U.S. patent application number 17/551130 was filed with the patent office on 2022-04-07 for systems, devices and methods for determining item availability in a shopping space.
The applicant listed for this patent is Walmart Apollo, LLC. Invention is credited to Michael D. Atchley, Donald R. High, David C. Winkle.
Application Number | 20220106174 17/551130 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-04-07 |
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20220106174 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
High; Donald R. ; et
al. |
April 7, 2022 |
SYSTEMS, DEVICES AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING ITEM AVAILABILITY IN A
SHOPPING SPACE
Abstract
Systems, apparatuses, and methods for determining item
availability are provided. A computer implemented method for
determining item availability in a shopping space comprising:
receiving a request for an item for purchase from a customer,
querying an inventory database to determine whether the item for
purchase is in stock, in an event that the item for purchase is not
in stock according to the inventory database: determining an out of
stock response to present to the customer, in an event that the
item for purchase is in stock according the inventory database:
instructing a motorized transport unit to travel to a display space
in the shopping space corresponding to the item for the purchase,
determining whether the item is available in the display space
based on information captured by one or more sensors of the
motorized transport unit, and in an event that the item for
purchase is not available in the display space: determining an item
unavailable response to present to the customer.
Inventors: |
High; Donald R.; (Noel,
MO) ; Atchley; Michael D.; (Eureka Springs, AR)
; Winkle; David C.; (Leesburg, FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Walmart Apollo, LLC |
Bentonville |
AR |
US |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/551130 |
Filed: |
December 14, 2021 |
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International
Class: |
B66F 9/06 20060101
B66F009/06; G06V 20/56 20220101 G06V020/56; A47F 3/08 20060101
A47F003/08; A47F 10/04 20060101 A47F010/04; B07C 5/28 20060101
B07C005/28; B07C 5/342 20060101 B07C005/342; B62B 5/00 20060101
B62B005/00; G05B 19/048 20060101 G05B019/048; G05D 1/02 20200101
G05D001/02; G06Q 10/08 20120101 G06Q010/08; G06Q 30/06 20120101
G06Q030/06; G10L 13/00 20060101 G10L013/00; H02J 7/00 20060101
H02J007/00; H04N 7/18 20060101 H04N007/18; H04W 4/02 20180101
H04W004/02; G06T 7/73 20170101 G06T007/73; G06T 7/593 20170101
G06T007/593; H04W 4/029 20180101 H04W004/029; H04N 13/282 20180101
H04N013/282; G01S 1/70 20060101 G01S001/70; G06V 20/20 20220101
G06V020/20; G06V 20/52 20220101 G06V020/52; A47L 11/40 20060101
A47L011/40; G05D 1/00 20060101 G05D001/00; G10L 17/22 20130101
G10L017/22; B60L 53/63 20190101 B60L053/63; G06V 20/40 20220101
G06V020/40; B65F 3/00 20060101 B65F003/00; E01H 5/06 20060101
E01H005/06; G05D 1/04 20060101 G05D001/04; G06F 3/01 20060101
G06F003/01; H04L 67/143 20220101 H04L067/143; H04W 4/80 20180101
H04W004/80; G06V 10/10 20220101 G06V010/10; G06V 30/224 20220101
G06V030/224; G01S 1/02 20100101 G01S001/02; G06Q 10/02 20120101
G06Q010/02; G06Q 10/06 20120101 G06Q010/06; G06Q 50/30 20120101
G06Q050/30; H04W 4/021 20180101 H04W004/021; H04W 4/33 20180101
H04W004/33; H04W 4/30 20180101 H04W004/30; B60P 3/06 20060101
B60P003/06; G06K 9/62 20220101 G06K009/62; G08G 1/00 20060101
G08G001/00; H04B 10/116 20130101 H04B010/116; A47F 13/00 20060101
A47F013/00; G01S 1/72 20060101 G01S001/72; G06Q 10/10 20120101
G06Q010/10; G06Q 50/28 20120101 G06Q050/28; H04L 67/12 20220101
H04L067/12; H04N 5/77 20060101 H04N005/77; B60L 53/36 20190101
B60L053/36; G06V 20/64 20220101 G06V020/64; G06Q 30/00 20120101
G06Q030/00; H04W 4/40 20180101 H04W004/40; G06V 20/58 20220101
G06V020/58; G06V 10/24 20220101 G06V010/24; E01H 5/12 20060101
E01H005/12; G01C 21/20 20060101 G01C021/20; G06Q 10/00 20120101
G06Q010/00; G06Q 30/02 20120101 G06Q030/02; G10L 15/22 20060101
G10L015/22; H04L 67/141 20220101 H04L067/141 |
Claims
1. A computer implemented method for determining item availability
in a shopping space comprising: receiving, at a control circuit, a
request for an item for purchase from a customer; determining via
the control circuit and by querying, via the control circuit, an
inventory database, that the item for purchase is in stock;
causing, via the control circuit, the motorized transport unit to
travel to a display space in the shopping space where the item is
stocked; capturing, via one or more sensors of the motorized
transport unit, at least a portion of the display space; based on
the capturing step, determining, via the control circuit, that the
item is available in the display space; and based on the
determining via the control circuit that the item is available in
the display space, causing, via the control circuit, the motorized
transport unit to output a notification to the customer that the
item is available in the display space.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 16/399,854, filed Apr. 30, 2019, which a continuation of U.S.
application Ser. No. 15/288,923, filed Oct. 7, 2016, Docket
8842-136025-US (744US02), which is a continuation of U.S.
application Ser. No. 15/061,801, filed Mar. 4, 2016, Docket
8842-134250-US (621US02), now U.S. Pat. No. 10,130,232, issued Nov.
20, 2018, which claims the benefit of each of the following U.S.
Provisional applications: U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/129,726, filed Mar. 6, 2015, Docket 8842-134158-US (587US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/129,727, filed Mar. 6, 2015,
Docket 8842-134268-US (615US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/138,877, filed Mar. 26, 2015, Docket 8842-134162-US (610US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/138,885, filed Mar. 26, 2015,
Docket 8842-134209-US (635US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/152,421, filed Apr. 24, 2015, Docket 8842-134155-US (608US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/152,465, filed Apr. 24, 2015,
Docket 8842-134161-US (603US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/152,440, filed Apr. 24, 2015, Docket 8842-134208-US (611US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/152,630, filed Apr. 24, 2015,
Docket 8842-134249-US (612US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/152,711, filed Apr. 24, 2015, Docket 8842-134269-US (626US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/152,610, filed Apr. 24, 2015,
Docket 8842-134574-US (623US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/152,667, filed Apr. 24, 2015, Docket 8842-134575-US (663US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/157,388, filed May 5, 2015,
Docket 8842-134573-US (606US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/165,579, filed May 22, 2015, Docket 8842-134576-US (677US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/165,416, filed May 22, 2015,
Docket 8842-134589-US (624US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/165,586, filed May 22, 2015, Docket 8842-134945-US (732US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/171,822, filed Jun. 5, 2015,
Docket 8842-134250-US (621US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/175,182, filed Jun. 12, 2015, Docket 8842-135963-US (726US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/182,339, filed Jun. 19, 2015,
Docket 8842-135961-US (749US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/185,478, filed Jun. 26, 2015, Docket 8842-136023-US (742US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/194,131, filed Jul. 17, 2015,
Docket 8842-135962-US (739US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/194,119, filed Jul. 17, 2015, Docket 8842-136020-US (728US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/194,121, filed Jul. 17, 2015,
Docket 8842-136022-US (740US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/194,127, filed Jul. 17, 2015, Docket 8842-136024-US (743US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/202,744, filed Aug. 7, 2015,
Docket 8842-135956-US (764US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/202,747, filed Aug. 7, 2015, Docket 8842-136021-US (734US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/205,548, filed Aug. 14, 2015,
Docket 8842-135959-US (751US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/205,569, filed Aug. 14, 2015, Docket 8842-136123-US (680US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/205,555, filed Aug. 14, 2015,
Docket 8842-136124-US (741US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/205,539, filed Aug. 14, 2015, Docket 8842-136651-US (919US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/207,858, filed Aug. 20, 2015,
Docket 8842-136508-US (854US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/214,826, filed Sep. 4, 2015, Docket 8842-136026-US (746US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/214,824, filed Sep. 4, 2015,
Docket 8842-136025-US (744US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/292,084, filed Feb. 5, 2016, Docket 8842-137833-US (925US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/302,547, filed Mar. 2, 2016,
Docket 8842-136125-US (748US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/302,567, filed Mar. 2, 2016, Docket 8842-138040-US (731US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/302,713, filed Mar. 2, 2016,
Docket 8842-137834-US (932US01); and U.S. Provisional Application
No. 62/303,021, filed Mar. 3, 2016, Docket 8842-137831-US
(636US01), all of these applications being incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] These teachings relate generally to shopping environments
and more particularly to devices, systems and methods for assisting
customers and/or workers in those shopping environments.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In a modern retail store environment, there is a need to
improve the customer experience and/or convenience for the
customer. Whether shopping in a large format (big box) store or
smaller format (neighborhood) store, customers often require
assistance that employees of the store are not always able to
provide. For example, particularly during peak hours, there may not
be enough employees available to assist customers such that
customer questions go unanswered. Additionally, due to high
employee turnover rates, available employees may not be fully
trained or have access to information to adequately support
customers. Other routine tasks also are difficult to keep up with,
particularly during peak hours. For example, shopping carts are
left abandoned, aisles become messy, inventory is not displayed in
the proper locations or is not even placed on the sales floor,
shelf prices may not be properly set, and theft is hard to
discourage. All of these issues can result in low customer
satisfaction or reduced convenience to the customer. With
increasing competition from non-traditional shopping mechanisms,
such as online shopping provided by e-commerce merchants and
alternative store formats, it can be important for "brick and
mortar" retailers to focus on improving the overall customer
experience and/or convenience.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] The above needs are at least partially met through provision
of embodiments of systems, devices, and methods designed to provide
assistance to customers and/or workers in a shopping facility, such
as described in the following detailed description, particularly
when studied in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:
[0005] FIG. 1 comprises a block diagram of a shopping assistance
system as configured in accordance with various embodiments of
these teachings;
[0006] FIGS. 2A and 2B are illustrations of a motorized transport
unit of the system of FIG. 1 in a retracted orientation and an
extended orientation in accordance with some embodiments;
[0007] FIGS. 3A and 3B are illustrations of the motorized transport
unit of FIGS. 2A and 2B detachably coupling to a movable item
container, such as a shopping cart, in accordance with some
embodiments;
[0008] FIG. 4 comprises a block diagram of a motorized transport
unit as configured in accordance with various embodiments of these
teachings;
[0009] FIG. 5 comprises a block diagram of a computer device as
configured in accordance with various embodiments of these
teachings;
[0010] FIG. 6 comprises a block diagram of a system for bringing a
shopping container to a customer in accordance with various
embodiments of these teachings;
[0011] FIG. 7 comprises a flow diagram of a process for bringing a
shopping container to a customer in accordance with various
embodiments of these teachings;
[0012] FIG. 8 comprises a flow diagram as configured in accordance
with various embodiments of these teachings;
[0013] FIG. 9 comprises a block diagram, schematic view as
configured in accordance with various embodiments of these
teachings;
[0014] FIG. 10 comprises a block diagram of a system for
determining item availability in accordance with some
embodiments.
[0015] FIG. 11 comprises a flow diagram of a method for determining
item availability in accordance with some embodiments.
[0016] FIG. 12 comprises a flow diagram of a process for
determining item availability in accordance with some
embodiments.
[0017] FIG. 13 shows a simplified overhead view of an exemplary
elevated track system within a shopping facility, in accordance
with some embodiments;
[0018] FIG. 14 illustrates some embodiments of an exemplary
elevated track of an elevated track system positioned above one or
more shelving units, modulars, and other such product support
units;
[0019] FIG. 15 illustrates some embodiments of a portion of an
exemplary elevated track of an elevated track system that include
one or more staging areas;
[0020] FIG. 16 illustrates a simplified flow diagram of an
exemplary process of routing motorized transport units through a
shopping facility, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0021] FIG. 17 illustrates a simplified flow diagram of an
exemplary process of addressing and/or categorizing incorrectly
placed items, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0022] FIG. 18 comprises a block diagram of a system in accordance
with some embodiments;
[0023] FIG. 19 comprises a flow diagram in accordance with some
embodiments;
[0024] FIG. 20 comprises an illustration of a process in accordance
with some embodiments;
[0025] FIG. 21 comprises a block diagram of a system in accordance
with some embodiments;
[0026] FIG. 22 comprises a process diagram in accordance with some
embodiments.
[0027] Elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and
clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example,
the dimensions and/or relative positioning of some of the elements
in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to
help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present
teachings. Also, common but well-understood elements that are
useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often
not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these
various embodiments of the present teachings. Certain actions
and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of
occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such
specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. The
terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical
meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions by persons
skilled in the technical field as set forth above except where
different specific meanings have otherwise been set forth
herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] The following description is not to be taken in a limiting
sense, but is made merely for the purpose of describing the general
principles of exemplary embodiments. Reference throughout this
specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or similar
language means that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is
included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,
appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment," "in an embodiment,"
and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not
necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.
[0029] Generally speaking, pursuant to various embodiments,
systems, devices and methods are provided for assistance of persons
at a shopping facility. Generally, assistance may be provided to
customers or shoppers at the facility and/or to workers at the
facility. The facility may be any type of shopping facility at a
location in which products for display and/or for sale are
variously distributed throughout the shopping facility space. The
shopping facility may be a retail sales facility, or any other type
of facility in which products are displayed and/or sold. The
shopping facility may include one or more of sales floor areas,
checkout locations, parking locations, entrance and exit areas,
stock room areas, stock receiving areas, hallway areas, common
areas shared by merchants, and so on. Generally, a shopping
facility includes areas that may be dynamic in terms of the
physical structures occupying the space or area and objects, items,
machinery and/or persons moving in the area. For example, the
shopping area may include product storage units, shelves, racks,
modules, bins, etc., and other walls, dividers, partitions, etc.
that may be configured in different layouts or physical
arrangements. In other example, persons or other movable objects
may be freely and independently traveling through the shopping
facility space. And in other example, the persons or movable
objects move according to known travel patterns and timing. The
facility may be any size of format facility, and may include
products from one or more merchants. For example, a facility may be
a single store operated by one merchant or may be a collection of
stores covering multiple merchants such as a mall. Generally, the
system makes use of automated, robotic mobile devices, e.g.,
motorized transport units, that are capable of self-powered
movement through a space of the shopping facility and providing any
number of functions. Movement and operation of such devices may be
controlled by a central computer system or may be autonomously
controlled by the motorized transport units themselves. Various
embodiments provide one or more user interfaces to allow various
users to interact with the system including the automated mobile
devices and/or to directly interact with the automated mobile
devices. In some embodiments, the automated mobile devices and the
corresponding system serve to enhance a customer shopping
experience in the shopping facility, e.g., by assisting shoppers
and/or workers at the facility.
[0030] In some embodiments, a shopping facility personal assistance
system comprises: a plurality of motorized transport units located
in and configured to move through a shopping facility space; a
plurality of user interface units, each corresponding to a
respective motorized transport unit during use of the respective
motorized transport unit; and a central computer system having a
network interface such that the central computer system wirelessly
communicates with one or both of the plurality of motorized
transport units and the plurality of user interface units, wherein
the central computer system is configured to control movement of
the plurality of motorized transport units through the shopping
facility space based at least on inputs from the plurality of user
interface units.
[0031] System Overview
[0032] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates
embodiments of a shopping facility assistance system 100 that can
serve to carry out at least some of the teachings set forth herein.
It will be understood that the details of this example are intended
to serve in an illustrative capacity and are not necessarily
intended to suggest any limitations as regards the present
teachings. It is noted that generally, FIGS. 1-5 describe the
general functionality of several embodiments of a system, and FIGS.
6-21 expand on some functionalities of some embodiments of the
system and/or embodiments independent of such systems.
[0033] In the example of FIG. 1, a shopping assistance system 100
is implemented in whole or in part at a shopping facility 101.
Generally, the system 100 includes one or more motorized transport
units (MTUs) 102; one or more item containers 104; a central
computer system 106 having at least one control circuit 108, at
least one memory 110 and at least one network interface 112; at
least one user interface unit 114; a location determination system
116; at least one video camera 118; at least one motorized
transport unit (MTU) dispenser 120; at least one motorized
transport unit (MTU) docking station 122; at least one wireless
network 124; at least one database 126; at least one user interface
computer device 128; an item display module 130; and a locker or an
item storage unit 132. It is understood that more or fewer of such
components may be included in different embodiments of the system
100.
[0034] These motorized transport units 102 are located in the
shopping facility 101 and are configured to move throughout the
shopping facility space. Further details regarding such motorized
transport units 102 appear further below. Generally speaking, these
motorized transport units 102 are configured to either comprise, or
to selectively couple to, a corresponding movable item container
104. A simple example of an item container 104 would be a shopping
cart as one typically finds at many retail facilities, or a rocket
cart, a flatbed cart or any other mobile basket or platform that
may be used to gather items for potential purchase.
[0035] In some embodiments, these motorized transport units 102
wirelessly communicate with, and are wholly or largely controlled
by, the central computer system 106. In particular, in some
embodiments, the central computer system 106 is configured to
control movement of the motorized transport units 102 through the
shopping facility space based on a variety of inputs. For example,
the central computer system 106 communicates with each motorized
transport unit 102 via the wireless network 124 which may be one or
more wireless networks of one or more wireless network types (such
as, a wireless local area network, a wireless personal area
network, a wireless mesh network, a wireless star network, a
wireless wide area network, a cellular network, and so on), capable
of providing wireless coverage of the desired range of the
motorized transport units 102 according to any known wireless
protocols, including but not limited to a cellular, Wi-Fi, Zigbee
or Bluetooth network.
[0036] By one approach the central computer system 106 is a
computer based device and includes at least one control circuit
108, at least one memory 110 and at least one wired and/or wireless
network interface 112. Such a control circuit 108 can comprise a
fixed-purpose hard-wired platform or can comprise a partially or
wholly programmable platform, such as a microcontroller, an
application specification integrated circuit, a field programmable
gate array, and so on. These architectural options are well known
and understood in the art and require no further description here.
This control circuit 108 is configured (for example, by using
corresponding programming stored in the memory 110 as will be well
understood by those skilled in the art) to carry out one or more of
the steps, actions, and/or functions described herein.
[0037] In this illustrative example the control circuit 108
operably couples to one or more memories 110. The memory 110 may be
integral to the control circuit 108 or can be physically discrete
(in whole or in part) from the control circuit 108 as desired. This
memory 110 can also be local with respect to the control circuit
108 (where, for example, both share a common circuit board,
chassis, power supply, and/or housing) or can be partially or
wholly remote with respect to the control circuit 108 (where, for
example, the memory 110 is physically located in another facility,
metropolitan area, or even country as compared to the control
circuit 108).
[0038] This memory 110 can serve, for example, to non-transitorily
store the computer instructions that, when executed by the control
circuit 108, cause the control circuit 108 to behave as described
herein. (As used herein, this reference to "non-transitorily" will
be understood to refer to a non-ephemeral state for the stored
contents (and hence excludes when the stored contents merely
constitute signals or waves) rather than volatility of the storage
media itself and hence includes both non-volatile memory (such as
read-only memory (ROM) as well as volatile memory (such as an
erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM).)
[0039] Additionally, at least one database 126 may be accessible by
the central computer system 106. Such databases may be integrated
into the central computer system 106 or separate from it. Such
databases may be at the location of the shopping facility 101 or
remote from the shopping facility 101. Regardless of location, the
databases comprise memory to store and organize certain data for
use by the central control system 106. In some embodiments, the at
least one database 126 may store data pertaining to one or more of:
shopping facility mapping data, customer data, customer shopping
data and patterns, inventory data, product pricing data, and so
on.
[0040] In this illustrative example, the central computer system
106 also wirelessly communicates with a plurality of user interface
units 114. These teachings will accommodate a variety of user
interface units including, but not limited to, mobile and/or
handheld electronic devices such as so-called smart phones and
portable computers such as tablet/pad-styled computers. Generally
speaking, these user interface units 114 should be able to
wirelessly communicate with the central computer system 106 via a
wireless network, such as the wireless network 124 of the shopping
facility 101 (such as a Wi-Fi wireless network). These user
interface units 114 generally provide a user interface for
interaction with the system. In some embodiments, a given motorized
transport unit 102 is paired with, associated with, assigned to or
otherwise made to correspond with a given user interface unit 114.
In some embodiments, these user interface units 114 should also be
able to receive verbally-expressed input from a user and forward
that content to the central computer system 106 or a motorized
transport unit 102 and/or convert that verbally-expressed input
into a form useful to the central computer system 106 or a
motorized transport unit 102.
[0041] By one approach at least some of the user interface units
114 belong to corresponding customers who have come to the shopping
facility 101 to shop. By another approach, in lieu of the foregoing
or in combination therewith, at least some of the user interface
units 114 belong to the shopping facility 101 and are loaned to
individual customers to employ as described herein. In some
embodiments, one or more user interface units 114 are attachable to
a given movable item container 104 or are integrated with the
movable item container 104. Similarly, in some embodiments, one or
more user interface units 114 may be those of shopping facility
workers, belong to the shopping facility 101 and are loaned to the
workers, or a combination thereof.
[0042] In some embodiments, the user interface units 114 may be
general purpose computer devices that include computer programming
code to allow it to interact with the system 106. For example, such
programming may be in the form of an application installed on the
user interface unit 114 or in the form of a browser that displays a
user interface provided by the central computer system 106 or other
remote computer or server (such as a web server). In some
embodiments, one or more user interface units 114 may be special
purpose devices that are programmed to primarily function as a user
interface for the system 100. Depending on the functionality and
use case, user interface units 114 may be operated by customers of
the shopping facility or may be operated by workers at the shopping
facility, such as facility employees (associates or colleagues),
vendors, suppliers, contractors, etc.
[0043] By one approach, the system 100 optionally includes one or
more video cameras 118. Captured video imagery from such a video
camera 118 can be provided to the central computer system 106. That
information can then serve, for example, to help the central
computer system 106 determine a present location of one or more of
the motorized transport units 102 and/or determine issues or
concerns regarding automated movement of those motorized transport
units 102 in the shopping facility space. As one simple example in
these regards, such video information can permit the central
computer system 106, at least in part, to detect an object in a
path of movement of a particular one of the motorized transport
units 102.
[0044] By one approach these video cameras 118 comprise existing
surveillance equipment employed at the shopping facility 101 to
serve, for example, various security purposes. By another approach
these video cameras 118 are dedicated to providing video content to
the central computer system 106 to facilitate the latter's control
of the motorized transport units 102. If desired, the video cameras
118 can have a selectively movable field of view and/or zoom
capability that the central computer system 106 controls as
appropriate to help ensure receipt of useful information at any
given moment.
[0045] In some embodiments, a location detection system 116 is
provided at the shopping facility 101. The location detection
system 116 provides input to the central computer system 106 useful
to help determine the location of one or more of the motorized
transport units 102. In some embodiments, the location detection
system 116 includes a series of light sources (e.g., LEDs
(light-emitting diodes)) that are mounted in the ceiling at known
positions throughout the space and that each encode data in the
emitted light that identifies the source of the light (and thus,
the location of the light). As a given motorized transport unit 102
moves through the space, light sensors (or light receivers) at the
motorized transport unit 102, on the movable item container 104
and/or at the user interface unit 114 receive the light and can
decode the data. This data is sent back to the central computer
system 106 which can determine the position of the motorized
transport unit 102 by the data of the light it receives, since it
can relate the light data to a mapping of the light sources to
locations at the facility 101. Generally, such lighting systems are
known and commercially available, e.g., the ByteLight system from
ByteLight of Boston, Mass. In embodiments using a ByteLight system,
a typical display screen of the typical smart phone device can be
used as a light sensor or light receiver to receive and process
data encoded into the light from the ByteLight light sources.
