicles, a number of items being
delivered and additional tasks that can be performed while
delivering the item. The optimal route determination may take into
account customer traffic and autonomous vehicle traffic in the
facility.
[0018] As non-limiting examples, a real-time database may be used
to track the number of customers and location of automated delivery
vehicles in the facility. For example, the autonomous delivery
vehicle may be equipped with a Bluetooth beacon that broadcasts its
ID to sensors disposed at various locations around the facility to
enable tracking of vehicle location. In another embodiment, each
vehicle may determine its own location and communicate with
distribution module 106 via a communication interface. In one
embodiment, customer location may be tracked using cameras disposed
around the facility to determine areas of congestion. In another
embodiment, the customer location may be reported by an app running
on a customer handheld device that interacts with sensors in the
facility and communicates the customer's location with distribution
module 106. The real-time database may also include additional
information such as, but not limited to, a layout of the facility
and status information relating to power resources and the weight
of current item loads of the autonomous delivery vehicles. The
real-time database may further include information relating to the
capabilities of each individual autonomous delivery vehicle with
regards to range and weight limits. The information contained in
the real-time database may be consulted by the distribution module
when selecting an autonomous delivery vehicle to deliver an item.
For example, the distribution module may select the closest
autonomous delivery vehicle to the automated sorting system, may
select the autonomous delivery vehicle that has the most remaining
power, the most available room/weight allowance, or may make the
selection based on a combination of these and/or other criteria.
Similarly, the distribution module may use the real-time database
to pick a route to a tower or other delivery location that has the
least number of customers and/or other autonomous vehicles to avoid
congestion in the aisles or other locations in the facility.
Likewise, the selected autonomous delivery vehicle may be selected
based on the ability to pick up multiple items from different
conveyors or an additional location in the facility for different
orders being delivered to the tower (or other delivery
location).
[0019] FIG. 2 shows a diagram of an exemplary system 200 for
providing automated product sorting and coordinated delivery,
according to an example embodiment. In one embodiment a receiving
system such as a Flexible Automated Sortation Technology (FAST)
system 202 is used as part of the unloading of a delivery vehicle
into a retail environment. Items are loaded onto the conveyor belt
204 of the FAST system and are scanned by scanner 206. The scanned
items are then sorted by control of different sets of rollers
and/or additional conveyor belts 208, 210, 212, 214 such that the
item is directed to in the appropriate location of the FAST system
based on the scanned identifier of the item. For example, each
additional set of rollers and/or conveyor belt 208, 210, 212, 214
may be associated with a different category of product.
[0020] In this example, the FAST system 202 has received several
items 216, 218, 220 and 222. The items are scanned by scanner 206
and a determination is made for each item regarding where the item
should be forwarded and stored. In this example, item 216 is
identified as having been ordered on-line and is ready to be moved
to a tower apparatus for customer pickup. The item 216 is directed
by rollers 208 to a location where the item can be picked up by
autonomous delivery vehicle 224 for delivery to a tower
apparatus.
[0021] Item 218 is directed by control of rollers 210 to a pick up
spot, for example this is a sporting goods product and needs to be
delivered to the sporting goods section of the facility or to a
place in the warehouse where sporting goods are stored. Item 220 is
directed to a different pickup spot by rollers 212, for example for
toys. This item needs to be delivered to the toy section of the
facility or to a place in the warehouse where toys are stored. Item
222 is approaching rollers 214 and has yet to be sorted.
[0022] Item 216, having been identified as an item for customer
pickup, is loaded into autonomous delivery vehicle 224. This may be
done manually, or may be done by the autonomous delivery vehicle
itself. The autonomous delivery vehicle 224 receives an optimal
route for the autonomous delivery vehicle within the facility to a
tower apparatus by communicating with the computing device
executing the distribution module. The determination of an optimal
route, in one embodiment, takes into account one or more of
facility traffic patterns, locations of other delivery devices, a
number of items to be delivered, and other tasks that can be
performed by the autonomous delivery vehicle.