[0046] In other embodiments, the location detection system 116
includes a series of low energy radio beacons (e.g., Bluetooth low
energy beacons) at known positions throughout the space and that
each encode data in the emitted radio signal that identifies the
beacon (and thus, the location of the beacon). As a given motorized
transport unit 102 moves through the space, low energy receivers at
the motorized transport unit 102, on the movable item container 104
and/or at the user interface unit 114 receive the radio signal and
can decode the data. This data is sent back to the central computer
system 106 which can determine the position of the motorized
transport unit 102 by the location encoded in the radio signal it
receives, since it can relate the location data to a mapping of the
low energy radio beacons to locations at the facility 101.
Generally, such low energy radio systems are known and commercially
available. In embodiments using a Bluetooth low energy radio
system, a typical Bluetooth radio of a typical smart phone device
can be used as a receiver to receive and process data encoded into
the Bluetooth low energy radio signals from the Bluetooth low
energy beacons.
[0047] In still other embodiments, the location detection system
116 includes a series of audio beacons at known positions
throughout the space and that each encode data in the emitted audio
signal that identifies the beacon (and thus, the location of the
beacon). As a given motorized transport unit 102 moves through the
space, microphones at the motorized transport unit 102, on the
movable item container 104 and/or at the user interface unit 114
receive the audio signal and can decode the data. This data is sent
back to the central computer system 106 which can determine the
position of the motorized transport unit 102 by the location
encoded in the audio signal it receives, since it can relate the
location data to a mapping of the audio beacons to locations at the
facility 101. Generally, such audio beacon systems are known and
commercially available. In embodiments using an audio beacon
system, a typical microphone of a typical smart phone device can be
used as a receiver to receive and process data encoded into the
audio signals from the audio beacon.
[0048] Also optionally, the central computer system 106 can
operably couple to one or more user interface computers 128
(comprising, for example, a display and a user input interface such
as a keyboard, touch screen, and/or cursor-movement device). Such a
user interface computer 128 can permit, for example, a worker
(e.g., an associate, analyst, etc.) at the retail or shopping
facility 101 to monitor the operations of the central computer
system 106 and/or to attend to any of a variety of administrative,
configuration or evaluation tasks as may correspond to the
programming and operation of the central computer system 106. Such
user interface computers 128 may be at or remote from the location
of the facility 101 and may access one or more the databases
126.
[0049] In some embodiments, the system 100 includes at least one
motorized transport unit (MTU) storage unit or dispenser 120 at
various locations in the shopping facility 101. The dispenser 120
provides for storage of motorized transport units 102 that are
ready to be assigned to customers and/or workers. In some
embodiments, the dispenser 120 takes the form of a cylinder within
which motorized transports units 102 are stacked and released
through the bottom of the dispenser 120. Further details of such
embodiments are provided further below. In some embodiments, the
dispenser 120 may be fixed in location or may be mobile and capable
of transporting itself to a given location or utilizing a motorized
transport unit 102 to transport the dispenser 120, then dispense
one or more motorized transport units 102.
[0050] In some embodiments, the system 100 includes at least one
motorized transport unit (MTU) docking station 122. These docking
stations 122 provide locations where motorized transport units 102
can travel and connect to. For example, the motorized transport
units 102 may be stored and charged at the docking station 122 for
later use, and/or may be serviced at the docking station 122.
[0051] In accordance with some embodiments, a given motorized
transport unit 102 detachably connects to a movable item container
104 and is configured to move the movable item container 104
through the shopping facility space under control of the central
computer system 106 and/or the user interface unit 114. For
example, a motorized transport unit 102 can move to a position
underneath a movable item container 104 (such as a shopping cart, a
rocket cart, a flatbed cart, or any other mobile basket or
platform), align itself with the movable item container 104 (e.g.,
using sensors) and then raise itself to engage an undersurface of
the movable item container 104 and lift a portion of the movable
item container 104. Once the motorized transport unit is
cooperating with the movable item container 104 (e.g., lifting a
portion of the movable item container), the motorized transport
unit 102 can continue to move throughout the facility space 101
taking the movable item container 104 with it. In some examples,
the motorized transport unit 102 takes the form of the motorized
transport unit 202 of FIGS. 2A-3B as it engages and detachably
connects to a given movable item container 104. It is understood
that in other embodiments, the motorized transport unit 102 may not
lift a portion of the movable item container 104, but that it
removably latches to, connects to or otherwise attaches to a
portion of the movable item container 104 such that the movable
item container 104 can be moved by the motorized transport unit
102. For example, the motorized transport unit 102 can connect to a
given movable item container using a hook, a mating connector, a
magnet, and so on.
[0052] In addition to detachably coupling to movable item
containers 104 (such as shopping carts), in some embodiments,
motorized transport units 102 can move to and engage or connect to
an item display module 130 and/or an item storage unit or locker
132. For example, an item display module 130 may take the form of a
mobile display rack or shelving unit configured to house and
display certain items for sale. It may be desired to position the
display module 130 at various locations within the shopping
facility 101 at various times. Thus, one or more motorized
transport units 102 may move (as controlled by the central computer
system 106) underneath the item display module 130, extend upward
to lift the module 130 and then move it to the desired location. A
storage locker 132 may be a storage device where items for purchase
are collected and placed therein for a customer and/or worker to
later retrieve. In some embodiments, one or more motorized
transport units 102 may be used to move the storage locker to a
desired location in the shopping facility 101. Similar to how a
motorized transport unit engages a movable item container 104 or
item display module 130, one or more motorized transport units 102
may move (as controlled by the central computer system 106)
underneath the storage locker 132, extend upward to lift the locker
132 and then move it to the desired location.
[0053] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate some embodiments of a motorized
transport unit 202, similar to the motorized transport unit 102
shown in the system of FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the motorized
transport unit 202 takes the form of a disc-shaped robotic device
having motorized wheels (not shown), a lower body portion 204 and
an upper body portion 206 that fits over at least part of the lower
body portion 204. It is noted that in other embodiments, the
motorized transport unit may have other shapes and/or
configurations, and is not limited to disc-shaped. For example, the
motorized transport unit may be cubic, octagonal, triangular, or
other shapes, and may be dependent on a movable item container with
which the motorized transport unit is intended to cooperate. Also
included are guide members 208. In FIG. 2A, the motorized transport
unit 202 is shown in a retracted position in which the upper body
portion 206 fits over the lower body portion 204 such that the
motorized transport unit 202 is in its lowest profile orientation
which is generally the preferred orientation for movement when it
is unattached to a movable item container 104 for example. In FIG.
2B, the motorized transport unit 202 is shown in an extended
position in which the upper body portion 206 is moved upward
relative to the lower body portion 204 such that the motorized
transport unit 202 is in its highest profile orientation for
movement when it is lifting and attaching to a movable item
container 104 for example. The mechanism within the motorized
transport unit 202 is designed to provide sufficient lifting force
to lift the weight of the upper body portion 206 and other objects
to be lifted by the motorized transport unit 202, such as movable
item containers 104 and items placed within the movable item
container, item display modules 130 and items supported by the item
display module, and storage lockers 132 and items placed within the
storage locker. The guide members 208 are embodied as pegs or
shafts that extend horizontally from the both the upper body
portion 206 and the lower body portion 204. In some embodiments,
these guide members 208 assist docking the motorized transport unit
202 to a docking station 122 or a dispenser 120. In some
embodiments, the lower body portion 204 and the upper body portion
are capable to moving independently of each other. For example, the
upper body portion 206 may be raised and/or rotated relative to the
lower body portion 204. That is, one or both of the upper body
portion 206 and the lower body portion 204 may move toward/away
from the other or rotated relative to the other. In some
embodiments, in order to raise the upper body portion 206 relative
to the lower body portion 204, the motorized transport unit 202
includes an internal lifting system (e.g., including one or more
electric actuators or rotary drives or motors). Numerous examples
of such motorized lifting and rotating systems are known in the
art. Accordingly, further elaboration in these regards is not
provided here for the sake of brevity.
[0054] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate some embodiments of the motorized
transport unit 202 detachably engaging a movable item container
embodied as a shopping cart 302. In FIG. 3A, the motorized
transport unit 202 is in the orientation of FIG. 2A such that it is
retracted and able to move in position underneath a portion of the
shopping cart 302. Once the motorized transport unit 202 is in
position (e.g., using sensors), as illustrated in FIG. 3B, the
motorized transport unit 202 is moved to the extended position of
FIG. 2B such that the front portion 304 of the shopping cart is
lifted off of the ground by the motorized transport unit 202, with
the wheels 306 at the rear of the shopping cart 302 remaining on
the ground. In this orientation, the motorized transport unit 202
is able to move the shopping cart 302 throughout the shopping
facility. It is noted that in these embodiments, the motorized
transport unit 202 does not bear the weight of the entire cart 302
since the rear wheels 306 rest on the floor. It is understood that
in some embodiments, the motorized transport unit 202 may be
configured to detachably engage other types of movable item
containers, such as rocket carts, flatbed carts or other mobile
baskets or platforms.
[0055] FIG. 4 presents a more detailed example of some embodiments
of the motorized transport unit 102 of FIG. 1. In this example, the
motorized transport unit 102 has a housing 402 that contains
(partially or fully) or at least supports and carries a number of
components. These components include a control unit 404 comprising
a control circuit 406 that, like the control circuit 108 of the
central computer system 106, controls the general operations of the
motorized transport unit 102. Accordingly, the control unit 404
also includes a memory 408 coupled to the control circuit 406 and
that stores, for example, operating instructions and/or useful
data.
[0056] The control circuit 406 operably couples to a motorized
wheel system 410. This motorized wheel system 410 functions as a
locomotion system to permit the motorized transport unit 102 to
move within the aforementioned retail or shopping facility 101
(thus, the motorized wheel system 410 may more generically be
referred to as a locomotion system). Generally speaking, this
motorized wheel system 410 will include at least one drive wheel
(i.e., a wheel that rotates (around a horizontal axis) under power
to thereby cause the motorized transport unit 102 to move through
interaction with, for example, the floor of the shopping facility
101). The motorized wheel system 410 can include any number of
rotating wheels and/or other floor-contacting mechanisms as may be
desired and/or appropriate to the application setting.
[0057] The motorized wheel system 410 also includes a steering
mechanism of choice. One simple example in these regards comprises
one or more of the aforementioned wheels that can swivel about a
vertical axis to thereby cause the moving motorized transport unit
102 to turn as well.
[0058] Numerous examples of motorized wheel systems are known in
the art. Accordingly, further elaboration in these regards is not
provided here for the sake of brevity save to note that the
aforementioned control circuit 406 is configured to control the
various operating states of the motorized wheel system 410 to
thereby control when and how the motorized wheel system 410
operates.
[0059] In this illustrative example, the control circuit 406 also
operably couples to at least one wireless transceiver 412 that
operates according to any known wireless protocol. This wireless
transceiver 412 can comprise, for example, a Wi-Fi-compatible
and/or Bluetooth-compatible transceiver that can communicate with
the aforementioned central computer system 106 via the
aforementioned wireless network 124 of the shopping facility 101.
So configured the control circuit 406 of the motorized transport
unit 102 can provide information to the central computer system 106
and can receive information and/or instructions from the central
computer system 106. As one simple example in these regards, the
control circuit 406 can receive instructions from the central
computer system 106 regarding movement of the motorized transport
unit 102.
[0060] These teachings will accommodate using any of a wide variety
of wireless technologies as desired and/or as may be appropriate in
a given application setting. These teachings will also accommodate
employing two or more different wireless transceivers 412 if
desired.
[0061] The control circuit 406 also couples to one or more on-board
sensors 414. These teachings will accommodate a wide variety of
sensor technologies and form factors. By one approach at least one
such sensor 414 can comprise a light sensor or light receiver. When
the aforementioned location detection system 116 comprises a
plurality of light emitters disposed at particular locations within
the shopping facility 101, such a light sensor can provide
information that the control circuit 406 and/or the central
computer system 106 employs to determine a present location and/or
orientation of the motorized transport unit 102.
[0062] As another example, such a sensor 414 can comprise a
distance measurement unit configured to detect a distance between
the motorized transport unit 102 and one or more objects or
surfaces around the motorized transport unit 102 (such as an object
that lies in a projected path of movement for the motorized
transport unit 102 through the shopping facility 101). These
teachings will accommodate any of a variety of distance measurement
units including optical units and sound/ultrasound units. In one
example, a sensor 414 comprises a laser distance sensor device
capable of determining a distance to objects in proximity to the
sensor. In some embodiments, a sensor 414 comprises an optical
based scanning device to sense and read optical patterns in
proximity to the sensor, such as bar codes variously located on
structures in the shopping facility 101. In some embodiments, a
sensor 414 comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag
reader capable of reading RFID tags in proximity to the sensor.
Such sensors may be useful to determine proximity to nearby
objects, avoid collisions, orient the motorized transport unit at a
proper alignment orientation to engage a movable item container,
and so on.
[0063] The foregoing examples are intended to be illustrative and
are not intended to convey an exhaustive listing of all possible
sensors. Instead, it will be understood that these teachings will
accommodate sensing any of a wide variety of circumstances or
phenomena to support the operating functionality of the motorized
transport unit 102 in a given application setting.
[0064] By one optional approach an audio input 416 (such as a
microphone) and/or an audio output 418 (such as a speaker) can also
operably couple to the control circuit 406. So configured the
control circuit 406 can provide a variety of audible sounds to
thereby communicate with a user of the motorized transport unit
102, other persons in the vicinity of the motorized transport unit
102, or even other motorized transport units 102 in the area. These
audible sounds can include any of a variety of tones and other
non-verbal sounds. These audible sounds can also include, in lieu
of the foregoing or in combination therewith, pre-recorded or
synthesized speech.
[0065] The audio input 416, in turn, provides a mechanism whereby,
for example, a user provides verbal input to the control circuit
406. That verbal input can comprise, for example, instructions,
inquiries, or information. So configured, a user can provide, for
example, a question to the motorized transport unit 102 (such as,
"Where are the towels?"). The control circuit 406 can cause that
verbalized question to be transmitted to the central computer
system 106 via the motorized transport unit's wireless transceiver
412. The central computer system 106 can process that verbal input
to recognize the speech content and to then determine an
appropriate response. That response might comprise, for example,
transmitting back to the motorized transport unit 102 specific
instructions regarding how to move the motorized transport unit 102
(via the aforementioned motorized wheel system 410) to the location
in the shopping facility 101 where the towels are displayed.
[0066] In this example the motorized transport unit 102 includes a
rechargeable power source 420 such as one or more batteries. The
power provided by the rechargeable power source 420 can be made
available to whichever components of the motorized transport unit
102 require electrical energy. By one approach the motorized
transport unit 102 includes a plug or other electrically conductive
interface that the control circuit 406 can utilize to automatically
connect to an external source of electrical energy to thereby
recharge the rechargeable power source 420.
[0067] By one approach the motorized transport unit 102 comprises
an integral part of a movable item container 104 such as a grocery
cart. As used herein, this reference to "integral" will be
understood to refer to a non-temporary combination and joinder that
is sufficiently complete so as to consider the combined elements to
be as one. Such a joinder can be facilitated in a number of ways
including by securing the motorized transport unit housing 402 to
the item container using bolts or other threaded fasteners as
versus, for example, a clip.
[0068] These teachings will also accommodate selectively and
temporarily attaching the motorized transport unit 102 to an item
container 104. In such a case the motorized transport unit 102 can
include a movable item container coupling structure 422. By one
approach this movable item container coupling structure 422
operably couples to a control circuit 202 to thereby permit the
latter to control, for example, the latched and unlatched states of
the movable item container coupling structure 422. So configured,
by one approach the control circuit 406 can automatically and
selectively move the motorized transport unit 102 (via the
motorized wheel system 410) towards a particular item container
until the movable item container coupling structure 422 can engage
the item container to thereby temporarily physically couple the
motorized transport unit 102 to the item container. So latched, the
motorized transport unit 102 can then cause the item container to
move with the motorized transport unit 102. In embodiments such as
illustrated in FIGS. 2A-3B, the movable item container coupling
structure 422 includes a lifting system (e.g., including an
electric drive or motor) to cause a portion of the body or housing
402 to engage and lift a portion of the item container off of the
ground such that the motorized transport unit 102 can carry a
portion of the item container. In other embodiments, the movable
transport unit latches to a portion of the movable item container
without lifting a portion thereof off of the ground.
[0069] In either case, by combining the motorized transport unit
102 with an item container, and by controlling movement of the
motorized transport unit 102 via the aforementioned central
computer system 106, these teachings will facilitate a wide variety
of useful ways to assist both customers and associates in a
shopping facility setting. For example, the motorized transport
unit 102 can be configured to follow a particular customer as they
shop within the shopping facility 101. The customer can then place
items they intend to purchase into the item container that is
associated with the motorized transport unit 102.
[0070] In some embodiments, the motorized transport unit 102
includes an input/output (I/O) device 424 that is coupled to the
control circuit 406. The I/O device 424 allows an external device
to couple to the control unit 404. The function and purpose of
connecting devices will depend on the application. In some
examples, devices connecting to the I/O device 424 may add
functionality to the control unit 404, allow the exporting of data
from the control unit 404, allow the diagnosing of the motorized
transport unit 102, and so on.
[0071] In some embodiments, the motorized transport unit 102
includes a user interface 426 including for example, user inputs
and/or user outputs or displays depending on the intended
interaction with the user. For example, user inputs could include
any input device such as buttons, knobs, switches, touch sensitive
surfaces or display screens, and so on. Example user outputs
include lights, display screens, and so on. The user interface 426
may work together with or separate from any user interface
implemented at a user interface unit 114 (such as a smart phone or
tablet device).
[0072] The control unit 404 includes a memory 408 coupled to the
control circuit 406 and that stores, for example, operating
instructions and/or useful data. The control circuit 406 can
comprise a fixed-purpose hard-wired platform or can comprise a
partially or wholly programmable platform. These architectural
options are well known and understood in the art and require no
further description here. This control circuit 406 is configured
(for example, by using corresponding programming stored in the
memory 408 as will be well understood by those skilled in the art)
to carry out one or more of the steps, actions, and/or functions
described herein. The memory 408 may be integral to the control
circuit 406 or can be physically discrete (in whole or in part)
from the control circuit 406 as desired. This memory 408 can also
be local with respect to the control circuit 406 (where, for
example, both share a common circuit board, chassis, power supply,
and/or housing) or can be partially or wholly remote with respect
to the control circuit 406. This memory 408 can serve, for example,
to non-transitorily store the computer instructions that, when
executed by the control circuit 406, cause the control circuit 406
to behave as described herein. (As used herein, this reference to
"non-transitorily" will be understood to refer to a non-ephemeral
state for the stored contents (and hence excludes when the stored
contents merely constitute signals or waves) rather than volatility
of the storage media itself and hence includes both non-volatile
memory (such as read-only memory (ROM) as well as volatile memory
(such as an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM).)
[0073] It is noted that not all components illustrated in FIG. 4
are included in all embodiments of the motorized transport unit
102. That is, some components may be optional depending on the
implementation.
[0074] FIG. 5 illustrates a functional block diagram that may
generally represent any number of various electronic components of
the system 100 that are computer type devices. The computer device
500 includes a control circuit 502, a memory 504, a user interface
506 and an input/output (I/O) interface 508 providing any type of
wired and/or wireless connectivity to the computer device 500, all
coupled to a communication bus 510 to allow data and signaling to
pass therebetween. Generally, the control circuit 502 and the
memory 504 may be referred to as a control unit. The control
circuit 502, the memory 504, the user interface 506 and the I/O
interface 508 may be any of the devices described herein or as
understood in the art. The functionality of the computer device 500
will depend on the programming stored in the memory 504. The
computer device 500 may represent a high level diagram for one or
more of the central computer system 106, the motorized transport
unit 102, the user interface unit 114, the location detection
system 116, the user interface computer 128, the MTU docking
station 122 and the MTU dispenser 120, or any other device or
component in the system that is implemented as a computer
device.
[0075] Additional Features Overview
[0076] Referring generally to FIGS. 1-5, the shopping assistance
system 100 may implement one or more of several different features
depending on the configuration of the system and its components.
The following provides a brief description of several additional
features that could be implemented by the system. One or more of
these features could also be implemented in other systems separate
from embodiments of the system. This is not meant to be an
exhaustive description of all features and not meant to be an
exhaustive description of the details any one of the features.
Further details with regards to one or more features beyond this
overview may be provided herein.
[0077] Tagalong Steering: This feature allows a given motorized
transport unit 102 to lead or follow a user (e.g., a customer
and/or a worker) throughout the shopping facility 101. For example,
the central computer system 106 uses the location detection system
116 to determine the location of the motorized transport unit 102.
For example, LED smart lights (e.g., the ByteLight system) of the
location detection system 116 transmit a location number to smart
devices which are with the customer (e.g., user interface units
114), and/or on the item container 104/motorized transport unit
102. The central computer system 106 receives the LED location
numbers received by the smart devices through the wireless network
124. Using this information, in some embodiments, the central
computer system 106 uses a grid placed upon a 2D CAD map and 3D
point cloud model (e.g., from the databases 126) to direct, track,
and plot paths for the other devices. Using the grid, the motorized
transport unit 102 can drive a movable item container 104 in a
straight path rather than zigzagging around the facility. As the
user moves from one grid to another, the motorized transport unit
102 drives the container 104 from one grid to the other. In some
embodiments, as the user moves towards the motorized transport
unit, it stays still until the customer moves beyond an adjoining
grid.
[0078] Detecting Objects: In some embodiments, motorized transport
units 102 detect objects through several sensors mounted on
motorized transport unit 102, through independent cameras (e.g.,
video cameras 118), through sensors of a corresponding movable item
container 104, and through communications with the central computer
system 106. In some embodiments, with semi-autonomous capabilities,
the motorized transport unit 102 will attempt to avoid obstacles,
and if unable to avoid, it will notify the central computer system
106 of an exception condition. In some embodiments, using sensors
414 (such as distance measurement units, e.g., laser or other
optical-based distance measurement sensors), the motorized
transport unit 102 detects obstacles in its path, and will move to
avoid, or stop until the obstacle is clear.
[0079] Visual Remote Steering: This feature enables movement and/or
operation of a motorized transport unit 102 to be controlled by a
user on-site, off-site, or anywhere in the world. This is due to
the architecture of some embodiments where the central computer
system 106 outputs the control signals to the motorized transport
unit 102. These controls signals could have originated at any
device in communication with the central computer system 106. For
example, the movement signals sent to the motorized transport unit
102 may be movement instructions determined by the central computer
system 106; commands received at a user interface unit 114 from a
user; and commands received at the central computer system 106 from
a remote user not located at the shopping facility space.
[0080] Determining Location: Similar to that described above, this
feature enables the central computer system 106 to determine the
location of devices in the shopping facility 101. For example, the
central computer system 106 maps received LED light transmissions,
Bluetooth low energy radio signals or audio signals (or other
received signals encoded with location data) to a 2D map of the
shopping facility. Objects within the area of the shopping facility
are also mapped and associated with those transmissions. Using this
information, the central computer system 106 can determine the
location of devices such as motorized transport units.
[0081] Digital Physical Map Integration: In some embodiments, the
system 100 is capable of integrating 2D and 3D maps of the shopping
facility with physical locations of objects and workers. Once the
central computer system 106 maps all objects to specific locations
using algorithms, measurements and LED geo-location, for example,
grids are applied which sections off the maps into access ways and
blocked sections. Motorized transport units 102 use these grids for
navigation and recognition. In some cases, grids are applied to 2D
horizontal maps along with 3D models. In some cases, grids start at
a higher unit level and then can be broken down into smaller units
of measure by the central computer system 106 when needed to
provide more accuracy.
[0082] Calling a Motorized Transport Unit: This feature provides
multiple methods to request and schedule a motorized transport unit
102 for assistance in the shopping facility. In some embodiments,
users can request use of a motorized transport unit 102 through the
user interface unit 114. The central computer system 106 can check
to see if there is an available motorized transport unit. Once
assigned to a given user, other users will not be able to control
the already assigned transport unit. Workers, such as store
associates, may also reserve multiple motorized transport units in
order to accomplish a coordinated large job.
[0083] Locker Delivery: In some embodiments, one or more motorized
transport units 102 may be used to pick, pack, and deliver items to
a particular storage locker 132. The motorized transport units 102
can couple to and move the storage locker to a desired location. In
some embodiments, once delivered, the requestor will be notified
that the items are ready to be picked up, and will be provided the
locker location and locker security code key.
[0084] Route Optimization: In some embodiments, the central
computer system automatically generates a travel route for one or
more motorized transport units through the shopping facility space.
In some embodiments, this route is based on one or more of a user
provided list of items entered by the user via a user interface
unit 114; user selected route preferences entered by the user via
the user interface unit 114; user profile data received from a user
information database (e.g., from one of databases 126); and product
availability information from a retail inventory database (e.g.,
from one of databases 126). In some cases, the route intends to
minimize the time it takes to get through the facility, and in some
cases, may route the shopper to the least busy checkout area.
Frequently, there will be multiple possible optimum routes. The
route chosen may take the user by things the user is more likely to
purchase (in case they forgot something), and away from things they
are not likely to buy (to avoid embarrassment). That is, routing a
customer through sporting goods, women's lingerie, baby food, or
feminine products, who has never purchased such products based on
past customer behavior would be non-productive, and potentially
embarrassing to the customer. In some cases, a route may be
determined from multiple possible routes based on past shopping
behavior, e.g., if the customer typically buys a cold Diet Coke
product, children's shoes or power tools, this information would be
used to add weight to the best alternative routes, and determine
the route accordingly.
[0085] Store Facing Features: In some embodiments, these features
enable functions to support workers in performing store functions.
For example, the system can assist workers to know what products
and items are on the shelves and which ones need attention. For
example, using 3D scanning and point cloud measurements, the
central computer system can determine where products are supposed
to be, enabling workers to be alerted to facing or zoning of issues
along with potential inventory issues.
[0086] Phone Home: This feature allows users in a shopping facility
101 to be able to contact remote users who are not at the shopping
facility 101 and include them in the shopping experience. For
example, the user interface unit 114 may allow the user to place a
voice call, a video call, or send a text message. With video call
capabilities, a remote person can virtually accompany an in-store
shopper, visually sharing the shopping experience while seeing and
talking with the shopper. One or more remote shoppers may join the
experience.
[0087] Returns: In some embodiments, the central computer system
106 can task a motorized transport unit 102 to keep the returns
area clear of returned merchandise. For example, the transport unit
may be instructed to move a cart from the returns area to a
different department or area. Such commands may be initiated from
video analytics (the central computer system analyzing camera
footage showing a cart full), from an associate command (digital or
verbal), or on a schedule, as other priority tasks allow. The
motorized transport unit 102 can first bring an empty cart to the
returns area, prior to removing a full one.
[0088] Bring a Container: One or more motorized transport units can
retrieve a movable item container 104 (such as a shopping cart) to
use. For example, upon a customer or worker request, the motorized
transport unit 102 can re-position one or more item containers 104
from one location to another. In some cases, the system instructs
the motorized transport unit where to obtain an empty item
container for use. For example, the system can recognize an empty
and idle item container that has been abandoned or instruct that
one be retrieved from a cart storage area. In some cases, the call
to retrieve an item container may be initiated through a call
button placed throughout the facility, or through the interface of
a user interface unit 114.
[0089] Respond to Voice Commands: In some cases, control of a given
motorized transport unit is implemented through the acceptance of
voice commands. For example, the user may speak voice commands to
the motorized transport unit 102 itself and/or to the user
interface unit 114. In some embodiments, a voice print is used to
authorize to use of a motorized transport unit 102 to allow voice
commands from single user at a time.
[0090] Retrieve Abandoned Item Containers: This feature allows the
central computer system to track movement of movable item
containers in and around the area of the shopping facility 101,
including both the sale floor areas and the back-room areas. For
example, using visual recognition through store cameras 118 or
through user interface units 114, the central computer system 106
can identify abandoned and out-of-place movable item containers. In
some cases, each movable item container has a transmitter or smart
device which will send a unique identifier to facilitate tracking
or other tasks and its position using LED geo-location
identification. Using LED geo-location identification with the
Determining Location feature through smart devices on each cart,
the central computer system 106 can determine the length of time a
movable item container 104 is stationary.
[0091] Stocker Assistance: This feature allows the central computer
system to track movement of merchandise flow into and around the
back-room areas. For example, using visual recognition and captured
images, the central computer system 106 can determine if carts are
loaded or not for moving merchandise between the back room areas
and the sale floor areas. Tasks or alerts may be sent to workers to
assign tasks.
[0092] Self-Docking: Motorized transport units 102 will run low or
out of power when used. Before this happens, the motorized
transport units 102 need to recharge to stay in service. According
to this feature, motorized transport units 102 will self-dock and
recharge (e.g., at a MTU docking station 122) to stay at maximum
efficiency, when not in use. When use is completed, the motorized
transport unit 102 will return to a docking station 122. In some
cases, if the power is running low during use, a replacement
motorized transport unit can be assigned to move into position and
replace the motorized transport unit with low power. The transition
from one unit to the next can be seamless to the user.
[0093] Item Container Retrieval: With this feature, the central
computer system 106 can cause multiple motorized transport units
102 to retrieve abandoned item containers from exterior areas such
as parking lots. For example, multiple motorized transport units
are loaded into a movable dispenser, e.g., the motorized transport
units are vertically stacked in the dispenser. The dispenser is
moved to the exterior area and the transport units are dispensed.
Based on video analytics, it is determined which item containers
104 are abandoned and for how long. A transport unit will attach to
an abandoned cart and return it to a storage bay.
[0094] Motorized Transport Unit Dispenser: This feature provides
the movable dispenser that contains and moves a group of motorized
transport units to a given area (e.g., an exterior area such as a
parking lot) to be dispensed for use. For example, motorized
transport units can be moved to the parking lot to retrieve
abandoned item containers 104. In some cases, the interior of the
dispenser includes helically wound guide rails that mate with the
guide member 208 to allow the motorized transport units to be
guided to a position to be dispensed.
[0095] Specialized Module Retrieval: This feature allows the system
100 to track movement of merchandise flow into and around the sales
floor areas and the back-room areas including special modules that
may be needed to move to the sales floor. For example, using video
analytics, the system can determine if a modular unit it loaded or
empty. Such modular units may house items that are of seasonal or
temporary use on the sales floor. For example, when it is raining,
it is useful to move a module unit displaying umbrellas from a back
room area (or a lesser accessed area of the sales floor) to a
desired area of the sales floor area.
[0096] Authentication: This feature uses a voice imprint with an
attention code/word to authenticate a user to a given motorized
transport unit. One motorized transport unit can be swapped for
another using this authentication. For example, a token is used
during the session with the user. The token is a unique identifier
for the session which is dropped once the session is ended. A
logical token may be a session id used by the application of the
user interface unit 114 to establish the session id when user logs
on and when deciding to do use the system 100. In some embodiments,
communications throughout the session are encrypted using SSL or
other methods at transport level.
FURTHER DETAILS OF SOME EMBODIMENTS
[0097] In accordance with some embodiments, further details are now
provided for one or more of these and other features.
[0098] Various embodiments of systems and methods for bringing a
shopping container to a customer in a shopping space are now
described. In a broad sense and in accordance with some
embodiments, a system is described for bringing a shopping
container to a customer in a shopping space and comprises a
plurality of sensors, a plurality of motorized transport units; and
a control circuit communicatively coupled to the plurality of
sensors and the plurality of motorized transport units. In some
embodiments, the control circuit is configured to: receive a
shopping container request from a user interface device associated
with the customer; determine at least one available shopping
container among a plurality of shopping containers based on data
collected by the plurality of sensors, the at least one available
shopping container being empty and not used by another customer;
select an available shopping container from the at least one
available shopping container based at least on a location
information of the user interface device; select a motorized
transport unit from among the plurality of motorized transport
units to transport the available shopping container; and provide
instructions to the motorized transport unit to bring the available
shopping container to the customer.
[0099] A large number of retail store customers are destination
shoppers who enter a store intending to purchase only a few items
that can be carried in their arms. If a customer should find
himself/herself in need of a shopping container (e.g., a moveable
item container 104 such as described herein, such as a shopping
cart or basket), a motorized transport unit (MTU) (such as any of
the MTUs 102, 202, 402 described herein) can be tasked to retrieve
one for him/her. This will save shopping time if the customer is
pressed for time or is unable to locate or grab a container. For
some customers, this capability would allow them to buy more
merchandise if they are unwilling to backtrack to the front of the
store to get a container, as the MTU would bring one to them.
Additionally, an associate can issue a task assignment to an MTU to
move an attachable movable item container from one location to
another.
[0100] In some embodiments, an MTU's customer service capabilities
include bringing out a shopping container (e.g., cart, basket, or
special cart) to someone that needs one (customer, member,
associate, colleague or supplier), then either leave the container,
or assist the user in pulling or moving/transporting the container
as required. Given this customer or associate request task, the MTU
can re-position one or more containers, or other retrievable
objects, from one location to another. In some embodiments, the MTU
and the object to be moved may be fitted with a special connection
"arm" that will allow the MTU to hook on, pull around a load, and
later disconnect. The MTU may be configured to recognize if the
shopping container is configured with a connector and maneuver in
order to attach himself. Multiple MTUs can work together to fetch
multiple shopping containers as part of one request.
[0101] In some embodiments, with no additional instruction, an MTU
may be configured to know where to go to grab a cart or apparatus
that has been requested. The MTU (and/or the central computer
system 106) may be able to recognize an empty and idle shopping
container that can be used. In some embodiments, the MTU (and/or
the CCS 106) may recognize the correct type of shopping container
as requested. If the shopping container type is not specified, an
MTU may select a container type based on other contextual clues
such as the category nearest the customer's location or previous
requests by the same user. In some embodiments, the MTU may pull a
shopping container from the container storage area (e.g., a cart
corral), or attach to a loose shopping container.
[0102] In some embodiments, it is expected that the MTU will have
ongoing low priority tasks. Once a task is completed, the MTU will
continue to perform other tasks to which it is assigned. For
example, the MTU may be tasked to look for abandoned shopping
containers and return them to the front of the store (within his
designated area). When freed from a prior task, an MTU will roam
the surrounding area searching for abandoned shopping containers to
retrieve, while listening for requests from the next customer or
associate.
[0103] In some embodiments, an MTU "catches up" with the customer
once a shopping container has been selected, and bring it to where
the container was requested. A button may be placed throughout the
store to request a shopping container. Alternatively, a smart phone
app will allow the customer to summons a container. This app will
communicate through cellular, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth and relay the
customer location to a central computer system so an assigned MTU
can catch up. Speaking a command to an MTU may be a third method of
requesting this action.
[0104] When a customer makes a "bring me a container" request, in
some embodiments, an MTU will re-position one or more containers
from one location to another. In some embodiments, each MTU
includes an individual name badge, and will accept commands when
the name on the badge is called.
[0105] FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary shopping
facility assistance system 600, similar to that of FIG. 1, as
configured in accordance with various embodiments of these
teachings. The shopping facility assistance system 600 includes a
central computer system 620, a set of sensors 630, and a number of
motorized transport units 640 (MTUs 640) each configured to attach
to and transport movable item containers 650 (also referred to as
shopping containers). The shopping facility assistance system 600
may include or be implemented at least partially with one or more
components shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and 5 or may be more generically
implemented outside of the embodiments of FIGS. 1, 4 and 5.
[0106] The central computer system 620 includes a control circuit
621 and a memory 622, and may be generally referred to as a
processor-based device. In some embodiments, the central computer
system 620 may be implemented to include one or more of the central
computer system 106 and/or the computer device 500 described above.
For example, the functionalities of the central computer system 620
described herein may be implemented as a software module in the
central computer system 106.
[0107] The central computer system 620 has stored on its memory
622, a set of computer readable instructions that is executable by
the control circuit 621 to cause the control circuit 621 to
instruct an MTU 640 to bring an available movable item container
650 to a customer in a shopping space. The central computer system
620 may also be configured to determine the locations of MTUs 640
and movable items containers 650, and determine which movable item
containers 650 are available for customer use based on sensor data.
In some embodiments, the central computer system 620 may be located
inside of and serve a specific shopping space. In some embodiments,
the central computer system 620 may be at least partially
implemented on a remote or cloud-based server that provides
instructions to MTUs in one or more shopping spaces.
[0108] The central computer system 620 is communicatively coupled
to a set of sensors 630. Sensors 630 may include one or more of
optical sensors, image sensors, proximity sensors, the location
detection system 116, the video camera system 118, and sensors on
MTUs 120 described with reference to FIG. 1 above. Generally, the
sensors 630 are configured to provide the central computer system
620 information to determine whether one or more of the movable
item containers 650 are available. For example, the sensors 630 may
be a set of cameras for providing images of the movable item
containers 650 to the central computer system 620. The central
computer system 620 may analyze the images captured by the cameras
and determine how long each movable item container 650 has been
idle and whether the movable item container currently holds any
item/s. The cameras may be stationary cameras mounted in the
shopping space and/or mounted on or integrated with the MTUs and/or
user interface devices. In some embodiments, the sensors 116 may
include one or more sensors attached to a movable item container
650. Sensors attached to movable item containers 650 may include
gyroscope and/or location sensor for detecting an idle time of the
container and weight sensors and/or cameras for determining whether
any items have been placed into the container. In some embodiments,
movable item containers 650 include sensors for receiving smart LED
light transmissions useful to determine the location of the movable
item containers 650. In some embodiments, the sensors 630 may
comprise one or more sensors for determining the locations of MTUs
640. The sensors 630 may communicate with the central computer
system through any wired or wireless communication means such as
described herein.
[0109] Each motorized transport unit 640 may be the MTU 102
described in FIG. 1, the MTU shown in FIGS. 2A-3B, and/or the MTU
402 described in FIG. 4, for example. Generally, an MTU 640 may be
a motorized device configured to transport a movable item container
or shopping container through a shopping space according to
instructions received from a central computer system 620. In some
embodiments, the MTU 402 may include other input and output devices
such as speaker and microphone for communicating with a
customer.
[0110] The movable item containers 650 may be any conventional
shopping carts, shopping baskets, flatbed carts, etc., or may be
containers specifically configured to couple with the MTUs 640.
Movable item containers 650 used in the shopping floor by customers
may be generally referred to as shopping containers. While shopping
carts are illustrated in FIG. 6, in some embodiments, the system
may be configured to transport different types of shopping
containers such as shopping carts of different sizes, shopping
baskets, flatbed carts, shopping carts with child seats,
child-friendly shopping trolleys, etc. The central computer system
620 may be configured to select a movable item container 650 based
on a customer's requested type of shopping container.
[0111] FIG. 7 shows a flow diagram of a process for bringing an
available shopping container to a customer in accordance with
various embodiments of these teachings. The steps shown in FIG. 7
may be performed by one or more of the central computer system 620
in FIG. 6, the central computer system 106 in FIG. 1, and the
computer device 500 in FIG. 5, for example. In some embodiments,
the steps are performed by a processor-based device executing a set
of computer readable instructions stored on a memory device. In
some embodiments, one or more of the steps may also be performed by
a software program, such as an "APP," running on a user interface
device. Generally, the steps shown in FIG. 7 are performed by a
control circuit of a processor-based device.
[0112] In step 710, the control circuit receives a shopping
container request. A shopping container request may be made via a
user interface device such as user interface unit 114, which may be
a customer's personal device or a store-owned mobile or stationary
device configured to communicate with a central computer system.
The user interface unit may include a software or hardware button
to request a shopping container. In some embodiments, the request
may further include a request for a specific type of shopping
container. For example, a customer may request for shopping carts
of different sizes, shopping baskets, flatbed carts, shopping carts
with child seats, child-friendly shopping trolleys, etc. The user
interface unit may display the different available options to the
user. In some embodiments, a shopping container request may also be
a command spoken. For example, the customer may say to an MTU unit
or a user device "bring me a container." In some embodiments, when
the shopping container is requested, the system also determines a
location of the requesting customer and/or device. For example, the
user interface device may pick up smart encoded LED light
transmissions as described herein or other location information and
provide that information to the system along with the shopping
container request. In some embodiments, a request may be made
through a device installed at a fixed location, such as a pole, in
the shopping space, and the system may determine the location of
the requesting device based on the device's identifying
information. In some embodiment, the customer may specify a
destination location for the shopping container. For example, the
customer may request to have a shopping container to be brought to
pole #12, regardless of the customer's current location.
[0113] In step 720, the control circuit determines a plurality of
available shopping containers based on sensor data. Generally, an
available shopping container is a shopping container that is empty
and not used by another customer. In some embodiments, a central
computer system may monitor a plurality of shopping containers in a
shopping space for their availability. The central computer system
may determine whether a shopping container is available based on
how long the shopping container has been idle and/or whether the
shopping container is currently holding any item/s based on sensor
data. In some embodiments, a shopping container may also be
determined to be available if it is in a certain area. For example,
containers in the shopping cart return area, shopping cart
retrieval area, shopping basket stand, etc. may be determined to be
available regardless of its idle time. In some embodiments, a
shopping container may be determined to be available based on its
location and whether it is empty, without considering its idle
time. For example, in the parking lot areas, any shopping container
that is empty may be considered to be available regardless how long
the container has been idle. In some embodiments, the idle time
threshold may be set differently for different areas of the store.
For example, the idle time threshold for areas around the restroom
and the deli counter may be set longer than those in other areas.
In some embodiments, the system may further determine a container
holding items to be abandoned if a longer idle threshold has passed
(e.g. 20 minutes). In such case, the system may instruct the MTU
and/or an associate to empty the shopping container to make the
container available for other customers.
[0114] In some embodiments, the central computer analyzes images
captured by a camera system to determine how long each shopping
container has remained at the same location and/or whether the
shopping container is empty. The system may determine whether the
shopping container is empty by comparing captured images of the
container with stored images of empty containers. Such captured and
stored images may be taken from one or more angles (for example,
side views, top down views, etc.). The system may also calculate
the area of visible wire mesh in the images of the container to
determine if the container is holding any item. In some embodiment,
when the system detects an object in the images that matches a wire
mesh pattern, that object is evaluated to determine the horizontal
size of the object based on its distance from the camera using
geometric algorithm. The system then analyzes the object to
determine if there are objects within the wire mesh. If objects are
detected, the container is removed from the possibility of being
empty. In some embodiments, the system may use information from
sensors attached to shopping containers. For example, a shopping
container may have attached to it, a weight sensor and/or a
movement sensor such as a gyroscope and location sensors that
provide availability data to the central system.
[0115] In some embodiments, the system may constantly keep track of
the state of each shopping container in the shopping space. For
example, the system may keep a log of the empty/fill state of each
container and the idle time of each container, and periodically
mark each tracked shopping container as being either being in-use,
available, or abandoned. The tracked status of each shopping
container may be stored in a shopping container tracking database.
In such embodiments, in step 720, the system may retrieve the
stored availability information from the shopping container
tracking database.
[0116] In some embodiments, the availability determination is
performed on-the-fly. For example, when the system receives a
request from a customer, the system may first determine the closest
shopping container to the customer that has no movement for at
least a set amount of time (e.g. 10 minutes). The movement of the
shopping containers may be determine based a camera system and/or
the data received by smart LED sensors attached to the shopping
containers. Once an idle shopping container is found, the system
retrieves images of the area around the shopping container captured
with mounted video cameras in the shopping space to find an object
matching the shopping container (such as a wire mesh cart). When
the shopping container is identified in the camera image, the
system then determines whether there are objects in the shopping
container using image analysis. In some embodiments, the system may
use previously captured images of the areas to determine whether an
identified empty shopping container has been idle for at least a
set amount of time. If a shopping container is determined to be not
available, then the next closest shopping container may be analyzed
by the system for its availability.
[0117] In step 730, the control circuit selects an available
shopping container from among the available shopping containers
determined in step 720. The available shopping container may be
selected based on the location of the customer and/or the request
user interface device. In some embodiments, the available shopping
container that is closest to the customer may be selected. In some
embodiments, the available shopping container that can be brought
to the customer in the shortest amount of time may be selected. The
time it takes for a shopping container to be brought to a customer
may be estimated based on one or more of the customer's location,
the customer's projected path of travel, the location of the
shopping container, the location of the MTU, length of the path of
travel, congestion conditions of the path of travel, etc. For
example, if the closest MTU has an available shopping container
nearby, that shopping container may be selected over an available
container just one aisle over from the customer, since the total
travel time for the MTU would be shorter. In some embodiments, the
system may select a specific type of container from the available
containers based on one or more of user request, user demographic
information, stored user shopping habit, user location, etc.
[0118] In step 740, a motorized transport unit is selected. The
motorized transport unit may be selected from a plurality of MTUs
to transport the selected shopping container to the user. In some
embodiments, steps 730 and 740 are performed sequentially, that is,
a shopping container is selected first and then an MTU is selected.
For example, the system may select an MTU that is closest to the
shopping container to transport the shopping container. In other
embodiments, step 740 may be performed in conjunction with step
730. For example, the system may select a shopping container and
MTU combination that can deliver a shopping container to a customer
in the shortest amount of time. In some embodiments, if an MTU is
already assigned to the customer, the assigned MTU may be selected
in step 730. In some embodiments, the selected MTU is the MTU that
receives a verbal command from a customer.
[0119] In step 730, the control circuit provides instructions to
the MTU selected in step 740 to bring the available shopping
container selected in step 730 to the requesting customer. The
instructions may include a current location of the shopping
container and/or the customer. In some embodiments, the
instructions may include route guidance to the shopping container
and then to the customer. In some embodiments, the system may keep
track of the current location of the customer and update the
instruction to the MTU accordingly such that the MTU is able to
"catch up" with the customer if the customer continues to move
after making the request in step 710.
[0120] Based on the instructions provided in step 750, the MTU
selected in step 740 would travel to the shopping container
selected in step 730, attached itself to the shopping container,
and then transport the shopping container to the current location
of the customer and/or requesting device. After the MTU arrives at
the customer's locations, depending on customer's selection, the
MTU may leave the shopping container with the customer and be
available to perform other tasks, or the MTU may become assigned to
the customer and escort the customer while transporting the
attached shopping container during the customer's shopping
trip.
[0121] In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided
herein useful to bringing a shopping container to a customer in a
shopping space. In some embodiments, a system for bringing a
shopping container to a customer in a shopping space comprises a
plurality of sensors, a plurality of motorized transport units, and
a control circuit communicatively coupled to the plurality of
sensors and the plurality of motorized transport units. The control
circuit being configured to: receive a shopping container request
from a user interface device associated with the customer,
determine at least one available shopping container among a
plurality of shopping containers based on data collected by the
plurality of sensors, the at least one available shopping container
being empty and not used by another customer, select an available
shopping container from the at least one available shopping
container based at least on a location information of the user
interface device, select a motorized transport unit from among the
plurality of motorized transport units to transport the available
shopping container, and provide instructions to the motorized
transport unit to bring the available shopping container to the
customer.