[0023] In one embodiment, an optimal route may be determined for
the autonomous delivery vehicle and, due to traffic within the
route by customers or the location of other autonomous delivery
vehicles, the route may be changed to avoid the traffic condition.
The route change may be based on an instruction received by the
autonomous delivery vehicle from the distribution module or may be
based on a condition or event detected by the sensors on-board the
autonomous delivery vehicle. Other factors may also be used, for
example whether to take three trips with one autonomous delivery
vehicle or to have a single trip taken by three autonomous delivery
vehicles. Return trips can include pickup of items being returned
by the customer and requiring delivery to the warehouse. Other side
trips may also be incorporated in to the optimal route, for
example, the autonomous delivery vehicle may stop by the baked good
area to retrieve a warm loaf of bread to deliver to a checkout
station for a customer requesting the item. It will be appreciated
that other criteria other than those specifically discussed above
may also be used to select an autonomous delivery vehicle and
determine an optimal route without departing from the scope of the
present invention
[0024] The autonomous delivery vehicle, with the items loaded
thereon, navigates along the optimal route to a tower apparatus
where the autonomous delivery vehicle can be unloaded. In some
embodiments the autonomous delivery vehicle is loaded with
additional items destined for the tower apparatus until a
predetermined threshold number of items has been met. The
autonomous delivery vehicle in some embodiments is at least one of
self-loading and self-unloading. For example, the autonomous
delivery vehicle may be equipped with an articulated arm, a
grasping claw, an extending apparatus, a ramp or some other
mechanism enabling the autonomous delivery vehicle to be
self-loading and self-unloading when picking up and/or delivering
items.
[0025] While the autonomous delivery vehicle is depicted in FIG. 2
as a ground-based autonomous cart used for delivering items to the
tower apparatus, it should be appreciated that an aerial drone, an
Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) or another type of ground based
autonomous delivery vehicle could also be used. Further, in one
embodiment in which the autonomous delivery vehicle is not
self-loading and or unloading, the system may automatically notify
a facility associate to come and load and/or unload the autonomous
delivery vehicle.
[0026] FIG. 3 is a diagram of a tower apparatus used for storing
orders for customer pickup in an exemplary embodiment. The tower
apparatus 302 is physically located at the front area of a
facility. The autonomous delivery vehicle unloads its cargo into
the rear of the tower apparatus. A customer is notified the item is
ready for pickup at the tower apparatus 302. The customer arrives
at the pickup station 304 and presents proof of purchase and the
item is made available to the customer to retrieve from the tower
apparatus. It should be appreciated that instead of a tower
apparatus as depicted herein, other specified locations such as
lockers or restricted/specified areas of the facility could also be
the delivery location for the autonomous delivery vehicle.
[0027] FIGS. 4A and 4B are flow diagrams showing illustrative
processing that can be implemented within a system for automated
product sorting and coordinated delivery in an exemplary
embodiment. FIGS. 4A to 4B are flowcharts illustrating an exemplary
method 400 for automated product sorting and coordinated delivery,
according to an example embodiment. An automated sorting device
scans machine-readable identifiers that are each respectively
associated with one of a group of items (step 402). The automated
sorting device includes additional conveyors and/or sets of rollers
dedicated to different categories of items. The machine readable
identifiers may be bar codes, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
tags or other type of machine-readable codes.
[0028] The automated sorting device sorts the scanned items into
two or more categories, wherein each category is associated with
one of the conveyors and/or sets of rollers, and forwards items in
each category to one of the conveyors or sets of rollers after the
item is scanned based on the association (step 404). For example,
one conveyor and/or set of roller may be for items to be picked up
in-facility, while another conveyor may be for delivery to the toy
section of the facility, and another conveyor may be dedicated for
items being delivered to the women's clothing department.
[0029] After scanning, a selected item is identified as an item to
be picked up in-facility based on the scan of the machine readable
code (step 406). For example, the item may have been ordered at
home by a customer online and needs to be delivered to a tower
apparatus at the front of the facility for customer pickup.
Alternatively, an item can be ordered from a kiosk in the facility
and sent to the front of the facility for pickup.