[0122] In some embodiments, a method for bringing a shopping
container to a customer in a shopping space comprises receiving, at
a control circuit, a shopping container request from a user
interface device associated with the customer, determining, by the
control circuit, at least one available shopping container among a
plurality of shopping containers based on data collected by a
plurality of sensors communicatively coupled to the control
circuit, the at least one available shopping container being empty
and not used by another customer, selecting, by the control
circuit, an available shopping container from the at least one
available shopping container based at least on a location
information of the user interface device, selecting, by the control
circuit, a motorized transport unit from among a plurality of
motorized transport units communicatively coupled to the control
circuit to transport the available shopping container, and
providing, by the control circuit, instructions from the control
circuit to the motorized transport unit to bring the available
shopping container to the customer.
[0123] In some embodiments an apparatus for providing a shopping
container for a customer in a shopping space comprises a
non-transitory storage medium storing a set of computer readable
instructions, and a control circuit configured to execute the set
of computer readable instructions which causes to the control
circuit to: receive a shopping container request from a user
interface device associated with the customer, determine at least
one available shopping container among a plurality of shopping
containers based on data collected by a plurality of sensors
communicatively coupled to the control circuit, the at least one
available shopping container being empty and not used by another
customer, select an available shopping container from the at least
one available shopping container based at least on a location
information of the user interface device, select a motorized
transport unit from among a plurality of motorized transport units
communicatively coupled to the control circuit to transport the
shopping container, and provide instructions to the motorized
transport unit to bring the available shopping container to the
customer.
[0124] In accordance with some embodiments, further details are now
provided for one or more of these and other features and in
particular shopping facility assistance systems, devices, and
methods to support retrieval of a mobile item container.
[0125] By one approach the aforementioned central computer system
is configured to identify an unattended mobile item container in
the shopping facility parking lot. The central computer system then
directs a particular one of the aforementioned plurality of
motorized transport units through the shopping facility parking lot
to the unattended mobile item container and causes that motorized
transport unit to physically attach to the unattended mobile item
container. The central computer system then directs that motorized
transport unit through the shopping facility parking lot with the
attached unattended mobile item container to a mobile item
container receiving area.
[0126] By one approach the central computer system identifies a
candidate mobile item container in the shopping facility parking
lot, at least in part, based on video information of the shopping
facility parking lot. By another approach, in lieu of the foregoing
or in combination therewith, one or more of the available motorized
transport units includes at least one external-environment sensor.
The central computer system is then configured to identify a mobile
item container in the shopping facility parking lot as being
unattended, at least in part, based on external-environment sensor
information provided by such a motorized transport unit. The
central computer system can identify a mobile item container as
being an unattended mobile item container as a function, at least
in part, of whether the mobile item container contains any
items.
[0127] These teachings are highly flexible in practice and will
accommodate a wide variety of modifications and embellishments. As
one example of flexibility, by one approach the central computer
system is configured to have the motorized transport unit return
the unattended mobile item container to a shopping cart corral
located in the shopping facility parking lot. By another approach,
the central computer system is configured to have the motorized
transport unit return the unattended mobile item container to a
shopping cart bay located in the shopping facility.
[0128] As an example of a modification that these teachings will
readily accommodate, the central computer system can be configured
to assess a risk of causing physical damage associated with, for
example, having the motorized transport unit approach the
unattended mobile item container, attach to the unattended mobile
item container, and or move the unattended mobile item container.
That physical damage can correspond, for example, to damage to a
vehicle, damage to the unattended mobile item container, and/or
damage to the motorized transport unit itself.
[0129] So configured, unattended mobile item containers can be
readily and quickly identified and returned safely to an
appropriate holding and/or staging area. Suitably employed, these
teachings can greatly mitigate the problems associated with
unattended mobile item containers without necessitating a
concurrent undue dedication of human resources.
[0130] FIG. 8 presents an illustrative process 800 that accords
with many of these teachings. This process 800 can be carried out
by the central computer system 106 described above. For the sake of
an illustrative example, this description will presume the mobile
item container to be a standard wheeled shopping cart. It will be
understood, however, that the specifics corresponding to such an
example are not intended to suggest any particular limitations with
respect to the scope of these teachings.
[0131] Referring to both FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, at block 801 the
central computer system 106 identifies an unattended mobile item
container in a shopping facility parking lot 901. As presented in
FIG. 9, this shopping facility parking lot 901 is directly adjacent
and external to a corresponding shopping facility 101. This
shopping facility parking lot 901 may be paved or unpaved as
desired and may be lined to indicate travel lanes and/or parking
spaces or not as desired. This shopping facility parking lot 901
may be wholly dedicated to providing parking spaces for customers
visiting the shopping facility 101. By another approach, this
shopping facility parking lot 901 may be shared with other shopping
facilities.
[0132] By one optional approach, the central computer system 106
identifies unattended mobile item containers in the shopping
facility parking lot 901, at least in part, based on video
information 802 of the shopping facility parking lot 901. That
video information 802 can be provided, for example, by video
cameras 118 that are positioned such that at least a part of the
captured field of view includes at least some part of the shopping
facility parking lot 901. In such a case the central computer
system 106 can have access to image processing and/or
pattern-matching programs that facilitate identifying a particular
object in a field of view as comprising a mobile item container
104. Such image processing and pattern matching comprises a known
area of prior art endeavor. As the present teachings are not
particularly sensitive to any particular selections in these
regards, further elaboration is not provided here regarding such
techniques.
[0133] By another approach, used in combination with the foregoing
or in lieu thereof, the central computer system 106 identifies
unattended mobile item containers 104 in the retail store parking
lot 901, at least in part, based on external-environment sensor
information 803 provided by the aforementioned location detection
system 116, video cameras 118, or one or more of the plurality of
motorized transport units 102. Such external-environment sensor
information 803 can be developed, for example, by an onboard sensor
414 as described above that specifically serves in these regards.
As one simple example in these regards, the mobile item containers
104 may be equipped with RFID tags or other close-range
transponders or transmitters that the aforementioned on-board
sensor 414 can detect and provide to the central computer system
106 as the aforementioned external-environment sensor information
803.
[0134] By one approach the central computer system 106 identifies
whether a mobile item container 104 is unattended as a function, at
least in part, of whether the mobile item container 104 contains
any items. Using this approach, the mobile item container denoted
by reference numeral 104.1 would not be identified as being
unattended because this mobile item container contains three items
902. Conversely, the mobile item container denoted by reference
numeral 104.2 does not contain any items and hence qualifies as
likely being unattended.
[0135] These teachings will accommodate taking other criteria into
account as well when determining whether a given mobile item
container constitutes an unattended mobile item container. As one
example in these regards, it may not only be required that the
mobile item container be devoid of items but also that that state
have persisted for at least a predetermined period of time (such as
30 seconds, one minute, five minutes, or some other duration of
choice) without the movable item container having moved.
[0136] Upon identifying an unattended mobile item container 104.2
in the shopping facility parking lot 901, at block 804 the central
computer system 106 directs a motorized transport 102 (using, for
example, the aforementioned wireless network connection or some
other communicative channel of choice) through the shopping
facility parking lot 901 to the unattended mobile item container
104.2. By one approach the central computer system 106 simply
provides a destination to this motorized transport unit 102. By
another approach, the central computer system 106 provides
step-by-step movement instructions to the motorized transport unit
102 to thereby guide the motorized transport unit 102 to the
location of the unattended mobile item container 104.2.
[0137] As noted above the motorized transport unit 102 may have any
of a variety of sensors 414. By one approach at least one of the
sensors 414 is configured to develop location information using
externally-sourced navigation information. As one example in these
regards, since the shopping facility parking lot 901 is likely (but
not necessarily) substantially uncovered, the motorized transport
unit 102 may include a sensor 414 comprising, at least in part, a
global positioning system receiver. So configured, by one optional
approach the motorized transport unit provides that location
information 805 to the central computer system 106 and the central
computer system 106 then directs the motorized transport unit 102
through the shopping facility parking lot 901 to the unattended
mobile item container 104.2 by, at least in part, using that
location information 805.
[0138] By one approach these teachings will facilitate having the
central computer system 106 direct the motorized transport unit 102
to the unattended mobile item container 104.2 via path segments
that are intended and determined to avoid likely collisions between
the motorized transport unit 102 and other objects in the shopping
facility parking lot 901. These teachings will also accommodate
halting the assigned motorized transport unit 102 when changing
circumstances in the shopping facility parking lot 901 present an
undue obstacle. In such a case the central computer system 106 can
either wait for the pathway to clear or the central computer system
106 can direct the motorized transport unit 102 using a detour. By
yet another alternative approach the central computer system 106
can reassign this task to another motorized transport unit 102 that
will not likely face the same circumstance of concern.
[0139] As the motorized transport unit 102 approaches the
unattended mobile item container 104.2, by one optional approach
and as illustrated at block 806, the central computer system 106
can assess whether there is any risk of causing physical damage
(for example, to a vehicle that is parked in the shopping facility
parking lot 901, to the unattended mobile item container 104.2
itself, or to the motorized transport unit 102 itself) when
approaching the unattended mobile item container 104.2, when
attaching to the unattended mobile item container 104.2, and/or
when moving the unattended mobile item container 104.2 after being
attached thereto. Such a risk assessment can be based, for example,
upon an assessment of the relative dimensions of various objects in
the vicinity of the unattended mobile item container 104.2,
movement limitations as correspond to the motorized transport unit
102 and/or the unattended mobile item container 104.2 (such as a
relevant turning radius), prevailing relevant weather conditions
such as a direction and velocity of present wind, and so forth.
[0140] These teachings will accommodate any of a variety of
responses upon determining a credible risk in these regards. For
example, by one approach, the central computer system 106 can
simply maintain the motorized transport unit 102 in a waiting state
to await more favorable retrieval conditions. By another approach
the central computer system 106 can abort this task and re-task the
motorized transport unit 102. In such a case the central computer
system 106 can also alert a human associate such that the human
associate can then retrieve the unattended mobile item container
104.2 with presumably reduced risk of any corresponding physical
damage.
[0141] Presuming no more than an acceptable risk, at block 807 this
process 800 then provides for causing the motorized transport unit
102 to physically attach to the unattended mobile item container
104.2 as described above. Once attached, and per block 808, the
central computer system 106 then directs, again via the wireless
network connection, the motorized transport unit 102 through the
shopping facility parking lot 901 with the attached unattended
mobile item container 104.2 to an appropriate mobile item container
receiving area. These teachings are quite flexible in these
regards. By one approach the mobile item container receiving area
comprises a shopping cart corral 903 disposed in the shopping
facility parking lot 901. By another approach, the mobile item
container receiving area comprises a shopping cart bay 904 located
in (or at least partially within) the shopping facility 101
itself.
[0142] Upon reaching the designated mobile item container receiving
area the motorized transport unit 102 then detaches itself from the
unattended mobile item container 104.2. The motorized transport
unit 102 then leaves the mobile item container receiving area for
another destination, leaving the unattended mobile item container
104.2 in the mobile item container receiving area.
[0143] So configured, unattended mobile item containers can be
reliably identified and removed to safer, more useful areas in an
automated and efficient manner. As noted above these teachings will
accommodate a variety of modifications as desired. As one example
in these regards, when the central computer system 106 identifies
two unattended mobile item containers 104 that are nested one in
the other in the shopping facility parking lot 901, the central
computer system 106 can direct at least two motorized transport
units 102 through the shopping facility parking lot 901 to the two
nested unattended mobile item containers 104 and cause both of
these motorized transport units 102 to attach to the nested
unattended mobile item containers 104.3 the central computer system
106 can then direct both of these motorized transport units through
the shopping facility parking lot 901 with the attached nested
unattended mobile item containers 104 to the aforementioned mobile
item container receiving area.
[0144] In some embodiments, a central computer system identifies an
unattended mobile item container in a shopping facility parking
lot. The central computer system then directs a motorized transport
unit through the retail store parking lot to the unattended mobile
item container and causes that motorized transport unit to
physically attach to the unattended mobile item container. The
central computer system then directs that motorized transport unit
through the retail store parking lot with the attached unattended
mobile item container to a mobile item container receiving
area.
[0145] In some embodiments, a shopping facility assistance system
comprises: a plurality of motorized transport units configured to
move through a shopping facility parking lot, a central computer
system having a network interface such that the central computer
system wirelessly communicates with the plurality of motorized
transport units and wherein the central computer system is
configured to: identify an unattended mobile item container in the
shopping facility parking lot, direct a particular one of the
plurality of motorized transport units through the shopping
facility parking lot to the unattended mobile item container, cause
the particular one of the plurality of motorized transport units to
physically attach to the unattended mobile item container, and
direct, via a wireless network connection, the particular one of
the plurality of motorized transport units through the shopping
facility parking lot with the attached unattended mobile item
container to a mobile item container receiving area.
[0146] In some embodiments, the mobile item container comprises a
wheeled shopping cart. In some embodiments, the central computer
system is configured to identify the unattended mobile item
container in the shopping facility parking lot, at least in part,
based on video information of the shopping facility parking lot. In
some embodiments, at least some of the plurality of motorized
transport units include at least one external-environment sensor
and wherein the central computer system is further configured to
identify the unattended mobile item container in the shopping
facility parking lot, at least in part, based on
external-environment sensor information provided by at least one of
the plurality of motorized transport units. In some embodiments,
the central computer system is configured to identify a mobile item
container as being an unattended mobile item container as a
function, at least in part, of whether the mobile item container
contains any items. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of
motorized transport units is configured to develop location
information using externally-sourced navigation information. In
some embodiments, the central computer system is configured to
direct the particular one of the plurality of motorized transport
units through the shopping facility parking lot to the unattended
mobile item container by using, at least in part, the location
information as developed by the particular one of the plurality of
motorized transport units. In some embodiments, the mobile item
container receiving area comprises one of: a shopping cart corral
located in the shopping facility parking lot and a shopping cart
bay located in the shopping facility. In some embodiments, at least
one of the particular one of the plurality of motorized transport
units and the central computer system is configured to assess a
risk of causing physical damage associated with at least one of:
approaching the unattended mobile item container, attaching to the
unattended mobile item container, and moving the unattended mobile
item container. In some embodiments, the physical damage comprises
at least one of: damage to a vehicle, damage to the unattended
mobile item container, damage to the particular one of the
motorized transport units. In some embodiments, the central
computer system is further configured to: identify at least two
nested unattended mobile item containers in the shopping facility
parking lot, direct at least two of the plurality of motorized
transport units through the shopping facility parking lot to the
two nested unattended mobile item containers, cause both of the at
least two of the plurality of motorized transport units to attach
to the two nested unattended mobile item containers, direct the at
least two of the plurality of motorized transport units through the
shopping facility parking lot with the attached two nested
unattended mobile item containers to a mobile item container
receiving area.
[0147] In some embodiments, a method comprises, by a central
computer system: identifying an unattended mobile item container in
a shopping facility parking lot, directing, via a wireless network
connection, a motorized transport unit through the shopping
facility parking lot to the unattended mobile item container,
causing the motorized transport unit to physically attach to the
unattended mobile item container, directing, via a wireless network
connection, the motorized transport unit through the shopping
facility parking lot with the attached unattended mobile item
container to a mobile item container receiving area.
[0148] In some embodiments, the central computer system is
configured to identify the unattended mobile item container in the
shopping facility parking lot by, at least in part, using video
information of the shopping facility parking lot. In some
embodiments, the motorized transport unit includes at least one
external-environment sensor and wherein the central computer system
is further configured to identify the unattended mobile item
container in the shopping facility parking lot by, at least in
part, using external-environment sensor information provided by the
motorized transport unit. In some embodiments, the central computer
system is configured to identify a mobile item container as being
an unattended mobile item container by, at least in part,
determining whether the mobile item container contains any items.
In some embodiments, the motorized transport unit is configured to
develop location information using externally-sourced navigation
information. In some embodiments, the central computer system is
configured to direct the motorized transport unit through the
shopping facility parking lot to the unattended mobile item
container by, at least in part, using the location information as
developed by the motorized transport unit. In some embodiments, the
mobile item container receiving area comprises one of: a shopping
cart corral located in the shopping facility parking lot; and a
shopping cart bay located in the shopping facility. In some
embodiments, at least one of the motorized transport unit and the
central computer system is configured to assess a risk of causing
physical damage associated with at least one of: approaching the
unattended mobile item container, attaching to the unattended
mobile item container, and moving the unattended mobile item
container. In some embodiments, the physical damage comprises at
least one of: damage to a vehicle, damage to the unattended mobile
item container, and damage to the particular one of the motorized
transport units.
[0149] In accordance with some embodiments, further details are now
provided for one or more of these and other features. A system and
method determining item availability in a shopping space are
provided herein.
[0150] It is important for a customer to be able to find an item
they wish to purchase in a shopping space. Some items may be
expected to always be in-stock, most items may be expected to be
out of stock infrequently, and seasonal merchandise may be expected
to be out of stock at a particular point in time. Since an MTU
system may have access to item inventory information, the system
may locate various items in the store and validate that the
inventory count matches what is actually on the shelf. If the item
cannot be found on the sales floor, a customer will often ask an
associate or leave the store without making the purchase. This
creates additional work for an associate (as associates may not
know where the item is himself) and can cost the customer valuable
shopping time. It also can leave the customer unsatisfied with
their shopping experience. The customer may go to a competitor
location in order to find the item they are looking for. Since an
MTU system may continually monitor the inventory, the system can
realize when an item is out-of-tolerance with the records and will
notify relevant management to potentially correct the inventory
metrics in order to avoid future out-of-stock situations.
[0151] During a special event (e.g. promotions, sales), an MTU
system can be made aware of all the special event item inventory
locations and help direct the customer to the item. Additionally,
an MTU can notify the customer when an item is out of stock and
indicate when the item will be back in stock and/or call a
receiving associate to fill the shelf with items in the storage
area.
[0152] An MTU may include count-it capabilities which may include
visually counting merchandise, looking up the inventory expected to
be on hand, and providing alerts and corrections when discrepancies
exist. An MTU with visual and voice recognition capabilities may be
configured to perform this function. An MTU can be tasked to count
an item or a grouping of items that can be visually recognized
without moving the merchandise. By watching sales and receiving, an
MTU system may determine the optimum time to count the inventory to
provide the highest level of accuracy. For example, peak selling
timeframes or just after a load of merchandise has been received
may not be the ideal time to count items. The MTU may schedule to
count items after a selling rush when items are likely to be at the
lowest stock level. An MTU may be configured to always be searching
for an "out of stock" situation and ensure that orders are placed
to replenish the product as soon as possible.
[0153] In some embodiments, an MTU can be called (or acts as a
store telephone operator) to answer inventory questions. Example, a
customer may ask "do you have A-brand smartphones?" An MTU may be
configured to answer: "Yes, we have the lowest price for the
A-brand smartphone. It's one dollar ninety-five with a two-year
contract. You can find it in the Electronics department." After
locating an item, the MTU may be configured to suggest a different
item (based on customer knowledge) and suggest purchasing
"cross-sell" item(s). For example, the MTU may say "you may also
want to check out our large assortment of smartphone cases just
behind the electronics counter." If the item requested is not
in-stock, an MTU may provide information concerning when the next
shipment will arrive at the store.
[0154] An MTU system with item counting capabilities can function
to maintain more accurate inventory information due to inventory
shrink and reduce the occurrence of empty shelves. The system may
visually recognize an out-of-stock situation, track inventory of an
item at multiple display locations (e.g. modular and feature
locations), and identify inventory discrepancies. The system may
also assist customers in locating items to free up associates to
perform other tasks. The system may further provide analytic
information to determine items that the store may want to add to
the inventory, items that need additional inventory, items that may
need to be relocated, items to features, and an optimum time to
count inventory. The analytic information may also be used to
predict a future out-of-stock situation and change replenishment
settings to avoid out-of-stock situations. The system may also
provide customers with alternate purchase methods such as buying
from another store and buying on-line.
[0155] FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of a system 1000 for
determining item availability as configured in accordance with
various embodiments of these teachings. The system 1000 includes a
central computer system 1010, an inventory database 1020, and an
MTU 1030. The system is configured to determine whether an item is
out of stock according to the inventory database 1020 and determine
whether an item is available for purchase on the shopping floor
based on information gathered by the MTU 1030. In some embodiments,
the system is further configured to provide an "item out of stock"
and/or an item unavailable response to a customer via the MTU 1030
and/or a user device. The system 1000 may include or may be
implemented at least partially with one or more components shown in
FIGS. 1, 4, and 5 or may be more generically implemented outside of
the system described with reference to FIGS. 1, 4 and 5.
[0156] The central computer system 1010 includes a control circuit
1012, a memory 1013, and a communication device 1011. The central
computer system 1010 may generally be referred to as one or more of
a processor-based device, a computing device, a server, and the
like. In some embodiments, the central computer system 1010 may be
implemented with one or more of the central computer system 106
and/or the computer device 500 described above. For example, the
functionalities of the central computer system 1010 described
herein may be implemented as one or more software and/or hardware
modules in the central computer system 106.
[0157] The central computer system 1010 has stored on its memory
1013, a set of computer readable instructions that is executable by
the control circuit 1012 to cause the control circuit 1012 to
determine whether an item is in stock based on the inventory
database 1020 and determine whether an item is available for
purchase based on information collected by the MTU 1030. The memory
1013 may comprise volatile and/or non-volatile computer readable
memory storage device. The central computer system 1010 may receive
sensor data from the MTU 1030 via the communication device 1011
and/or may provide instructions to perform one or more tasks to the
MTU 1030 via the communication device 1011. The central computer
system 1010 may also be configured to receive a request for one or
more items for purchase via the communication device 1011.
Embodiments of the functions of the central computer system 1010 in
a system for restoring store condition is described in more detail
herein with reference to FIGS. 11-12 below.
[0158] The MTU 1030 may be the MTU 102 described in FIG. 1, the MTU
shown in FIGS. 2A-3B, and/or the MTU described in FIG. 4.
Generally, an MTU may be a motorized device having a control
circuit 1032, a wireless transceiver 1031, a sensor device 1033, a
motorized wheel system 1034, and a user interface device 1035. The
MTU 102 may generally be configured to travel in a shopping space
and perform one or more tasks according to instructions received
from a central computer system 1010.
[0159] The control circuit 1032 of the MTU 1030 may be configured
to receive an item request from a customer via the user interface
device 1035. The MTU 1030 may forward the item request to the
central computer system 1010 via the wireless transceiver 1031 to
determine whether the item is in-stock based on the inventory
database. In some embodiments, an item request may be received
directly by the central computer system via a user interface device
separate from the MTU 1030. For example, a customer may enter an
item request via a portable user device and/or an in-store kiosk.
The control circuit 1032 may also be configured to receive an item
display location from the central computer system 1010 via the
wireless transceiver 1031, cause the motorized wheel system 1034 to
travel to the display area of the requested item, and use the
sensor device 1033 to detect whether the item is available in the
display space based on instructions received from the central
computer system 1010. In some embodiments, the control circuit 1012
may be further configured to provide an "item out of stock" and/or
an item unavailable response to the customer via the user interface
device 1035 based on instructions received from the central
computer system 1010.
[0160] The wireless transceiver 1031 may be any wireless
communication transceiver such as Wi-Fi transceiver, Bluetooth
transceiver, a local network transceiver, and the like. The
motorized wheel system 1034 may include and/or be similar to the
motorized wheel system 410 described herein. The user interface
device 1035 may include one or more of a display screen, a touch
screen, a speaker, a voice sensor, an optical sensor, and the like.
Generally, the user interface device 1035 may include any
input/output device configured to provide information to and
receive input from users.
[0161] The sensor device 1033 may include one or more of an image
sensor, an optical machine readable code reader (e.g. barcode
reader), a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, a
temperature sensor, etc. In some embodiments, the sensor device
1033 may include one or more of the sensors on MTUs 102 described
with reference to FIG. 1 above. The sensor device 1033 may be
configured to collect one or more of an image of the display space,
a three-dimensional scan of the display space, a barcode scan, a
radio frequency identification (RFID) scan, an environmental
temperature of the display space, etc.
[0162] The inventory database 1020 may be a non-transitory memory
storage that stores one or more inventory information of a
plurality of items. The inventory database 1020 may be coupled to
the central computer system 1010 through one or more of local,
remote, cloud-based, wired, and wireless connections. In some
embodiments, the inventory database may be at least partially
implemented on one or more of the memory 1013, the database 126,
the memory 110, the memory 408, and the memory 504 described
herein. The inventory database may have stored upon it a plurality
of item identifiers (product name, product type, barcode, RFID tag,
etc.) and an estimated quantity of each item in the store
inventory. For example, an inventory entry may be created when a
new item is added to the store, and the inventory count may be
incremented when a shipment is received and decremented when items
are sold or lost.
[0163] FIG. 11 shows a flow diagram of a method for determining
item availability in a shopping space in accordance with various
embodiments of these teachings. The steps shown in FIG. 11 may be
performed by one or more of the central computer system 1010 in
FIG. 10, the central computer system 106 in FIG. 1, and the
computer device 500 in FIG. 5, for example. In some embodiments, at
least some steps in FIG. 11 may be performed by a control circuit
on an MTU and/or a user device. In some embodiments, the steps are
performed by one or more processor-based device executing a set of
computer readable instructions stored on memory device(s).
[0164] In step 1110, the system receives a request for an item for
purchase from a customer. In some embodiments, the request for the
item for purchase comprises one or more of: a verbal command issued
to the motorized transport unit, a shopping list entered at a user
interface device, and an item selected through the user interface
device. For example, a customer may say to an MTU "where can I find
some scissors?" or "do you have A-brand peanut butter?" In some
embodiments, the user may enter a list of items they wish to
purchase prior or during their visit to the store. The shopping
list may be used by an MTU to escort the customer through the
shopping space on a system determined route. The system may
consider each item entered into the shopping list as a request for
an item in step 1110. In some embodiments, steps 1110 and 1115 may
be performed prior to determining a route for the customer. In some
embodiments, steps 1120 and 1130 may be performed prior or during
the customer's shopping trip. In some embodiments, the item request
may be for an item type or item category (e.g. olive oil, dill
pickles, etc.) and/or a specific product (e.g. A-brand canned tuna,
half-gallon B-brand organic milk, etc.).
[0165] In step 1113, the system queries an inventory database to
determine whether the item requested in step 710 is in stock. The
inventory database may have stored upon it a plurality of item
identifiers (product name, product type, barcode, RFID tag, etc.)
and an estimated quantity of each item in the store inventory. The
recorded quantity in the inventory database may be based on
monitoring, receiving, and sales of each item. In some embodiments,
if the item request in step 1110 identifies an item type or
category that includes multiple unique items, the system may check
the in-stock status of each item matching the type or category. For
example, if the item request specifics C-brand toilet paper, the
system may query the inventory for all variants of C-brand toilet
paper (e.g. 2-ply, 4-ply, 12-count, 24-count, etc.).
[0166] If the requested item is out of stock according to the
inventory database, in step 1115, the system determines an out of
stock response to present to the customer. In some embodiments, the
out of stock response may be selected from one or more of:
recommending an alternative item, providing an alternative store
location, and providing an online purchase user interface. For
example, if 12 oz. D-brand BBQ flavored chips are out of stock, the
system may recommend one or more items of different packaging (e.g.
family-size), a different variant (e.g. low fat, low sodium, ranch
flavored etc.) a different brand (e.g. E-brand), and/or a
substitute item (e.g. corn chips). In another example, the system
may query the inventory of other nearby stores and suggest an
alternate store location that the customer can purchase the
requested item. In yet another example, the system may determine
whether the item is available for purchase online and present the
user with an option to purchase the item online (e.g. send a link
to the product, add the product to the user's online shopping
cart). In some embodiments, the system may select from one or more
of the out of stock responses based on one or more of the
customer's shopping history, item type, item availability in
another store, distance to the alternate store, item availability
for online purchase, etc. For example, if the customer is looking
for organic milk, and the store has no organic milk in stock, the
system may suggest a nearby store to the customer as the
out-of-stock response. In another example, if the customer had
purchased various brands of the same type of product in the past,
indicating no particular brand royalty, the system may suggest an
alternative brand. In some embodiments, the out of stock response
may be presented to the customer via one or more of an MTU or user
interface unit that received the request for an item for purchase
in step 1110 and/or an MTU escorting the customer.
[0167] In some embodiments, if the item request identifies an item
type or category that includes multiple unique items, the out of
stock response may be presented only if all items in the type or
category are out of stock. In some embodiments, if one or more
items in the type or category are in stock, the system may present
each in-stock item as a purchase option to the customer. The
selected item for purchase may be used as the requested item in
step 1120.
[0168] If the requested item is in stock according to the inventory
database in step 1113, in step 1120 the system instructs an MTU to
travel to a display space corresponding with the requested item.
The display space may include the display module, shelf, case, bin,
etc. that presents the requested item for purchase by customers. In
some embodiments, the system may identify the display space
corresponding to the requested item based on one or more of the
inventory database and a store layout map. In some embodiments, an
item may be displayed at two or more locations in a shopping space.
The system may select one of the display spaces based on one or
more of customer location, MTU location, expected display quantity,
etc. The MTU instructed in step 1120 may the MTU that received the
item request and/or an MTU that has been assigned to escort the
requesting customer, or a separate MTU that was on initially on
stand-by or assigned to another task. The system may instruct the
MTU to travel to the display space according to the MTU navigation
and maneuvering means described herein including using the
geolocation beacons sensor on the MTU to determine the location of
the MTU within the shopping space.
[0169] In step 1125 the system determines whether the item is
available in the display space based on information captured by one
or more sensors of the MTU. Due to shrinkage, damage, lost, and
misplacement, items that are indicated as being in-stock in the
inventory database may not always be available for purchase on the
sales floor. The MTU instructed in step 1120 may include one or
more of an optical sensor, an image sensor, a radio frequency
identification (RFID) scanner, an optical code scanner, a
temperature sensor, etc. The information captured by the one or
more sensors of the MTU comprises one or more of an image of the
display space, a three-dimensional scan of the display space, a
barcode scan, an RFID scan, and an environmental temperature of the
display space. The system may determine whether the item is
available in the display space is based one or more of a presence
of the item, an appearance of the item, an expiration date of the
item, an appearance of the display area, and a storage environment
of the item. In some embodiments, the system may capture an image
of the display space using an image sensor on the MTU to determine
whether the item is in the display space. In some embodiments, the
system may scan for RFID tags around the area of the display space
to determine whether a requested item is in the display space. In
some embodiments, the MTU may scan for a visible or invisible
expiration date code/stamp on the requested item. Even if the item
is present, the system may determine that the item is unavailable
because it is past its expiration date. In some embodiments, the
MTU may use a temperature sensor to measure a temperature in or
around the display area. Even if the item is present, the system
may determine that the item is unavailable because the storage
condition is out of tolerance (e.g. storage temperature is too high
for ice cream). In some embodiments, the system may analyze an
image of the product in the display area to determine whether the
product is damaged (e.g. contains dents or stains). If only damaged
products are in the display area, the system may determine that no
items are available for purchase in the display area. In some
embodiments, if one or more items are detected to be expired or
damaged, or the storage condition is found to be out of tolerance,
the system may generate a task for an MTU and/or a store associate
to remove the item(s) and/or address the issue.
[0170] If the requested item is not available in the display space
in step 1125, the system may determine an item unavailable response
in step 1127. In some embodiments, the item unavailable response
comprises querying a back storage area for the item for purchase.
If the item for purchase is available in the back storage area, the
system may notify the customer and generate a task instruction for
an MTU and/or a store associate to retrieve the item from the back
storage area. In some embodiments, the item unavailable response
comprises determining whether the item for purchase is displayed in
an alternative display space. If the item is displayed in another
display area, the system may instruct the MTU to travel to the
alternative display space and the process may return to step 1120.
In some embodiments, the item unavailable response comprises one or
more of recommending an alternative item, providing an alternative
store location, and providing an online purchase user interface. In
some embodiments, the item unavailable response may include the
same or similar responses as the out of stock response described
with reference to step 1115 herein. In some embodiments, the item
unavailable response may be presented to the customer via one or
more of the MTU instructed in step 1120, an MTU or user interface
unit that received the request for an item for purchase in step
1110, and/or an MTU escorting the customer. In some embodiments, if
the item is unavailable, the information may be relayed to the
inventory system to update inventory information. In some
embodiments, if the item is not available in the display space, the
system may generate a restock task instruction to an MTU and/or a
store associate. For example, the task may include bringing items
out form the back room to place on the shelves and/or to order more
items from the supplier.
[0171] If the item is available for purchase in the display space,
in step 1130, the system may present an item available response to
the customer. An item available response may include one or more
of, altering the customer that the item is available for purchase,
offering to retrieve the item for the customer, suggesting
cross-sell item(s), and offering checkout options. In some
embodiments, the item available response may be to return to step
1110 with the next item on the customer's shopping list as the
requested item.
[0172] FIG. 12 is an illustration of a process for monitoring for
modular compliance with MTUs. In some embodiments, the steps in
FIG. 12 may be implemented by one or more components of the systems
shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 10. In some embodiments, the central
computer and the MTU in FIG. 12 share "intelligence" in that they
are in constant communication and data sharing. Therefore, one or
more steps described to be performed by the MTU may be performed by
the central computer and vice versa.
[0173] In step 1251, the customer makes a request for an item by
asking the system "do you have my item?" via one or more of an MTU,
a user interface device, a portable user device, and a store
associate. In step 1242, the MTU checks whether the requested item
is in stock based on the inventory. The MTU may determine whether
the requested item is in the inventory by looking up inventory that
is expected to be on-hand in step 1243. If the item is in stock, in
step 1241, the MTU may further offer cross-sell options, such as
recommending alternate and/or complementary items. In step 1246,
the MTU determines whether the requested item is on the shelf in
the shopping space. The determination in step 1246 may be based on
visually counting items in step 1245. In some embodiments, the MTU
also determines an optimal time to count items in step 1245. The
optimal time may correspond to a time that the stock is likely to
be low such as, for example, right after a selling rush. If the
item is available on the shelf, the MTU provides item location to
the customer in step 1247.
[0174] In step 1244, the MTU system compares on-shelf availability
with the expected availability of the item and determines whether
the item is actually out of stock. The information determined in
steps 1242, 1246, and 1244 may be used to determine whether the
item availability is out of tolerance with the inventor records by
the central computer in step 1232. For example, whether the
on-shelf availability matches the inventory record. In step 1231,
the central computer recognizes inventory discrepancy based on the
out of tolerance situation identified in step 1232. The inventory
discrepancy information may also be used to predict future out of
stock situations in step 1231. For example, a percentage of likely
shrink or lost may be determined for the product and applied to
further inventory calculations. In step 1211, the inventory
management system uses the information determined in steps 1231 and
1232 to change replenishment settings and place orders for items
accordingly. The inventory management system may further modify
inventory modular plan and item locations in step 1212.
[0175] In step 1221, the notification in step 1232 may cause a task
to be generated for a store associate to correct the on-shelf
unavailability of the item. In step 1233, the central computer
system may provide replenishment status (e.g. "a shipment of
organic milk will arrive tomorrow") or offer an alternative item or
purchase option to the customer.
[0176] In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided
herein useful for determining item availability in a shopping
space. In some embodiments, a computer-implemented method for
determining item availability in a shopping space comprises
receiving, at a control circuit, a request for an item for purchase
from a customer, querying, by the control circuit, an inventory
database to determine whether the item for purchase is in stock, in
an event that the item for purchase is not in stock according to
the inventory database: determining, at the control circuit, an out
of stock response to present to the customer; in an event that the
item for purchase is in stock according to the inventory database:
instructing, by the control circuit, a motorized transport unit to
travel to a display space in the shopping space corresponding to
the item for the purchase; determining, at the control circuit,
whether the item is available in the display space based on
information captured by one or more sensors of the motorized
transport unit; and in an event that the item for purchase is not
available in the display space: determining, at the control
circuit, an item unavailable response to present to the
customer.
[0177] In some embodiments, the request for the item for purchase
comprises one or more of: a verbal command issued to the motorized
transport unit, a shopping list entered at a user interface device,
and an item selected through the user interface device. In some
embodiments, the out of stock response comprises one or more of:
recommending an alternative item, providing an alternative store
location, and providing an online purchase user interface. In some
embodiments, the information captured by the one or more sensors of
the motorized transport unit comprises one or more: an image of the
display space, a three-dimensional scan of the display space, a
barcode scan, a radio frequency identification (RFID) scan, and an
environmental temperature of the display space. In some
embodiments, the determining of whether the item is available in
the display space is based one or more of: a presence of the item,
an appearance of the item, an expiration date of the item, an
appearance of the display space, and a storage environment of the
item. In some embodiments, the item unavailable response comprises
querying a back storage area for the item for purchase. In some
embodiments, in an event that the item for purchase is available in
the back storage area, generating, at the control circuit, a task
instruction to retrieve the item from the back storage area. In
some embodiments, the item unavailable response comprises
determining, at the control circuit, whether the item for purchase
is displayed in an alternative display space and instructing the
motorized transport unit to travel to the alternative display
space. In some embodiments, the item unavailable response comprises
one or more of recommending an alternative item, providing an
alternative store location, and providing an online purchase user
interface. In some embodiments, in the event that the item is not
available in the display space, generating a restock task
instruction.
[0178] In some embodiments, a system for determining item
availability in a shopping space comprise: a communication device
configured to communicate with a motorized transport unit, an
inventory database storing inventory information of a plurality of
items available for purchase in the shopping space, and a control
circuit coupled to the communication device and the inventory
database. The control circuit being configured to: receive a
request for an item for purchase from a customer, query the
inventory database to determine whether the item for purchase is in
stock, in an event that the item for purchase is not in stock
according to the inventory database: determine an out of stock
response to present to the customer, in an event that the item for
purchase is in stock according to the inventory database: instruct
the motorized transport unit to travel to a display space in the
shopping space corresponding to the item, determine whether the
item is available in the display space based on information
captured by one or more sensors of the motorized transport unit,
and in an event that the item is not available in the display
space: determine an item unavailable response to present to the
customer.
[0179] In some embodiments, the request for the item for purchase
comprises one or more of: a verbal command issued to the motorized
transport unit, a shopping list entered at a user interface device,
and an item selected through the user interface device. In some
embodiments, the out of stock response comprises one or more of:
recommending an alternative item, providing an alternative store
location, and providing an online purchase user interface. In some
embodiments, the information captured by the one or more sensors of
the motorized transport unit comprises one or more: an image of the
display space, a three dimensional scan of the display space, a
barcode scan, a radio frequency identification (RFID) scan, an
appearance of the item for purchase, and an environmental
temperature of the display space. In some embodiments, the item is
available in the display space is determined based one or more of:
a presence of the item, an appearance of the item, an expiration
date of the item, an appearance of the display space, and a storage
environment of the item. In some embodiments, the item unavailable
response comprises: querying a back storage area for the item for
purchase. In some embodiments, in an event that the item for
purchase is available in the back storage area, the control circuit
further generates a task instruction to retrieve the item from the
back storage area. In some embodiments, the item unavailable
response comprises: determining whether the item for purchase is
displayed in an alternative display space and instructing the
motorized transport unit to travel to the alternative display
space. In some embodiments, the item unavailable response
comprises: one or more of recommending an alternative item,
providing an alternative store location, and providing an online
purchase user interface. In some embodiments, in the event that the
item is not available in the display space, the control circuit
further generates a restock task instruction.
[0180] In some embodiments, an apparatus for determining item
availability in a shopping space comprises: a wireless transceiver
configured to communicate with a central computer system, a
motorized wheel system, a user interface device, a sensor, a
control circuit coupled to the wireless transceiver, the motorized
wheel system, the user interface unit, and the sensor. The control
circuit being configured to: receive a request for an item for
purchase from a customer via the user interface device, forward the
request for the item to the central computer system, in an event
that the item for purchase is not in stock according to an
inventory database coupled to the central computer system: present
an out of stock response from the central computer system to the
customer via the user interface device, in an event that the item
for purchase is in stock according to the inventory database:
travel to a display space in the shopping space corresponding to
the item in the shopping space using the motorized wheel system,
collect information relating whether the item is available in the
display space using the sensor, transmit the data to the central
computer system, and present an item unavailable response to the
customer via the user interface device in an event that the item is
not available in the display space: travel to a display space in
the shopping space corresponding to the item in the shopping space
using the motorized wheel system, collect information relating
whether the item is available in the display space using the
sensor, transmit the information to the central computer system,
and present an item unavailable response to the customer via the
user interface device in an event that the item is not available in
the display space.
[0181] In accordance with some embodiments, systems, apparatuses,
processes and methods are provided herein that allow the motorized
transport units to travel through the shopping facility while
limiting congestion, in reduced time, while limiting potential
conflicts and/or contact with customer, and other such advantage by
providing alternate travel routes that are typically not available
to at least customers.
[0182] Some embodiments provide an elevated track system that
provides alternate tracks on and/or through which the motorized
transport units can travel. The elevated track system can include
tracks that are positioned such that the tracks do not interfere
with movement of customers through the sales floor. In some
implementations, some or all of the tracks of the track system can
include tracks that are positioned elevated above a sales floor,
and typically above shelves, modulars, racks and products
distributed over at least a portion of the sales floor of a
shopping facility. Additionally or alternatively, the track system
may include one or more tracks that are below typical flooring
(such as the sales floor), routed through sub-levels below a sales
floor (e.g., basements, parking structures, etc.), inside
structures (e.g., walls, shelving, between shelves, and the like),
and/or other areas or space of the shopping facility, such as space
that is typically not used or underutilized.
[0183] FIG. 13 shows a simplified overhead view of an exemplary
elevated track system 1300 within a shopping facility 1301, in
accordance with some embodiments. The elevated track system
includes one or more tracks 1304, routes, avenues, tubes, ducts,
and other such structures (and typically a series of track) that
traverse across areas of the shopping facility, and one or more
chutes 1306, ramps, hoists, elevators, and/or other such access
nodes, which are typically distributed across the shopping
facility. In some embodiments, one or more of the tracks 1304 are
elevated above the shelves and other product support structures of
the shopping facility. Further, one or more of the tracks may be
above a drop down ceiling such that those one or more tracks are
not visible from the floor. One or more tracks can be
interconnected to establish a network of tracks that can be
accessed by multiple motorized transport units allowing the
motorized transport units to quickly and easily traverse areas of
the shopping facility.
[0184] FIG. 14 illustrates some embodiments of an exemplary
elevated track 1304 of an elevated track system positioned above
one or more shelving units 1400, modulars, and other such product
support units. In this example, a chute 1306 is further illustrated
as being cooperated with the elevated track 1304 and extending
between the elevated track and the sales floor. Referring to at
least FIGS. 13 and 14, the central computer system can take
advantage of the elevated track system to move motorized transport
units through the shopping facility to areas where one or more
tasks are to be performed.
[0185] The chutes 1306 allow the motorized transport units to
access and exit the elevated track system 1300. As such, the one or
more chutes can be strategically positioned throughout the shopping
facility to allow the motorized transport units to easily and
quickly access the elevated track system. The positioning of the
chutes can further reduce the distance motorized transport units
have to travel through the shopping facility to gain access to the
elevated track system, which in part reduces traffic in the
shopping facility and can improve deployment of the motorized
transport units. In some instances, one or more chutes are
positioned proximate areas where it is anticipated a relatively
large number of motorized transport unit tasks are expected and/or
where motorized transport units are to be direct (e.g., near a
shopping cart bay where customer retrieve carts, near docking
stations, near equipment with which the motorized transport units
are configured to cooperate in performing one or more tasks, and
other such areas). The chutes are each cooperated with one or more
of the tracks and configured to provide a passage for one or more
of the motorized transport units between the series of elevated
tracks and the floor.
[0186] As illustrated in FIG. 14, in some embodiments, a chute 1306
may be positioned at least partially within a shelving unit, end
cap 1406 (illustrated as partially transparent), or other
structure. This allows the chute to be positioned in areas of the
shopping facility and taking advantage of the area that is already
occupied by the end cap or shelving structure. This can further
limit the use of floor space for the chute that can be utilized for
other purposes. Similarly, one or more chutes may be located in
areas that are not readily usable, such as in corners or other such
areas. In some embodiments, the chutes and the cooperated shelving
structure and/or end cap 1406 can allow a motorized transport unit
to travel under the end cap or shelving unit, through a door in the
end cap or shelving unit, and/or allow the motorized transport unit
to access and exit the chute. In other implementations, the chutes
are not enclosed in a structure allowing motorized transport units
ready access to the chutes. Some implementations include doors or
other barriers that open in response to a motorized transport unit
request and/or instructions from the central computer system. The
door prevents children or others from playing with the chutes or
otherwise interfering with the use of the chutes.
[0187] The chutes can be substantially any relevant structure that
can allow the motorized transport units to move between the floor
and the elevated track system. In some implementations, one or more
chutes are configured such that the motorized transport units move
themselves up and down the chutes. For example, one or more
channels or tracks can be included one or more and typically at
least two channels formed therein to receive corresponding parts of
each motorized transport unit that passes through the at least one
chute. For example, in some embodiments, the motorized transport
units include one or more guide members 208, pegs, hooks, latches,
etc., that can cooperate with channels of a chute. By extending and
retracting the motorized transport units can move themselves up and
down the chutes. Such movement is further described in U.S.
Provisional Application No. 132/175,182, filed Jun. 12, 2015,
entitled Method and Apparatus for Transporting a Plurality of
Stacked Motorized Transport Units, which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety. Chutes can be configured in a vertical
orientation, angled, helical, switch-back, or other configurations.
Similarly, chutes can include ramps that allow the motorized
transport units to drive themselves up and down. The chutes may
have a circular cross-section, a square cross-section or other
shape. Chutes, in some embodiments, may include compressed air
cushioning, or other cushioning. The cushioning may allow motorized
transport units to travel down the chutes at faster rates than they
travel up.
[0188] In some embodiments, one or more chutes may additionally or
alternatively include one or more lift systems that move the
motorized transport units between the elevated track system and the
floor, or help the motorized transport units in moving between the
track system and the floor. For example, a chute can include an
elevator or dumbwaiter system, a cable system that is cooperated
with a motor, one or more conveyors (e.g., that move along a
vertical wall and with which the guide members engage), and other
such lift systems. For example, the cable system, in some
implementations, can include one or more latches, hooks, magnets,
other such coupling structure, or a combination of two or more of
such structures. When activated the cable system (or other lift
system) can raise or lower the motorized transport unit. The lift
system can be controlled by the central computers system and/or
activated by the motorized transport unit once in position (e.g.,
by extending to press a switch, lever, etc.).
[0189] One or more transfer systems may be included with the chute
and/or cooperated with the chutes to help move the motorized
transport unit between the chute and the track. For example, a
platform may be moved under the motorized transport unit upon
reaching a top of the chute allowing the motorized transport unit
to move out of the chute, and similarly be activated when the
motorized transport unit attempts to use the chute to exit the
elevated track system. An arm may be configured to swing to engage
the motorized transport unit and move the motorized transport unit
between the track and the chute. A false or movable floor may be
cooperated with the chute that is activated when the motorized
transport unit is moving between the chute and the track. In other
implementations, the motorized transport unit may cooperate with a
channel or other structure that allows the motorized transport unit
to slide out of the chute. Other systems may be used to move the
motorized transport unit between the chute and the track system.
The transfer system may be activated by the motorized transport
unit (e.g., upon approaching the chute when exiting the track
system, pushing a button or moving a lever upon reaching or
approaching the top of a chute, etc.), activated by the chute
(e.g., based on timing), or may be activated by the central
computer system (e.g., based on tracking a location of the
motorized transport unit, receiving a communication from an
motorized transport unit requesting transfer, etc.).