[0030] An optimal route within the facility for a selected
autonomous delivery vehicle is then determined by the distribution
module. The optimal route extends from the automated sorting device
to the tower apparatus and is traversed by the selected autonomous
delivery vehicle to transport the item to the tower apparatus. The
optimal route is based on one or more of facility traffic patterns,
locations of other autonomous delivery vehicles, a number of items
to be delivered, and additional tasks the autonomous deliver device
can perform (step 408). For example, the autonomous delivery
vehicle may be, but is not limited to, a cart, an aerial drone or
an autonomous guided vehicle (step 410).
[0031] The autonomous delivery vehicle is instructed to retrieve
the item from the conveyor or sets of rollers to which it was
forwarded (step 412). The selected autonomous delivery vehicle may
be loaded with items until a predetermined threshold of items have
been loaded onto the selected autonomous delivery vehicle (step
414). The predetermined threshold may be one or more of a number of
items, a volume of the items, or the weight of the items.
[0032] The selected autonomous delivery vehicle is provided with
the optimal route to the tower apparatus to deliver the selected
item to the tower apparatus (step 416).
[0033] In one embodiment, the selected autonomous delivery vehicle
can receive a route instruction change from the computing device
while the selected autonomous delivery vehicle is in transit to the
tower apparatus, and the selected autonomous delivery vehicle
changes course while in transit to the tower apparatus based on the
instruction. In another embodiment, the selected autonomous
delivery vehicle may identify an event or condition in the facility
through the use of onboard sensors such as radar, LIDAR, ultrasound
or another type of sensor that is used to detect congestion on the
optimal route and automatically switch to an alternate route to the
tower.
[0034] In some embodiments the autonomous delivery vehicle may pick
up additional items while in route to the tower apparatus (step
422). The autonomous delivery vehicle is unloaded after arrival at
the tower apparatus (step 424). In one embodiment, prior to the
autonomous delivery vehicle being unloaded, the autonomous delivery
vehicle communicates with the tower apparatus to confirm its
identity before the tower opens a doorway or window to accept
delivery. For example, the autonomous delivery vehicle may
electronically communicate its ID or provide a scannable identifier
read by the tower apparatus.
[0035] Although the description herein has focused on a tower
apparatus as the delivery location for the autonomous delivery
vehicle, it should be appreciated that other locations in the
facility such as a delivery locker or other specified location
could also be used without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates a network diagram depicting a system 500
for implementing an automated product sorting and coordinated
delivery system, according to an example embodiment. The system 500
can include a network 505, multiple computing devices, for example,
computing device 510, computing device 520, a server 530, and
database(s) 540. Each of the computing devices 510, 520, server
530, and database(s) 540 is in communication with the network
505.
[0037] In an example embodiment, one or more portions of network
505 may be an ad hoc network, an intranet, an extranet, a virtual
private network (VPN), a local area network (LAN), a wireless LAN
(WLAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wireless wide area network
(WWAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a portion of the
Internet, a portion of the Public Switched Telephone Network
(PSTN), a cellular telephone network, a wireless network, a Wi-Fi
network, a WiMAX network, another type of network, or a combination
of two or more such networks.
[0038] The computing devices 510, 520 may comprise, but are not
limited to, mobile devices, hand-held devices, wireless devices,
portable devices, wearable computers, cellular or mobile phones,
portable digital assistants (PDAs), smart phones, smart watches,
tablets, ultrabooks, netbooks, laptops, desktops, multi-processor
systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics,
and the like. Each of computing devices 510, 520 may connect to
network 505 via a wired or wireless connection. In an example
embodiment, the computing devices 510, 520 may perform one or more
of the functionalities of the automated product sorting and
coordinated delivery system 00 described herein, or transmit data
or signals to the automated product sorting and coordinated
delivery system 100 described herein. The computing device 510, 520
can include one or more components of computing device 600 of FIG.
6.
[0039] In an example embodiment, the automated product sorting and
coordinated delivery system 100 may be included at least in part on
the computing device 510, 520, and the computing device 510, 520
performs one or more of the functionalities of the system described
herein. In an example embodiment, the automated product sorting and
coordinated delivery system 100 may be included at least in part on
the server 530, and the server 530 performs one or more of the
functionalities of the automated product sorting and coordinated
delivery system 100 described herein.
[0040] The database(s) 540 comprise one or more storage devices for
storing data and/or instructions (or code) for use by the server
530 and/or the computing devices 510, 520. Each of the database(s)
540 and the server 530 is connected to the network 505 via a wired
connection. Alternatively, one or more of the database(s) 540 and
server 530 may be connected to the network 505 via a wireless
connection. The server 530 includes one or more processors
configured to communicate with the computing devices 510, 520 via
network 505. The server 530 can include one or more components of
device 600 of FIG. 6. Server 530 hosts one or more software
systems, applications or websites, including one or more components
of the dynamic delivery system 100 described herein and/or
facilitates access to the content of database(s) 540.
[0041] In an example embodiment, the server 530 also includes
various software services that facilitate the functionalities of
the automated product sorting and coordinated delivery system 100.
Database(s) 540 and server 530 may be located at one or more
geographically distributed locations from each other or from
computing devices 510, 520. Alternatively, database(s) 540, 545 may
be included within server 530.
[0042] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an exemplary computing device
600 that can be used to perform one or more steps of the methods
provided by exemplary embodiments. For example, computing device
600 may be the computing device 510, 520 and the server 530 as
described in FIG. 5 and may be implemented at least in part on one
or more of the autonomous delivery vehicles. The computing device
600 includes one or more non-transitory computer-readable media for
storing one or more computer-executable instructions or software
for implementing exemplary embodiments. The non-transitory
computer-readable media can include, but are not limited to, one or
more types of hardware memory, non-transitory tangible media (for
example, one or more magnetic storage disks, one or more optical
disks, one or more USB flash drives), and the like. For example,
memory 606 included in the computing device 600 can store
computer-readable and computer-executable instructions or software
for implementing exemplary embodiments. The computing device 600
also includes processor 602 and associated core 604, and
optionally, one or more additional processor(s) 602' and associated
core(s) 604' (for example, in the case of computer systems having
multiple processors/cores), for executing computer-readable and
computer-executable instructions or software stored in the memory
606 and other programs for controlling system hardware. Processor
6902 and processor(s) 602' can each be a single core processor or
multiple core (704 and 604') processor.
[0043] Virtualization can be employed in the computing device 600
so that infrastructure and resources in the computing device can be
shared dynamically. A virtual machine 614 can be provided to handle
a process running on multiple processors so that the process
appears to be using only one computing resource rather than
multiple computing resources. Multiple virtual machines can also be
used with one processor.
[0044] Memory 606 can include a computer system memory or random
access memory, such as DRAM, SRAM, EDO RAM, and the like. Memory
606 can include other types of memory as well, or combinations
thereof. An individual can interact with the computing device 600
through a visual display device 618, such as a touch screen display
or computer monitor, which can display one or more user interfaces
619 for receiving data from the individual (e.g., order data and
travel data). The visual display device 618 can also display other
aspects, elements and/or information or data associated with
exemplary embodiments. The computing device 600 can include other
I/O devices for receiving input from an individual, for example, a
keyboard or another suitable multi-point touch interface 608, a
pointing device 610 (e.g., a pen, stylus, mouse, or trackpad). The
keyboard 608 and the pointing device 610 can be coupled to the
visual display device 618. The computing device 600 can include
other suitable conventional I/O peripherals.
[0045] The computing device 600 can also include one or more
storage devices 624, such as a hard-drive, CD-ROM, or other
computer readable media, for storing data and computer-readable
instructions and/or software, such as one or more modules of the
system 100 shown in FIG. 1 that implements exemplary embodiments of
the notification system as described herein, or portions thereof,
which can be executed to generate user interface 619 on display
618. Exemplary storage device 624 can also store one or more
databases for storing suitable information required to implement
exemplary embodiments. The databases can be updated by an
individual or automatically at a suitable time to add, delete or
update one or more items in the databases. Exemplary storage device
624 can store one or more databases 926 for storing provisioned
data, and other data/information used to implement exemplary
embodiments of the systems and methods described herein.