[0190] The tracks 1304 are configured to allow the motorized
transport units to travel along the tracks at desired speeds, and
often at maximum speed because there is no concern of interfering
with customers or bumping into carts or other devices on the floor.
Further, in some implementations, the central computer system
tracks the motorized transport units and can avoid collisions
between motorized transport units. In some embodiments, one or more
tracks or portions of one or more tracks may be configured to allow
a first motorized transport unit traveling on the elevated track to
pass a second motorized transport unit traveling on the same
elevated track. In some implementations, the track has sufficient
width or a portion of a track may have sufficient width to provide
effectively two or more lanes, which can be used for opposite
directions allowing motorized transport units to pass each other
going opposite directs, and/or allow a faster motorized transport
unit to pass a slower motorized transport unit traveling in the
same direction. One or more track can alternatively or additionally
be configured with at least a section that has one or more levels
allowing motorized transport units to pass each other (whether
traveling in opposite or the same direction). One or more ramps may
cooperate different tracks and/or different levels of a track.
[0191] The track system may further include diverter sections,
merge areas (e.g., roundabouts, intersections, etc.), multiple
lanes (e.g., in high traffic areas), and the like. Multiple lane
sections may reduce to a single lane for relatively low traffic
areas, areas of limited space, etc. Further, the track system and
individual tracks can have inclines, declines and the like (e.g.,
when there are areas where there is no drop ceiling). One or more
of the tracks and/or portions of one or more tracks may be
suspended from a roof, support beams, joists, and/or other such
structure. Additionally or alternatively, one or more tracks and/or
portions of one or more tracks may be supported by beams, joists
and/or other such structures. Some embodiments may additionally
include tracks and/or chutes that lead to outside areas of the
shopping facility (e.g., loading areas, parking structure, parking
lots, etc.).
[0192] The tracks may be made from substantially any relevant
materials that can support the weight of the motorized transport
units intended to utilize the elevated track system. In some
implementations, one or more tracks and/or portions of tracks may
further include conveyors that move the motorized transport units
over those portions of the tracks. In some embodiments, portions of
the track system include vibration and/or noise dampening
components (e.g., rubber washers, cushioning, rubber on the tracks,
insulation dampening, and the like). Further, wind disturbance
based on movement of motorized transport units may be taken into
consideration (e.g., with wind guards, tunnels, etc.). In some
implementations, one or more tracks can include gutters or other
dirt catches to prevent dirt build-up and/or dirt from dropping
down from the tracks. Further, one or more vacuum systems or other
cleaning systems may cooperate with and be driven by one or more
motorized transport units to clean the tracks and other parts of
the track system. Additionally, some implementations include
additional safety features to limit or prevent things falling from
the track system (e.g., netting, tarps and the like under tracks
that extend across areas people are walking.
[0193] One or more sensors, cameras, monitoring equipment, and the
like can be cooperated with the elevated track system that can
provide the central computer system with information about the
elevated track system and the motorized transport units on and
traveling along the track system. Such sensors can include distance
sensors, RFID sensors, light sources of the location detection
system 116, and/or other such sensors. The sensor information is
provided to the central computer system to allow the central
computer system to track motorized transport units, track the
operation of the track system, detect potential problems and the
like. Further, the motorized transport units can communicate sensor
data detected by sensors of the motorized transport units can be
communicated from the motorized transport units to the central
computer system providing the central computer system with more
information about the state of operation of one or more motorized
transport units and the track system.
[0194] FIG. 15 illustrates some embodiments of a portion of an
exemplary elevated track 1304 of an elevated track system 1300 that
include one or more staging areas 1308. Referring to at least FIGS.
13 and 15, in some embodiments, the track system 1300 may be
configured to maintain motorized transport units on the track
system while motorized transport units are idle and awaiting to be
directed to perform a task by the central control system. As such,
in some configurations of the elevated track system includes one or
more staging areas 1308, which can include T-junctions 1310,
extensions 1312, launch pads, other such areas, or a combination of
two or more of such areas. The staging areas 1308 cooperate with
and extend from one or more tracks, and are configured to receive
one or more motorized transport units 102 that are idle and/or
awaiting instructions from the central computer system. The central
computer system can direct the motorized transport unit to move
into the staging area. Again, the staging areas allow the one or
more motorized transport units to be maintained in the elevated
track system without interfering with one or more other motorized
transport units as they travel along the series of elevated tracks.
The motorized transport units are directed by the central computer
system to move from the track to the staging area so that the
tracks are freed up to allow other motorized transport units to
travel along the tracks. Similarly, in some embodiments, one or
more motorized transport units may be positioned or staged within a
chute 1306, such as on the shopping floor and in the chute as an
additional staging area while the motorized transport unit is idle.
This allows the motorized transport unit to be out of the way until
deployed to perform or assist with a task. The motorized transport
unit can be moved out from the chute when another motorized
transport unit needs to use the chute.
[0195] The staging areas can be positioned at substantially any
location within the elevated track system. Often the staging areas
are strategically positioned in areas where relatively large
numbers of motorized transport unit tasks are expected, near
chutes, or other such locations. In some embodiments, one or more
of the elevated staging areas can include one or more charging
stations each configured to electrically couple with any one of the
multiple motorized transport units and charge a rechargeable
battery of the coupled motorized transport unit.
[0196] The use of the staging areas may be controlled by the
central computer system based on a first-in-first-out schedule,
based on capabilities of the motorized transport units in the
staging area and one or more tasks to be performed, based on stored
power levels of the motorized transport units, other such factors,
or a combination of two or more of such factors. A staging area, in
some implementations, may include a conveyor, rotating platform
1314, or other such mechanism for moving the motorized transport
units through the staging area. When charging stations are
incorporated with such staging areas, the charging stations and/or
electrical coupling to the charging station may travel with the
conveyor, rotating table, or the like.
[0197] In some implementations, a staging area may be configured to
allow motorized transport units to move itself into the staging
area. Additionally or alternatively, the staging area may
vertically stack two or more motorized transport units. For
example, a staging area may be configured similarly to a dispensing
unit as described in U.S. Provisional Application No. 132/175,182,
which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0198] Again, the central computer controls the movements of the
motorized transport units, including directing the motorized
transport units to enter or leave the elevated track system, as
well as routing the motorized transport units through the elevated
track system. In some embodiments, the central computer system
communicates routing instructions to the multiple motorized
transport units directing the one or more motorized transport units
along one or more tracks of the series of elevated tracks in moving
to respective desired destinations within the shopping facility.
Further, the central computer system typically tracks locations of
each of the multiple motorized transport units, and cooperatively
coordinates the movements of the multiple motorized transport units
as they travel along the series of elevated tracks, chutes, and the
sales floor. In controlling movement of one or more motorized
transport units, the central computer system, in some instances,
identifies a location where a motorized transport unit is desired
to perform a task, and identifies a relevant motorized transport
unit, of the multiple motorized transport units, intended to be
directed to the identified location to perform the task. Based on a
location of the identified motorized transport unit and the
location of the task, the central computer system can determine
routing instructions that include directions along one or more of
the elevated tracks of the series of elevated tracks that the
motorized transport unit is to follow in moving to the identified
location of the task. The routing instructions can then be
communicated to the motorized transport unit to cause the motorized
transport unit to implement the instructions in moving itself along
the elevated track system and shopping facility to reach the task
location. Again, by utilizing the track system, the motorized
transport unit typically can move through the shopping facility
quicker (including being parked in a staging area that may be
proximate the task location), while reducing traffic on the sales
floor.
[0199] The track system provides a system to in part support
customer service at a shopping facility. The central computer
system can identify locations where motorized transport units are
desired to perform respective tasks, and identify one or more
motorized transport units that can be directed to the one or more
identified locations to perform the tasks. Based on the location of
a motorized transport unit and the location where the task is to be
initiated, the central computer system can further determine
routing instructions that include directions along one or more
tracks of the series of elevated tracks distributed over at least a
portion of the sales floor of the shopping facility such that the
tracks do not interfere with customers movement through the sales
floor. The central computers system can cause the routing
instructions to be communicated to the one or more motorized
transport units. In implementing the routing instructions, the
motorized transport unit may travel over at least a portion of one
or more tracks in moving to the identified location of the
task.
[0200] FIG. 16 illustrates a simplified flow diagram of an
exemplary process 1600 of routing motorized transport units through
a shopping facility, which can include utilizing the elevated track
system 1300 when relevant, in accordance with some embodiments. In
step 1602, the central computer system instructs multiple motorized
transport units to access the elevated track system 1300. In some
embodiments, the instructions to the multiple motorized transport
units can include instructing the multiple motorized transport
units to access at least one of one or more chutes that are each
cooperated with one of the elevated tracks. Again, each of the one
or more chutes provides a passage for one or more of the motorized
transport units between the series of elevated tracks and the sales
floor. As described above, in some embodiments, one or more chutes
may be vertical chutes, while in other implementations one or more
chutes may be angled (e.g., including one or more ramps, which may
include a spiral configuration, switch backs, be a straight ramp,
or other configuration). Further, in some embodiments one of the
one or more chutes are vertical chutes with at least two channels
formed therein to receive a corresponding part of each motorized
transport unit that passes through the at least one chute.
[0201] In step 1604, further instructions are issued directing the
multiple motorized transport units to travel along the series of
elevated tracks in traversing at least portions of the shopping
facility. In some instances, the instruction to the multiple
motorized transport units to travel along the series of elevated
tracks may cause two or more motorized transport units to pass each
other on a single track. Accordingly, the routing instructions may
include instructing at least a first and second motorized transport
units to travel along at least a first elevated track having a
width such that the first motorized transport unit traveling on the
first elevated track passes the second motorized transport unit
traveling on the first elevated track.
[0202] In some instances, the central computer system may issue
instructions to one or more of the multiple motorized transport
units to enter and/or exit one or more staging areas of the
elevated track system that extends from a track of the series of
elevated tracks. Again, the staging areas are configured to receive
one or more motorized transport units that are idle and awaiting
instructions from the central computer system and allow the one or
more motorized transport units to be maintained in the elevated
track system without interfering with one or more other motorized
transport units as they travel along at least the one track of the
series of elevated tracks. One or more of the motorized transport
units may further be instructed to electrically couple with a
charging station cooperated with a staging area and configured to
electrically couple with any one of the multiple motorized
transport units and charge a rechargeable battery of the coupled
motorized transport unit.
[0203] The central computer system can take advantage of the
elevated track system and communicate routing instructions to the
multiple motorized transport units directing one or more motorized
transport units along one or more tracks of the series of elevated
tracks in moving to respective desired destinations within the
shopping facility. The locations of each of the multiple motorized
transport units can be tracked by the central computer system.
Using the location information, the central computer system can
further cooperatively coordinate the movements of the multiple
motorized transport units as they travel along the series of
elevated tracks and the sales floor. Further, the central computer
system can identify a location where a motorized transport unit is
desired to perform a task. A first motorized transport unit, of the
multiple motorized transport units, can be identified that is
intended to be directed to the identified location to perform the
task. Routing instructions can be determined by the central
computer system that include directions along one or more elevated
tracks of the series of elevated tracks that the first motorized
transport unit is to follow in moving to the identified location of
the task. These routing instructions can then be communicated to
the first motorized transport unit to cause the first motorized
transport unit to implement the instructions and move along at
least a portion of the elevated track system to reach the task
location.
[0204] The dispatching of one or more motorized transport units may
be delayed causing them to be ineffective and inefficient due to
distances to be traveled, human traffic within a shopping facility,
the speed of travel through a shopping facility, and other such
conditions. Similarly, the stocking of shelves with pallets and
other objects placed in potential routes of travel through a sales
floor may also present a blocked aisle causing an inefficient route
to be used to complete an activity. The track system, however, can
include one or more tracks, which may be positioned overhead, with
one or more chutes cooperated with the tracks to enable motorized
transport units to quickly move from one part of a shopping
facility to the other. The chutes can extend from a track (and
often through a ceiling) to the floor. In some implementations the
chute is configured such that a bottom of the chute is a few inches
above the top of a motorized transport unit and/or include an
opening, door or the like through which the motorized transport
unit can exit. The motorized transport unit can enter the track
system from a chute. When rising up the chute, in some instances,
the motorized transport unit uses a twisting and lock hydraulics to
climb through the chute (e.g., using one or more channels). The
tracks can run, in some instances, in the rafters of the facility.
The track system can include one or more dispensing bays and/or
staging areas at the front and/or back of the shopping facility, or
anywhere as needed and where space is available. Staging areas can
also be included at ground level, such as proximate one or more
chutes in a back storage area of the shopping facility.
[0205] The track system allows motorized transport units to quickly
be transported without interfering with customers. As the shopping
facility may need multiple places to quickly deploy a motorized
transport unit, chutes may be placed anywhere in the shopping
facility. One or more tracks may be configured and positioned to
allow the motorized transport units to travel in either direction
at the same time. Further, multiple chutes can be positioned
adjacent to each other and/or a single chute can be configured with
multiple passages to allow one motorized transport unit to go up as
one motorized transport unit goes down.
[0206] The track system, in part, provides speedway type tracks
that assist with motorized transport units moving quickly from one
part of a shopping facility to another. It further enables quick
response times of motorized transport units to and from customer
requests and other tasks. For example, when one or more motorized
transport units are needed to collect or clean up movable item
containers (e.g., at a front of the shopping facility and/or in a
parking lot), and the motorized transport units are located in the
backroom, the motorized transport units can be directed to use the
track system to quickly get to the front of the shopping facility
to perform this task. The tracking system enables motorized
transport units to move around the shopping facility effectively
without hindering traffic on the sales floor. Along with this the
track system also improves estimated time of arrivals on customer
assistance. This will enable customers to request motorized
transport units via mobile device, help button, by asking an
associate, and the like, and have the motorized transport unit at
their side in a relatively short time (e.g., a matter of seconds in
some instances). Further, the track system also assists with
keeping the sales floor clear of multiple motorized transport units
traveling to and from tasks. This can further reduce or solve a
problem of overcrowding the sales floor with multiple motorized
transport units. The track system can allow and/or transport
motorized transport units, and/or special motorized transport
units, and in some instances, equipment utilized by the motorized
transport units (e.g., cleaning systems, ground treatment systems,
cart retrieval motorized transport units, motorized transport units
with enhanced power capabilities, etc.).
[0207] As described above, the chutes cooperate with one or more
tracks and allow motorized transport units to move between the
ground and the track system. Chutes may be embedded alongside or
within other sales floor components such as select displays, end
cap units, racks, shelving, and the like. Additionally or
alternatively, chutes may be positioned in places that are
under-utilized.
[0208] In some implementations, one or more tracks and chutes can
be designed to be capable of accommodating various drone models or
associated loads such as small lockers, some types of movable item
containers, cleaning devices and/or systems, and other such
systems. For example, one or more tracks to a lawn and garden patio
area of a shopping facility can be configured to accommodate a
sweeper drone. Further, some embodiments include staging areas
and/or rapid deployment launch pads that are deployed throughout
the track system allowing decentralized storage of available
motorized transport units. This can improve three-dimensional space
optimization minimizing time from request to arrival. The staging
areas can, in some implementations, include one or more extended
segments of track located either at an endpoint or at a
strategically placed "T" junction". One or more charging stations
may further be available at these staging locations to maintain
readiness.
[0209] In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided
herein useful to allow motorized transport units to traverse at
least portions of a shopping facility. In some embodiments, a track
system comprises: an elevated track system comprising a series of
elevated tracks that are positioned elevated above a sales floor
and products distributed over at least a portion of the sales floor
of a shopping facility, and configured such that multiple motorized
transport units travel along the series of elevated tracks in
traversing at least portions of the shopping facility.
[0210] In some embodiments, one or more chutes each cooperated with
one of the elevated tracks and configured to provide a passage for
one or more of the motorized transport units between the series of
elevated tracks and the sales floor. In some embodiments, at least
one of the one or more chutes comprise vertical chutes with at
least two channels formed therein to receive a corresponding part
of each motorized transport unit that passes through the at least
one chute. In some embodiments, at least a first elevated track is
configured to allow a first motorized transport unit traveling on
the first elevated track to pass a second motorized transport unit
traveling on the first elevated track. In some embodiments, the
elevated track system further comprises one or more staging areas
extending from a first track of the series of elevated tracks and
configured to receive one or more motorized transport units that
are idle and awaiting instructions from the central computer system
and allowing the one or more motorized transport units to be
maintained in the elevated track system without interfering with
one or more other motorized transport units as they travel along at
least the first track of the series of elevated tracks. In some
embodiments, at least one of the one or more elevated staging areas
comprises one or more charging stations each configured to
electrically couple with any one of the multiple motorized
transport units and charge a rechargeable battery of the coupled
motorized transport unit. In some embodiments, a central computer
system of the shopping facility configured to communicate routing
instructions to the multiple motorized transport units directing
the one or more motorized transport units along one or more tracks
of the series of elevated tracks in moving to respective desired
destinations within the shopping facility. In some embodiments, the
central computer system further comprises: a control circuit
coupled with the transceiver; and a memory coupled to the control
circuit and storing computer instructions that when executed by the
control circuit cause the control circuit to perform the steps of:
track locations of each of the multiple motorized transport units,
and cooperatively coordinate the movements of the multiple
motorized transport units as they travel along the series of
elevated tracks and the sales floor. In some embodiments, the
control circuit in executing the computer instructions is further
configured to: identify a location where a motorized transport unit
is desired to perform a task, identify a first motorized transport
unit, of the multiple motorized transport units, intended to be
directed to the identified location to perform the task, determine
first routing instructions that include directions along one or
more elevated tracks of the series of elevated tracks that the
first motorized transport unit is to follow in moving to the
identified location, and communicate the first routing instructions
to the first motorized transport unit.
[0211] In some embodiments, a method of routing motorized transport
units through a shopping facility comprises: by a central computer
system: instructing multiple motorized transport units to access an
elevated track system comprising a series of elevated tracks that
are positioned elevated above a sales floor and products
distributed over at least a portion of the sales floor of a
shopping facility; and instructing the multiple motorized transport
units to travel along the series of elevated tracks in traversing
at least portions of the shopping facility.
[0212] In some embodiments, the instructing the multiple motorized
transport units to access the elevated track system comprises
instructing the multiple motorized transport units to access at
least one of one or more chutes each cooperated with one of the
elevated tracks, wherein each of the one or more chutes provides a
passage for one or more of the motorized transport units between
the series of elevated tracks and the sales floor. In some
embodiments, at least one of the one or more chutes comprise
vertical chutes with at least two channels formed therein to
receive a corresponding part of each motorized transport unit that
passes through the at least one chute. In some embodiments, wherein
the instructing the multiple motorized transport units to travel
along the series of elevated tracks comprises instructing at least
first and second motorized transport units to travel along at least
a first elevated track having a width such that the first motorized
transport unit traveling on the first elevated track passes the
second motorized transport unit traveling on the first elevated
track. In some embodiments, the system further performs instructing
one or more of the multiple motorized transport units to enter one
or more staging areas of the elevated track system that extends
from a first track of the series of elevated tracks, wherein the
one or more staging areas are configured to receive one or more
motorized transport units that are idle and awaiting instructions
from the central computer system and allow the one or more
motorized transport units to be maintained in the elevated track
system without interfering with one or more other motorized
transport units as they travel along at least the first track of
the series of elevated tracks. In some embodiments, the system
further performs instructing at least a first motorized transport
unit to electrically couple with a first charging station wherein
at least one of the one or more elevated staging areas comprises
one or more charging stations each configured to electrically
couple with any one of the multiple motorized transport units and
charge a rechargeable battery of the coupled motorized transport
unit In some embodiments, the system further performs communicating
routing instructions to the multiple motorized transport units
directing the one or more motorized transport units along one or
more tracks of the series of elevated tracks in moving to
respective desired destinations within the shopping facility. In
some embodiments, the system further performs tracking locations of
each of the multiple motorized transport units, and cooperatively
coordinating the movements of the multiple motorized transport
units as they travel along the series of elevated tracks and the
sales floor. In some embodiments, the system further performs
identifying a location where a motorized transport unit is desired
to perform a task, identifying a first motorized transport unit, of
the multiple motorized transport units, intended to be directed to
the identified location to perform the task, determining first
routing instructions that include directions along one or more
elevated tracks of the series of elevated tracks that the first
motorized transport unit is to follow in moving to the identified
location, and communicating the first routing instructions to the
first motorized transport unit.
[0213] In accordance with some embodiments, further details are now
provided for one or more of these and other features. For example,
generally speaking, pursuant to various embodiments, systems,
apparatuses, processes and methods are provided herein that allow
for addressing incorrectly placed items.
[0214] The central computer system 106 is configured to receive
sensor data, and based on the sensor data identify over time items
that are incorrectly located and/or misplaced. Further, the central
computer system may categorize and/or identify the items. Based on
the categorization and/or identification, the central computer
system can determine how to address these items. In some instances,
for example, the central computer system may communicate
instructions to cause the item to be retrieved and transported to
one of multiple predefined locations. Some embodiments provide
systems that utilize a plurality of the motorized transport units
102. As described above, each motorized transport unit is
configured to perform multiple different tasks at a retail shopping
facility. The central computer system 106 is further configured
take advantage of these multiple motorized transport units in other
ways while the motorized transport units are performing one or more
other assigned tasks. In some applications, the central computer
system instructs motorized transport units to implement one or more
different tasks relative to the retail shopping facility. The
motorized transport units can further be instructed to capture data
corresponding to conditions surrounding the motorized transport
unit while performing these assigned tasks. The central computer
system receives this data as input data, analyzes the input data,
and detects and categorizes each item of multiple items that are
determined to be incorrectly placed within the retail shopping
facility according to one of multiple different predefined
categories.
[0215] Again, the motorized transport units are configured to
perform numerous different of tasks, such as but not limited to,
moving a movable item container, implement scans of products,
detect location information, delivery products, retrieve one or
more products, retrieve one or more movable item containers,
interface with customers, shelf facing detection, item
identification, trash retrieval, other such tasks or combinations
of such tasks. Further, the motorized transport units include
multiple sensors 414. These sensors may include one or more of
distance measurement sensors, cameras, a light sensors, optical
based scanning devices, RFID code readers, weight sensor,
ultrasonic sensors, temperature sensor, metal detector,
three-dimensional scanners, audio sensors, motion sensors, travel
distance sensors, inertial sensors, other such sensors, and
typically a combination of two or more of such sensors. When
active, each of the sensors can capture sensor data. The sensors
can be activated by instructions from the central computer system,
based on predefined code being implemented by the control circuit
406, or the like. For example, one or more cameras on a motorized
transport unit can capture images (e.g., still and/or video
images). The sensor data (e.g., images) can be communicated to the
central computer system 106, which can store, archive and/or
utilize the input data received from the motorized transport
units.
[0216] In some applications, the central computer system instructs
motorized transport units to each implement at least one of the
multiple different tasks relative to the retail shopping facility.
While the motorized transport units are performing these assigned
tasks, each motorized transport unit can capture data corresponding
to conditions surrounding the motorized transport unit and
communicate that data to the central computer system. For example,
the motorized transport unit can capture still and/or video data
and communicate that data to the central computer system that can
perform or cause an external system to perform image and/or video
processing on some or all of the image data.
[0217] The central computer system receives the detected data as
input data. Typically, this input data is received over time from
the various different motorized transport units as they operate to
implement the various tasks assigned over time to the different
motorized transport units. Further, input data may be received, in
some instances, from other sensors (e.g., shopping facility
cameras, shelf sensors, etc.). The central computer system analyzes
the input data that was detected and provided (e.g., by the
motorized transport units while the motorized transport units
perform at least one of the tasks and/or other sensors). Based on
the analysis of the input data, the central computer system can,
typically over time, detect multiple different items that are
incorrectly placed within the retail shopping facility. Further, in
some instances, the central computer system can categorize each of
some or all of the detected incorrectly placed items according to
one of multiple different predefined categories.
[0218] The central computer system categorizes in accordance with
one of multiple different categories. Any number of predefined
categorizes can be specified. For example, items may be categorized
as merchandize sold by the shopping facility, customer property, a
recyclable waste item, a non-recycle waste item, a hazardous or
special handling waste item (e.g., battery, cleaning supply, paint,
item that contains lead, other such items that may be identified
based on regulatory data (e.g., EPA data), or other such items), a
spill, shopping facility property (e.g., movable item container,
pallet jack, pallet, etc.), or other such categories.
[0219] In some embodiments, the predefined categories are used in
directing how the detected incorrectly placed items are to be
addressed. For example, a motorized transport unit may be
instructed to retrieve the item and take it to one of multiple
different predefined locations based on how the item is
categorized, a worker at the shopping facility may be alerted to
retrieve an item, an item may be left where it is detected, or
other such actions. In some instances, the central computer system
can determine for each of the detected items, based on the
categorization of the items, a location of multiple predefined
different potential locations of the retail shopping facility the
categorized item is to be taken. An instruction can be
communicated, relative to each of the categorized items, to cause
the categorized item to be taken to the determined location. The
instruction may be communicated to one or more motorized transport
units, of the plurality of motorized transport units, to retrieve
the item and transport the item through at least a portion of the
retail shopping facility to the determined location.
[0220] In some instances, the motorized transport unit may include
an extendible arm or other such system that can be activated to
pick up the item. In other instances, the motorized transport unit
may include a scope or lift that can be slide under at least a
portion of the item to pick up the item. Similarly, a motorized
transport unit may include a brush or plow system that can be used
to push the item. Still other motorized transport units may include
other mechanisms that can be used to transport an item, and the
central computer system may select a motorized transport unit based
on the mechanism that the motorized transport unit includes and/or
that can be cooperated with a motorized transport unit. In some
implementations, the central computer system accesses and/or
maintains one or more databases, indexes, arrays, spreadsheets or
the like that identify each available motorized transport unit and
characteristics and/or functionality that can be performed by each
motorized transport unit. Referencing this index, the central
computer system can select a motorized transport unit, typically in
accordance with a categorization of the detected item and/or an
intended location where the item is to be taken.
[0221] The motorized transport unit may be activated, and/or be
instructed by the central computer system to activate, one or more
sensors based on a detection of an item to obtain additional data
that can be used to categorize and/or identify the item. Similarly,
the motorized transport unit and/or the central computer system may
instruct the motorized transport unit to move to a different
orientation and/or move around the item in attempts to accurately
categorize and/or identify the item. In some instances, the central
computer system may detect an item is incorrectly placed, and as
part of the categorization the central computer system can
communicate one or more instructions to a motorized transport unit
to weigh the detected item. For example, an instruction may be
issued to cause the motorized transport unit to pick up an item
with an extendible arm that is cooperated with a weight sensor to
detect a weight of an item, issue an instruction to cause the
motorized transport unit to move the item onto a scale (e.g., a
scale on the motorized transport unit or a separate scale), or
other such actions to determine a weight. The determined weight of
the item can be communicated to the central computer system, which
can categorize the item based in part on the weight of the item.
For example, an item may be a wallet, and in categorizing the
wallet as an item being sold by the shopping facility or a
customer's wallet, the central computer system can consider the
weight (e.g., typically a customer's wallet includes contents that
would cause it to weigh more than an empty wallet being sold by the
shopping facility). Similarly, a plastic bottle may be detected and
the weight can be used to determine whether it may be a product
sold by the shopping facility or a bottle that has already been
open and thus not to be sold by the shopping facility (e.g., which
may result in categorizing the item as a recyclable item,
non-recyclable waste, or the like). Additionally or alternatively,
the motorized transport unit may include an ultrasonic sensor that
can be used, for example, to determine whether there is something
inside an item or whether the item is empty (e.g., whether a water
bottle has fluid in it).
[0222] As a further example, the central computer system in
categorizing items can determine that an item is not a retail item
being offered for sale by the retail shopping facility. This
determination may be based on failing to identify the item,
detecting an identifier of the item and determining that the
identifier does not correspond with an item being sold at the
shopping facility, identifying the item is consistent with an item
sold but that the item is damaged, consumed, partially consumed or
the like, identifying that the item is presumed to be owned by a
customer, and/or other such determinations. In some instances, the
central computer system can determine that an item is presumed to
be owned by a customer and accordingly should not be discarded.
Based on this determination, the central computer system may
further determine that the item is to be taken to a predefined lost
and found location. An instruction can be communicated to a
motorized transport unit and/or a worker to retrieve the item and
take the item to the lost and found location.
[0223] Other sensors may additionally or alternatively be activated
to help categorize and/or identify a detected item. For example, a
motorized transport unit may include a scanner that can be used to
scan an identifier of an item (e.g., a barcode scanner, an RFID
detector, imaging system to capture an image of a barcode, text
recognition from an image, etc.). Accordingly, the central computer
system may activate one or more sensors of the motorized transport
unit to acquire input data that can be used by the central computer
system in categorizing and/or identifying an item.
[0224] In some embodiments, the central computer system obtains and
uses further sensor data from sources other than one or more of the
motorized transport units, and can additionally or alternatively
use that further sensor data in detecting, categorizing, and/or
identifying items. The further sensor data may be obtained from one
or more sensors of the shopping facility, fixed cameras at the
shopping facility, shelf sensor data (e.g., weight sensor, light
detector, etc.), worker input, customer input (e.g., from a
customer smartphone), and/or other such sensor data. The further
sensor data can be used by the central computer system to detect
items that are incorrectly placed, identify items and/or categorize
items. For example, the central computer system may receive image
data captured by one or more cameras each fixed at a location
within the retail shopping facility. The central computer system
can perform image processing and/or direct an image processing
system to perform image processing of the image data. One or more
items can be detected as being incorrectly placed based on the
image processing of the image data. In some instances, the central
computer system may detect an item based on the further sensor
data, and instruct a motorized transport unit to travel to the
location of the item and obtain additional sensor data
corresponding to the detected item.
[0225] The detection of an incorrectly placed item can, in some
instances, include determining that an item is not in a place where
an item is expected. Often, the central computer system includes a
shopping facility mapping, images of multiple portions of the
shopping facility, two-dimensional (2D) and/or three-dimensional
(3D) scans of some or all of the shopping facility and/or products,
and other such information. This mapping and/or scan data can be
updated as items are moved and/or products are placed in feature
locations (e.g., end caps are added, adjusted, removed, etc.).
Image data from the motorized transport units, fixed cameras,
customers' smart devices, workers' user interface units, and/or
other such imaging data can be image processed and compared to
mappings, scans and/or images of what is expected. For example, an
item laying in an aisle or walkway can be detected as inconsistent
with what is expected (e.g., based on an image comparison with a
reference image). Further, the image data may be sufficient to
identify the item (e.g., based on text capture, comparison with a
reference 3D scan of a product, image comparison with reference
images of products, or the like). Additionally and/or
alternatively, one or more motorized transport units may be
instructed to obtain additional information about the detected
incorrectly placed item.
[0226] As described above and further below, the additional data
may include weight information, additional images from one or more
different angles, bar code scan, and the like. In some
applications, the central computer system receives this information
and attempts to identify the item. In those instances where the
item is recognized, that item may be associated with a particular
category based on the identification. The particular categorization
can further take additional input data into consideration. For
example, the item may be identified as corresponding to a product
sold at the shopping facility, but because of a change of
dimensions from reference dimensions of the identified item (e.g.,
smashed, dented, etc.) and/or based on a weight difference from a
reference weight of the identified item, the incorrectly placed
item may be designated as waste, and in some instances may further
be associated with a sub-category (e.g., recyclable,
non-recyclable, hazardous, etc.). For example, a motorized
transport unit may be instructed to use an ultrasonic sensor (e.g.,
determine whether there is something inside the item), a metal
detector (e.g., determining whether the object should be
categorized as recyclable waste), weight sensor, and/or other such
sensors.
[0227] In those instances, where the item cannot be identified, the
item may be categorized based on an appearance of the item, based
on a weight of the item, or other such information. For example,
the item may not be recognizable, but can be categorized as waste
based on characteristics of the item (e.g., flattened, dirty,
crumpled, weight less than a threshold, weight less than a
threshold corresponding to dimensions of the item, etc.). The
categorization may, in some instances, include identifying the
detected item, being unable to identify the item, and/or
determining that the item does not correspond to multiple
predefined items.
[0228] Once categorized, the central computer system can determine
how the item is to be addressed. This can include leaving the item
where it was identified, transporting the item to a predefined area
corresponding to the categorization, or the like. In some
instances, for example, the central computer system may contact a
shopping facility worker to retrieve the item (e.g., communication
to a user interface unit 114 with information specifying where the
item is located within the shopping facility, instructions
regarding what the worker may need to assist the worker in
retrieving the item (e.g., shopping cart, mop, etc.), a priority
level, and/or other such information) and transport the item to one
of multiple different predefined locations. In other instances, the
central computer system may communicate instructions to one or more
motorized transport units to cause the one or more motorized
transport units to retrieve the detected item and transport the
item to one of multiple different predefined locations.
[0229] As introduced above, in other instances, one or more
shopping facility workers and/or motorized transport units may be
instructed to leave the detected item. The central computer system
may determine that a detected incorrectly placed item has not been
at a location where the item was detected for more than a threshold
period of time, and communicate an instruction to leave the first
item at the location. In some embodiments, the central computer
system determines whether to even consider leaving the item and/or
identifies the threshold period of time based on the categorization
of the item. When a threshold period of time is associated with a
category or sub-category, the central computer system can confirm
that the detected item has been at the location for the threshold
period of time before instructing that the item be retrieved.
[0230] Similarly, the central computer system may consider other
factors in determining whether an item is to be retrieved, whether
to leave the item, or take other action. For example, the central
computer system may determine that a movable item container is
within a threshold distance of the item, that a customer is within
a threshold distance of the item, whether a shopping facility
worker is within a threshold distance of the item, whether one or
more shopping facility workers are working or are scheduled to be
working within a threshold distance of the item, whether a worker
was at or within a threshold distance of the location within a
threshold time period before detecting the item (e.g., because the
worker may have placed the item at the location), whether a
notification is received that the item is intended to be at the
location, and/or other such factors. In some instances, for
example, the central computer system may receive sensor data and/or
additional sensor data and identify based on the additional sensor
data that a customer is within a first threshold distance of the
detected incorrectly placed item. The central computer system can
communicate an instruction, based on the categorization of the
first item and when the customer is within the first threshold
distance of the first item, instructing that the item is to be left
at a location where the item is detected. The central computer
system can continue to track the input data relative to the
detected item and subsequently issue other commands based on
changes of conditions (e.g., the customer moves beyond the
threshold distance, the item is at the location for more than a
threshold time, etc.).
[0231] Similarly, in some instances, the central computer system,
upon detecting that a customer is at the location, may instruct a
motorized transport unit to approach the customer to ask whether
the item belongs to the customer. The inquiry may be through an
audio communication, an audible alert with displayed text, other
such communication, or combination of two or more of such
communications. In some instances, the customer may be known (e.g.,
based on detecting the customer's user interface unit, facial
recognition, customer registering upon entering the shopping
facility, a motorized transport unit associated with the customer,
etc.), and the central computer system may directly communicate
with the customer's user interface unit and/or a motorized
transport unit associated with the customer. As another example,
the central computer system may use additional sensor data to
detect that a worker is within a threshold distance of the item,
and the central computer system may communicate with the worker
(e.g., a user interface unit 114, a motorized transport unit, etc.)
to ask the worker whether the item should be left or retrieved.
[0232] FIG. 17 illustrates a simplified flow diagram of an
exemplary process 1700 of addressing and/or categorizing
incorrectly placed items, in accordance with some embodiments. In
step 1702, motorized transport units are tasked by the central
computer system to implement at least one of the multiple different
tasks relative to the retail shopping facility. Again, the
motorized transport units are configured to implement numerous
different tasks, and the central computer system can communicate
commands to cause one or more of the motorized transport units to
complete the task. For example, identified items may be
categorized, in some instances, as one of merchandize sold by the
shopping facility, customer property, a recyclable waste item,
non-recyclable waste, hazardous waste, unknown item, worker
property, product being stocked, other such categories, and in some
instances a combination of two or more of such categories.
[0233] In step 1704, the central computer system receives and
analyzes input data detected and provided by at least one or more
of the motorized transport units while the motorized transport
units perform the one or more tasks. In step 1706, the central
computer system detects and categorizes each item of multiple items
that are incorrectly placed within the retail shopping facility
according to one of multiple different predefined categories.
[0234] In some instances, the process determines whether an action
should be taken regarding the categorized item. As described above,
in some instances the central computer system may not take action
and/or may not direct an action to be performed (e.g., a customer
is within a threshold distance, a worker is within a threshold
distance, work is scheduled to be performed and/or is being
performed within a threshold distance of the item, and other such
conditions). In many instances, however, the central computer
system will associate the detected item with a category, and based
on that categorization cause one or more actions to be implemented.
For example, the central computer system may determine for each
detected and categorized item that an item is to be transported to
one of multiple predefined different potential locations of the
retail shopping facility based on the categorization of the item.
One or more instructions can be communicated, relative to each of
the categorized items, to cause the categorized item to be taken to
the corresponding determined location. This communication may
include, for example, one or more instructions communicated to a
motorized transport unit, one or more instructions communicated to
a user interface unit of a worker, communicated to a display system
that displays the instruction that would be visible to one or more
workers, other such communication, or combination of such
communication. For example, one or more instructions can be
communicated to a motorized transport unit to retrieve the item and
transport the item through at least a portion of the retail
shopping facility to the determined location.
[0235] Some embodiments, in categorizing an item, determines that a
detected item is not a retail item being offered for sale by the
retail shopping facility, and further determine that the item is
presumed to be owned by a customer and should not be discarded.
Based on this categorization, the central computer system may in
some instances determine that the item is to be taken to a lost and
found location.
[0236] Additional sensor data may be evaluated by the central
computer system and/or other processing circuitry in at least
categorizing detected items. In some instances, for example, the
central computer system receives image data captured by at least
one camera fixed at a location within the retail shopping facility.
The central computer system can cause image processing of the image
data and detect, based on the image processing, that an item is
incorrectly placed. Other sensor data may be obtained, such as
weight, ultrasound, text capture, RFID data, bar code data, and/or
other such information. In some implementations, the central
computer system activates one or more systems to capture sensor
data. For example, the central computer system may communicate
instructions to a motorized transport unit to pick up and weigh a
detected item. A communication can be received from the motorized
transport unit specifying a weight of the item. The central
computer system can use this weight information in categorizing the
item (e.g., comparison with one or more reference weights that are
associated with one or more products). For example, the central
computer system may determine that the item corresponds to a
specific known product sold by the shopping facility, and can
determine whether the item should be considered waste based on a
difference between a reference weight of the known product and the
detected weight. The weight may be provided by a weight sensor on
the motorized transport unit, a scale on which a motorized
transport unit or worker place an item, or other such source.
[0237] Further, in some instances, it may be determined that a
detected item has not been at a location where the item was
detected for more than a threshold period of time. Accordingly,
instructions can be communicated to leave the first item at the
location based on the categorization of the item and in response to
determining that the first item has not been at the location where
it was detected for more than the threshold period of time.
Similarly, the central computer system may receive additional
sensor data and identify, based on the additional sensor data, that
a customer is within a threshold distance of an item determined to
be incorrectly placed. One or more instructions can be
communicated, based on the categorization of the item and when the
customer is within the threshold distance of the item, instructing
that the first item is to be left at a location where the first
item is detected.
[0238] Shopping facility workers frequently see items that are in
incorrect locations. Sometimes workers may retrieve and route these
items to appropriate locations. Workers, however, are unable to
look all the time, take the time to assess items customers may or
may not properly handle, so incorrect items are placed on shelves,
left to clutter spaces, or incorrectly disposed. These incorrectly
or abandoned items potentially reduce sales, add to shrink, result
in personal losses, and other adverse results. Some embodiments, in
part, take advantage of the motorized transport units that travel
through shopping facilities while performing other assigned tasks
to obtain sensor data that can be used to detect items that may be
incorrect locations. Further sensor data from other sources (e.g.,
fixed cameras, sensor data from fixed sensors (e.g., RFID sensor,
shelf sensor systems, etc.), sensor data from customer and/or
worker user interface units, other such sensor data, and often a
combination of two or more of such sensor data). Using this sensor
data, the central computer system is configured to detect items
that are in unexpected and/or incorrect locations (e.g., placed on
an incorrect shelf, lying on the floor, etc.). For example, sensor
data may be obtained from a motorized transport unit while
performing a cleaning task, while changing trash bins, items
potentially identified as obstacles while assisting a customer, and
other such tasks. The central computer system can obtain the sensor
data, evaluate the sensor data to try to categorize, classify
and/or identify items, and determine appropriately handling of
these items (e.g., having the item returned to an intended shelf,
having the item placed in a recycle bin, having the item placed in
a waste bin, having the item delivered to a lost and found
location, and other such actions).
[0239] Some embodiments can categorize and/or identify items using
one or more types of sensor data even when the item is mislabeled,
poorly labeled, missing bar codes. Often such automated
categorization is more precise than would be achieved when relying
on shopping facility workers alone. The central computer system
typically accesses and evaluates sensor data and/or determined
characteristics relative to multiple database sources of various
characteristics, images, data, and the like. Accordingly, the
central computer system is able to improve accuracy of handling of
incorrectly placed items and/or reduce subjectivity regarding how
items are handled. Further, the accurate categorization and/or
identification of misplaced items improves consistency of pricing,
enables items to be checked more often, and can have items
mislabeled or misplaced routed to intended shelves, routed to a
predefined returns location (e.g., for re-labeling and re-stocking,
etc.), routed to a proper disposal location, and the like. The
central computer system can further categorize items that are not
for resale by the shopping facility, by in part distinguishes items
for sale from items not for sale, and cause items not for sale to
be removed from the sales floor. Some embodiments further provide
for better compliance by, in part, identifying expired, recalled,
damaged goods. Further, the identification and handling of
incorrectly placed items can improved quality of service by, in
part, continuously categorizing and/or identifying unknown items,
having motorized transport units multitasking, which can achieve a
level of service that typically is not possible through workers
alone, due in part to time limitations, lack of information, and
the like.
[0240] In some embodiments, the central computer system collects
sensor information, evaluates the sensor information in sorting
detected items, and causes one or more actions to be performed to
handle the identified incorrectly placed items or objects. The
collection of sensor data can include sensor data from one or more
motorized transport units, which can obtain the sensor data while
performing other tasks and/or while being directed to move through
the shopping facility with the task of detecting items that may be
incorrectly placed. Further, sensor data may be obtained sensors of
the shopping facilities (e.g., RFID sensors, light sensors,
cameras, shelf sensors, trash can sensor, waste processing sensors,
and/or other such sensors). Similarly, sensor data may be received
from workers (e.g., accessing a specific worker interface of a
computer system, a worker user interface unit, etc.), customers,
other sources, or combination of two or more of such sources. In
some implementations, a sort processing provides for
categorization, identification, determination of how to handle an
item, storage, and/or other such functions. Collection processing
may, in part, determine whether an item is to be picked up or left
alone. Additionally or alternatively, a handling process may issue
instructions to cause items to be addressed (e.g., determine
whether an item is to be retained or disposed). In retaining an
item, the item can be returned to a customer or reclaimed by the
shopping facility. For example, items to be disposed of are
typically categorized as recycle, trash or other category and/or
sub-category (e.g., compose waste, trash, hazardous, etc.).
[0241] Some embodiments implement a sorting process that, in part,
includes the categorization and/or identification of items. The
sensor data is evaluated relative to known data, such as, but not
limited to, an item database, index or the like that maintains
information about different potential items that may be identified,
imaging database that maintains image information corresponding to
known items, other such databases, or combination of two or more of
such databases. These databases may be part of the central computer
system, separate from the central computer system and maintained by
the shopping facility, a parent entity of the shopping facility
(e.g., corporation of a chain of shopping facilities), and/or third
party services (e.g., manufacturers, distributors, vendors,
governmental agencies (e.g., environmental protection agency, city
recycle services, etc.)).
[0242] The sensor data may be acquired while a motorized transport
unit is performing other tasks or specifically collecting sensor
data that can be used to detect potential items. In some instances,
a potential item may be scanned and/or other sensors activated to
obtain relevant data. For example, a motorized transport unit may
include a weight scale sensors to obtain weight information. A bar
code scanner and/or RFID sensor can be used to obtain identifying
information about an item. Some embodiments use different sensor
data to confirm and/or further narrow potential categorization
and/or identification (e.g., a weight of an item can be compared
with known weight associated with a bar code detected to evaluate
completeness of the item). The weight sensor may determine weight
by the amount of pull force it takes to pick up the object by a
robotic arm, which may be grasping the item using, for example, a
robotic clamp, fingers or the like. A metal detector and/or
magnetic field can provide information to evaluate whether an item
may have some metal recycling value. Optical sensors (e.g., lasers,
infrared, opacity, color, etc.) may be utilized to aid in
identifying size and classifying item. Some embodiments may
activate 2D and/or 3D cameras for visual image recognition (e.g.,
models, shapes, dimensions, etc.) to determine size and whether the
sensor data matches models and images currently stored. Again, a
bar code readers (e.g., visible, invisible ink scanner, etc.) can
provide quick assessment of item identity. Some embodiments
implement image processing to compare patterns, shapes, and the
like on an item. Further, text recognition (e.g., optical character
recognition, etc.) to assist in identification and classification
of items (e.g., paper cup verses jar of jam). Ultrasonic density
scans may be used to assess value of an object and categorize the
object (e.g., categorize as product sold and to be returned to a
shelf, customer object and taken to lost and found, waste (e.g.,
recycle, trash, compost, hazardous, etc.), and the like.
[0243] In some applications, the item categorization includes a
comparison with other known object specifications, models,
consistency, and the like. The comparison can, in some instances,
evaluate matching based upon highest probability of a match. The
categorizing of an item can be based upon the probability of a
match. In some instances, an item cannot be categorized and/or a
probability of a match to a category is below a threshold, and the
item can be categorized as an unknown object. Such a categorization
can later be changed by a worker, or left as unknown for further
processing. In some instances, the central computer system may
obtain one or more images and/or video of an item and communicate
the image and/or video to one or more workers for further
consideration, categorization and/or identification. The worker may
respond with a categorization or identification of the object,
which may include a bar code, RFID information, or other
identifying information.
[0244] The central computer system further identifies, based on the
identification and/or categorization how the item is to be
addressed. In part, the determination of how to handle an item can
depend on whether the item is a product being sold by the shopping
facility. In some instances, merchandise may be detected and/or
recognized based on a scanning of a barcode, optical analysis,
comparison to 2D and/or 3D models on file, text recognition, etc.