[0046] The computing device 600 can include a network interface 612
configured to interface via one or more network devices 622 with
one or more networks, for example, Local Area Network (LAN), Wide
Area Network (WAN) or the Internet through a variety of connections
including, but not limited to, standard telephone lines, LAN or WAN
links (for example, 802.11, T1, T3, 56kb, X.25), broadband
connections (for example, ISDN, Frame Relay, ATM), wireless
connections, controller area network (CAN), or some combination of
any or all of the above. The network interface 612 can include a
built-in network adapter, network interface card, PCMCIA network
card, card bus network adapter, wireless network adapter, USB
network adapter, modem or another device suitable for interfacing
the computing device 600 to a type of network capable of
communication and performing the operations described herein.
Moreover, the computing device 600 can be a computer system, such
as a workstation, desktop computer, server, laptop, handheld
computer, tablet computer (e.g., the iPad.RTM. tablet computer),
mobile computing or communication device (e.g., the iPhone.RTM.
communication device), or other form of computing or
telecommunications device that is capable of communication and that
has sufficient processor power and memory capacity to perform the
operations described herein.
[0047] The computing device 600 can run an operating system 616,
such as versions of the Microsoft.RTM. Windows.RTM. operating
systems, the different releases of the Unix and Linux operating
systems, a version of the MacOS.RTM. for Macintosh computers, an
embedded operating system, a real-time operating system, an open
source operating system, a proprietary operating system, an
operating systems for mobile computing devices, or another
operating system capable of running on the computing device and
performing the operations described herein. In exemplary
embodiments, the operating system 616 can be run in native mode or
emulated mode. In an exemplary embodiment, the operating system 616
can be run on one or more cloud machine instances.
[0048] The description is presented to enable a person skilled in
the art to create and use a computer system configuration and
related method and systems for automated product sorting and
coordinated delivery. Various modifications to the example
embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art,
and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other
embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention. Moreover, in the following description,
numerous details are set forth for the purpose of explanation.
However, one of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the
invention may be practiced without the use of these specific
details. In other instances, well-known structures and processes
are shown in block diagram form in order not to obscure the
description of the invention with unnecessary detail. Thus, the
present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments
shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the
principles and features disclosed herein.
[0049] In describing exemplary embodiments, specific terminology is
used for the sake of clarity. For purposes of description, each
specific term is intended to at least include all technical and
functional equivalents that operate in a similar manner to
accomplish a similar purpose. Additionally, in some instances where
a particular exemplary embodiment includes a plurality of system
elements, device components or method steps, those elements,
components or steps can be replaced with a single element,
component or step. Likewise, a single element, component or step
can be replaced with a plurality of elements, components or steps
that serve the same purpose. Moreover, while exemplary embodiments
have been shown and described with references to particular
embodiments thereof, those of ordinary skill in the art will
understand that various substitutions and alterations in form and
detail can be made therein without departing from the scope of the
invention. Further still, other aspects, functions and advantages
are also within the scope of the invention.
[0050] Exemplary flowcharts have been provided herein for
illustrative purposes and are non-limiting examples of methods. One
of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that exemplary methods
can include more or fewer steps than those illustrated in the
exemplary flowcharts, and that the steps in the exemplary
flowcharts can be performed in a different order than the order
shown in the illustrative flowcharts.
[0051] Having described certain embodiments, which serve to
illustrate various concepts, structures, and techniques sought to
be protected herein, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill
in the art that other embodiments incorporating these concepts,
structures, and techniques may be used. Elements of different
embodiments described hereinabove may be combined to form other
embodiments not specifically set forth above and, further, elements
described in the context of a single embodiment may be provided
separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Accordingly, it is
submitted that the scope of protection sought herein should not be
limited to the described embodiments but rather should be limited
only by the spirit and scope of the following claims.
* * * * *