Similarly, an item may be categorized as waste or trash when it
cannot be recognized as merchandise, when it is recognized as waste
(e.g., empty plastic bottles, cups, crinkled paper, smaller items,
shape of a recognized item does match 3D models, text, or other
criteria on file. Items can be categorized as potential lost and
found items, such as merchandise-like items that failed to match
criteria to be confirmed as merchandise, item correspond or match
2D or 3D models or other criteria but do not match within a
threshold to be confirmed that it is store merchandise, items
matching merchandise but the weight does not match or metal can be
detected inside, and the like. Routing and/or handling of items is
typically dependent on the categorization of the item. For example,
an item may be categorized as a movable item container and routed
to a staging area near an entrance of the shopping facility, and
items recognized as owned by the shopping facility (e.g.,
equipment, tools, etc.) can be routed to an equipment handling
location, items that merchandise and sold by the shopping facility
may be returned to an intended location (e.g., transported by a
worker, motorized transport unit, etc.) and/or routed to a returns
location for further processing. Similarly, items categorized as
potentially customer property may be routed to a lost and found
location, while items identified as waste may be routed to a
recycling location (e.g., if determined to have no other value), a
composting location, a hazardous waste handling location, a general
waste location for further processing, or the like
[0245] Some embodiments may determine an item is and unknown
object, but may further determine whether the item may have some
value (e.g., recycle value, composting value, potential customer
value, etc.). In some instances, such unknown categorized items may
be routed to a particular worker, one of one or more predefined
bins, or the like that allow a worker to inspect and determine how
the item is to be handled (e.g., reviewed to see whether it should
be routed to lost and found, recycle bins, waste bin, etc.). Sensor
data may be considered in determine which of multiple unknown
locations/bins an item should be placed. For example, when metal is
detected, it may be recognized as a can and staged for recycling,
while other items may be potential customer property (e.g., metal
keys) are placed in a customer property review bin. In some
instances, a recycle indicator or symbol may be detected providing
guidance regarding how an item is to be recycled. Similarly, in
some instances, plastic bottles may be assumed to be recyclable,
but other types of plastic may need further review to be reviewed.
Some paper items (e.g., napkins, paper plates, newspapers) can be
placed in recycling bins. When an item is determined to contain a
potential combination of materials, it may be categorized
accordingly further evaluation by a worker performed (e.g.,
capturing an image or video, sending the captured image or video to
a worker, staging in an evaluation location, and letting the worker
identify the item). Items identified as not having value can be
placed in a bin for disposal.
[0246] Some embodiments implement collection processes to identify
how an item is to be addressed and/or how an item is retrieved.
Unexpected item identification may occur by video analytics, by
customers bringing objects to a motorized transport unit or worker,
through 2D and/or 3D scanning of shelves, image processing and the
like. The central computer system, in some instances, may determine
an item is to be left alone (e.g., for a threshold period of time),
which may depend on how long an object is in place. Once an object
is detected as unexpectedly being in a location, a threshold of
time may be considered in some instances before issuing
instructions to cause the item to be retrieved. The threshold time
may be set by a worker, and can be different depending on the area
of store, categorization, type of object (providing it can be
identified), whether a customer and/or movable item container is
within a threshold distance from the item, whether a worker is
within a threshold distance, a time of day or night, other such
factors, or a combination of two or more of such factors. When the
item is to be retrieved (e.g., after a threshold time), an
instruction can be communicated to a motorized transport unit, a
worker's user interface unit, or the like. Further, in some
instances where the motorized transport unit is unable to retrieve
the item (e.g., due to size, consistency, threshold number of
failed attempts, etc.), a subsequent instruction can be
communicated to a worker with location information and/or
directions through the shopping facility to the item.
[0247] Again, based on the categorization and/or identification of
the item, the central computer system can determine how an item is
to be handled. For example, items identified as customer's property
can be directed to a lost and found location, with instructions
communicated to a motorized transport unit and/or worker to
transport the item. Some embodiments maintain a lost and found
database and/or virtual lost and found that may be electronically
accessed by a worker and/or customers to determine whether an item
was found. The database may obtain information about the item
(e.g., an identification, categorization, etc.), where the item was
found, when the item was found, when the item was placed into lost
and found, and/or other such information. Further, in some
instances, one or more images, scans, and/or video of the item may
be maintained in the database and/or references in the database
(e.g., link to access a separate memory storage and/or database).
In some instances, a motorized transport unit and/or the central
computer system may keep track of one or more items detected that
appear to be something that may be of value to a customer.
Similarly, workers that find items may give the items to a
motorized transport unit.
[0248] The central computer system and/or the lost and found
database may keep track of the length of time that an item has been
in the lost-and-found, and properly dispose of it after a
reasonable amount of time. In some embodiments, the central
computer system and/or the motorized transport units may have
access to the lost and found database (e.g., listing, images,
etc.). The central computer system and/or the motorized transport
units can access the database in response to a customer request and
the motorized transport unit may display information to a customer
regarding found items. Similarly, the customer may be allowed to
enter information through the user interface of the motorized
transport unit with details about an item the customer believes
they lost at the store (e.g., approximate time of loss, type of
item, color(s), size, model information, other characteristics).
The central computer system and/or the motorized transport unit can
implement a search through the lost and found database using the
information to try and identify the item in the lost and found.
Workers may refer customers who have lost something to pose
questions to a motorized transport unit. In some instances, a
motorized transport unit and/or a worker can be instructed to
deliver a lost item to the customer who has lost them, by using the
customer's user interface unit to locate the customer. Further,
some items that are determined to be customer items, may be given
higher priority. For example, the central computer system may apply
a higher priority to found wallets, keys, smartphones, or the like.
Customer service may also be immediately alerted in case this
customer is still in the store. Other less important items (e.g.,
misplaced merchandise, trash, etc.), may be collected in a bin, and
sorted through later as time permits. Similarly, the central
computer system may be directed to identify and/or categorize an
item that the shopping facility is willing and/or legally bound to
accept (e.g., supporting the European WEEE (Waste Electrical and
Electronic Equipment Directive) where a retailer is legally bound
to take back end of life electronic), and can categorize the item
based on an identification and/or categorization of the product and
how to dispose of it.
[0249] In some embodiments, exemplary systems and methods are
described herein useful to detect and address incorrectly and/or
misplaced items. In some embodiments, a system comprises: a
plurality of motorized transport units that are each configured to
perform multiple different tasks at a retail shopping facility; and
a central computer system configured to instruct various ones of
the plurality of motorized transport units to implement at least
one of the multiple different tasks relative to the retail shopping
facility, receive and analyze input data detected and provided by
the motorized transport units while the motorized transport units
perform the at least one of the tasks, and detect and categorize
each item of multiple items that are incorrectly placed within the
retail shopping facility according to one of multiple different
predefined categories.
[0250] In some embodiments, the central computer system in
categorizing the items is further configured to: categorize at
least some of the items as one of merchandise sold by the shopping
facility, customer property, and a recyclable waste item. In some
embodiments, the central computer system is further configured to:
determine for each of the items, based on the categorization of the
items, a location of multiple predefined different potential
locations of the retail shopping facility the categorized item is
to be taken, and communicate an instruction, relative to each of
the categorized items, to cause the categorized item to be taken to
the determined location. In some embodiments, the central computer
system in communicating the instruction communicates the
instruction to a first motorized transport unit, of the plurality
of motorized transport units, to retrieve the item and transport
the item through at least a portion of the retail shopping facility
to the determined location. In some embodiments, the central
computer system in categorizing each of the multiple items
determines that a first item is not a retail item being offered for
sale by the retail shopping facility, and further determines that
the first item is presumed to be owned by a customer and should not
be discarded, and the central computer system, in determining the
location, determines that the first item is to be taken to a lost
and found location. In some embodiments, the central computer
system is further configured to receive image data captured by at
least one camera fixed at a first location within the retail
shopping facility, cause image processing of the image data, and
detect at least a first item is incorrectly placed based on the
image processing of the image data. In some embodiments, the
central computer system in categorizing a first item communicates
instructions to a first motorized transport unit to pick up the
first item and communicate a weight of the first item to the
central computer system, and categorizes the first item based on
the weight of the first item. In some embodiments, the central
computer system is further configured to determine that a first
item has not been at a location where the first item was detected
for more than a threshold period of time, and communicate an
instruction, based on the categorization of the first item and in
response to determining that the first item has not been at the
location where the first item was detected for more than the
threshold period of time, to leave the first item at the location.
In some embodiments, the central computer system is further
configured to receive additional sensor data, identify based on the
additional sensor data that a customer is within a first threshold
distance of a first item, and communicate an instruction, based on
the categorization of the first item and when the customer is
within the first threshold distance of the first item, instructing
that the first item is to be left at a location where the first
item is detected.
[0251] Further, some embodiments provide methods to address
incorrectly placed items, comprising: by a central computer system
for a retail shopping facility: tasking various ones of a plurality
of motorized transport units to implement at least one of the
multiple different tasks relative to the retail shopping facility;
receiving and analyzing input data detected and provided by the
motorized transport units while the motorized transport units
perform the at least one of the tasks; detecting and categorizing
each item of multiple items that are incorrectly placed within the
retail shopping facility according to one of multiple different
predefined categories.
[0252] In some embodiments, the categorizing the items comprise
categorizing at least some of the items as one of merchandize sold
by the shopping facility, customer property, and a recyclable waste
item. In some embodiments, the system further performs determining
for each of the items, based on the categorization of the items, a
location of multiple predefined different potential locations of
the retail shopping facility the categorized item is to be taken,
and communicating an instruction, relative to each of the
categorized items, to cause the categorized item to be taken to the
determined location. In some embodiments, the communicating the
instruction comprises communicating the instruction to a first
motorized transport unit, of the plurality of motorized transport
units, to retrieve the item and transport the item through at least
a portion of the retail shopping facility to the determined
location. In some embodiments, the categorizing each of the
multiple items comprises: determining that a first item is not a
retail item being offered for sale by the retail shopping facility
and determining that the first item is presumed to be owned by a
customer and should not be discarded; and wherein the determining
the location comprises determining that the first item is to be
taken to a lost and found location. In some embodiments, 15, the
system further performs: receiving image data captured by at least
one camera fixed at a first location within the retail shopping
facility and cause image processing of the image data, and
detecting at least a first item is incorrectly placed based on the
image processing of the image data. In some embodiments, the system
further performs: communicating instructions to a first motorized
transport unit to pick up and weigh a first item of the multiple
items, receiving a communication from the first motorized transport
unit a weight of the first item, wherein the categorizing each of
the items comprises categorizing the first item based on the weight
of the first item. In some embodiments, the system further
performs: determining that a first item has not been at a location
where the first item was detected for more than a threshold period
of time, and communicating an instruction, based on the
categorization of the first item and in response to determining
that the first item has not been at the location where the first
item was detected for more than the threshold period of time, to
leave the first item at the location. In some embodiments, the
system further performs: receiving additional sensor data,
identifying based on the additional sensor data that a customer is
within a first threshold distance of a first item, and
communicating an instruction, based on the categorization of the
first item and when the customer is within the first threshold
distance of the first item, instructing that the first item is to
be left at a location where the first item is detected.
[0253] In accordance with some embodiments, further details are now
provided for systems and methods for sorting items discarded in a
shopping facility.
[0254] In some embodiments, a system for sorting items discarded in
a shopping facility comprises: a motorized transport unit
configured to travel around discarded items collected from the
shopping facility and placed in a sorting area in the shopping
facility, the motorized transport unit comprises a sensor device
and an item mover device, an item characterization database storing
characteristics corresponding to a plurality of items likely to be
found in the shopping facility, and a central computer system
coupled to the motorized transport unit and the item
characterization database, and configured to: receive data from the
sensor device on the motorized transport unit, determine an item
characteristic of an item among the discarded items in the sorting
area based on the data from the sensor device, determine a sorting
category of the item from a plurality of predefined categories
based on the item characterization database, each of the predefined
categories corresponds to a method of discarded item deposition,
and cause the motorized transport unit to move the item, with the
item mover device, from the sorting area into a category area
associated with the sorting category.
[0255] In some embodiment, an MTU may be configured to bulk process
large volumes of discarded items from trash bins and may be
implemented for backroom trash bin handling. Trash bins may be
checked for merchandise and select materials prior to transferring
the content into a dumpster. In some embodiments, the systems and
methods described herein may function to enhance existing recycling
solutions or protocols. In some embodiments, the systems and
methods described herein may increase both sustainability and loss
prevention. An MTU may help associates to ensure that valuable
items or material are accounted for and routed properly.
[0256] In some embodiments, system and methods described herein may
be used in stores and warehouse stores to recycle and process
discarded items that would otherwise be sent to landfill. MTUs
and/or associates may empty filled trash bins from a shopping
facility. Associates are not always able to sift through all of the
garbage to check for items of value since some items or material of
value may not be easily observed. This can result in potential loss
and shrink. An MTU may automate the identification and recovery of
materials, distinguish trash from treasure, and sort items into
bins. In some embodiments, the system may operate towards achieving
zero waste by providing an additional cost effective filter for
reducing loss and/or locating value in the processing of discarded
items. An MTU may use a combination of sorting technologies to
distinguish selected recyclable materials such as glass or metals
from other types of trash. In some embodiments, an MTU may perform
sorting functions with the help of a central computer system. In
some embodiments, merchandise-like items may be set aside and
identifiable recyclable items may be moved to assigned bins. In
some embodiments, the system may utilize technologies such as
sensors, MTUs, and a central computer system. In some embodiments,
the system may further use visual recognition to find and set aside
recognized recyclables.
[0257] In some embodiments, non-recyclable but burnable materials
may be collected as fuel to be used as a heat source for heating a
building and/or a hot-water heater. Food waste may be sorted out
and used as a feed for animals or as a compost to be added as a
soil supplement. Hazardous waste such as batteries, light bulbs, or
chemical compounds may be set aside for proper disposal.
[0258] In some embodiments, with a sorting system, contents of
trash bins are dumped into a tumbler which loosens up the trash in
preparation of machine or human inspection. The tumbler may sort
larger items from smaller by allowing smaller items to fall through
holes in the tumbler. Smaller items may be separated onto a sorting
pad and inspected for jewelry and small electronic items. Lighter
items (e.g. paper, plastic bags, etc.) may be blown off into a
dumpster. Larger items may come out of the end of the tumbler
placed on a sorting pad, on which an MTU may look for potential
merchandise-like items and identifiable recyclable material (metal,
glass, plastics). On the sorting pad, the MTU may identify,
classify, and recommend disposition methods for items and move
items of potential interest to separate bins. In some embodiments,
store associates may be instructed to make a final inspection of
presorted material, confirms selected disposition method, and
places material in proper receptacles for pick up.
[0259] In some embodiments, the system may perform weight detection
to evaluate discarded items. In some embodiments, the system may
include one or more of: a metal detector (magnetic field) to
determining values of items, an optical sensor (lasers, infrared,
opacity, color) for identifying items, a camera for visual (models,
shapes) identification and text recognition, a barcode reader for
obtaining an item identifiers, ultrasonic density scanner for
determining content volume/mass. The system may further include
sorting holes for smaller items to fall through, a blower for
moving lighter items aside, and a rotating brush for loosening
items as part of a presorting process.
[0260] FIG. 18 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary shopping
facility assistance system 1800, similar to that of FIG. 1, as
configured in accordance with various embodiments of these
teachings. The shopping facility assistance system 1800 includes a
central computer system 1820, an item characterization database
1830, and a motorized transport unit 1840 (MTU). The shopping
facility assistance system 1800 may include or be implemented at
least partially with one or more components shown in FIGS. 1, 4,
and 5 or may be implemented outside of the embodiments of FIGS. 1,
4 and 5.
[0261] The central computer system 1820 includes a control circuit
1821 and a memory 1822, and may be generally referred to as a
processor-based device. In some embodiments, the central computer
system 1820 may be implemented to include or as part of one or more
of the central computer system 106 and/or the computer device 500
described above. For example, the functionalities of the central
computer system 1820 described herein may be implemented as one or
more software modules in the central computer system 106.
[0262] The central computer system 1820 has stored in its memory
1822, a set of computer readable instructions that is executable by
the control circuit 1821 to cause the control circuit 1821 to
instruct an MTU 1840 to sort items discarded in a shopping facility
based the information stored in the item characterization database
1830. In some embodiments, the central computer system 1820 may be
located inside of and serve a specific shopping space. In some
embodiments, the central computer system 1820 may be at least
partially implemented on a remote and/or cloud-based server that
provides instructions to MTUs in one or more shopping
facilities.
[0263] The item characterization database 1830 may comprise a
database that stores item characteristics corresponding to a
plurality of items likely to be found in the shopping facility. In
some embodiments, item characteristics may comprise one or more of:
item appearance, item shape, item weight, item density, item text,
item identifier, item barcode, item condition, etc. In some
embodiments, item characterization database 1830 comprises a
plurality of object models, and the item characteristic may be
determined based on comparing the data received from the sensor
device 1842 with the plurality of object models in the item
characterization database. In some embodiments, an item
characteristic may comprise a characteristic directly obtained from
the item by a sensor. In some embodiments, an item characteristic
may comprise a characteristic retrieved from the item
characteristics database using another characteristic obtained from
the item by a sensor. In some embodiments, the item
characterization database 1830 may match item characteristics
and/or combination of characteristics to one or more predefined
categories for sorting purposes. For example, a sorting category
may be associated with each unique item identifier and/or
identifiable item type in the item characterization database 1830.
In some embodiments, predefined categories may comprise one or
more: recyclable items, compostable items, likely customer items,
merchandise, merchandise-like items, valuable items, metal items,
glass items, paper items, plastic items, and trash. Generally, the
item characterization database 1830 stores information that allows
the central computer system 1820 to identify an item and/or select
one or more sorting categories based on information collected by
one or more types of sensor. While the item characterization
database 1830 is shown as being external to the central computer
system in 1820, in some embodiments, the item characterization
database 1830 and the memory 1822 of the central computer system
1820 may be implemented on the same one or more computer-readable
memory devices or on separate devices. The central computer system
1820 may be communicatively coupled to the item characterization
database 1830 through wired and/or wireless local and/or remote
data connections.
[0264] The motorized transport unit 1840 may comprise a motorized
unit configured to communicate with the central computer system
1820 and carry out one or more tasks based on instructions received
from the central computer system 1820. In some embodiments, the
motorized transport unit 1840 may comprise the MTU 102 described in
FIG. 1, the MTU shown in FIGS. 2A-3B, and/or the MTU 102 described
in FIG. 4, for example. Generally, an MTU 1840 may comprise a
motorized device configured to move around a sorting pad, gather
sensor information, and sort items on the sorting pad according to
instructions received from a central computer system 1820. The MTU
1840 includes a sensor device 1842 and an item mover device 1843.
The sensor device 1842 may comprise one or more of an image sensor,
a weight sensor, a barcode reader, a radio frequency identification
(RFID) reader, a metal detector, an optical sensor, an ultrasonic
density scanner, etc. The sensor device 1842 may be attached to and
carried by the MTU 1840. In some embodiments, one or more sensors
of the sensor device 1842 may comprise a sensor module attachment
that may be removably attached to the MTU 1840. In some
embodiments, similar and/or additional sensor(s) may be stationed
around a sorting pad and/or one or more presorting devices for
collecting additional information from the items for the central
computer system 1820 to analyze. In some embodiments, the sensor
device 1842 may be include one or more sensors for detecting item
characteristic comprising one or more of: item appearance (e.g.
color, reflectiveness, pattern, etc.), item shape, item weight,
item density, item text, item identifier, item barcode, item
condition (e.g. dirty, damaged, etc.), etc.
[0265] The item mover device 1843 may comprise a structure for
making contact with items to move an item on a sorting pad. In some
embodiments, the item mover device 1843 may comprise a bumper, a
shovel, a clamp, a brush, a suction device, a magnet, a scoop, an
arm, etc. In some embodiments, the item mover device 462 may
comprise a removable attachment of the MTU 1840. In some
embodiments, the item mover device 462 may comprise the housing of
the MTU such as the edges of the lower body portion 204 and/or the
upper body portion 206 of the MTU shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. In some
embodiments, an item mover device 1843 may be configured to push,
pull, pick up, and/or attach to an item for sorting. While one MTU
is shown in FIG. 18, in some embodiments, the central computer
system 1820 may communicate with a plurality of MTU performing one
or more types of tasks. In some embodiments, two or more MTUs may
be assigned to sort discarded items and may simultaneously sort the
same group of items in a sorting area.
[0266] FIG. 19 shows a flow diagram of a process for sorting items
discarded in a shopping facility in accordance with various
embodiments of these teachings. The steps shown in FIG. 19 may be
performed by one or more of the central computer system 1820 in
FIG. 18, the central computer system 106 in FIG. 1, and the
computer device 500 in FIG. 5, for example. In some embodiments,
the steps are performed by a processor-based device executing a set
of computer readable instructions stored on a memory device. In
some embodiments, one or more of the steps may be performed by a
software program and/or modules of a software program running on a
computer system. Generally, the steps shown in FIG. 19 may be
performed by a control circuit of a processor-based device.
[0267] Prior to step 1910, discarded items from a shopping space
may be collected and placed in a sorting area. In some embodiments,
discarded items comprise items in trash bins of a shopping facility
and/or items collected from the floor of the shopping space
(including one or more of sales floor, storage area, restroom,
parking lot, etc.) In some embodiments, the discarded items may go
through a presort process including one or more of loosening,
separating, and winnowing to separate out items by weight and/or
size. An example of a presorting process is described in more
detail with reference to FIG. 20 herein. In some embodiments, the
sorting area may comprise a sorting pad in a backroom area and/or
outdoor area of a shopping facility. In some embodiments, the
sorting area may be used for other functions in the shopping
facility such as a pathway, a storage area, a parking area, etc.
when the area is not used for sorting discarded items. In some
embodiment, the sorting area may comprise any area where a sorting
pad may be set up. In some embodiments, a sorting pad may generally
refer to a defined area in which an MTU may travel to perform item
sorting. In some embodiments, a sorting pad may prefer to a
flexible material that can be folded/rolled up and stored. In some
embodiments, the items may be placed in a pile on the sorting pad
and the MTU may be configured to retrieve and sort items from the
perimeter of the pile. In some embodiments, the items may be spread
out over the sorting pad and the MTU may be configured to travel
among the items to sort them.
[0268] In step 1910, the system receives data from a sensor device.
In some embodiments, the sensor device may comprise one or more
sensors on an MTU. The MTU may be positioned on or around the
sorting pad in which discarded items are placed. In some
embodiments, the MTU may be configured to travel among discharged
items on a sorting pad. In some embodiments, the sensor device may
comprise one or more of an image sensor, a weight sensor, a barcode
reader, a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, a metal
detector, an optical sensor, and an ultrasonic density scanner. The
sensor device may be attached to and carried by the MTU. In some
embodiments, in step 1910, the system may instruct the MTU to
manipulate one or more items to gather additional data. For
example, the system may cause the MTU to remove obstructions and/or
change the orientation of the item to look for barcodes and/or
other identifying marks on the item. In some embodiments, in step
1910, additional data may be received from similar and/or
additional sensors stationed around the sorting pad for collecting
additional information for the central computer system to
analyze.
[0269] In step 1910, the system determines one or more item
characteristics of an item among the discarded items in the sorting
area based on the data collected by the sensor device. In some
embodiments, item characteristic may comprise one or more of: item
appearance (e.g. color, reflectiveness, pattern, etc.), item shape,
item weight, item density, item text, item identifier, item
barcode, item condition (e.g. dirty, damaged, etc.), etc. In some
embodiments, the system may further identify the item based on the
characteristics data. For example, an item characteristic database
may store a plurality characteristics corresponding to a plurality
of items likely to be found in the shopping facility. The system
may compare the data received in step 1910 with the characteristic
data in the item characteristic database to identify the item. In
some embodiments, item characteristic may be determined by
comparing an item identifier associated with the item with a store
inventory database to determine whether the item corresponds to
merchandise sold in the shopping facility. In some embodiments, the
system may match the item to an item for sale in step 1920. For
example, the MTU may read a barcode, an item identifier (name,
brand, marking, etc.), and/or a RFID tag on the item to determine
the identity of the item and derive the characteristics based on
the determined identity (e.g. "no. 123456" corresponds to an alumni
can, "family size A brand cereal" corresponds to cardboard box,
etc.). In some embodiments, the barcode, item identifier, and RFID
tag information for items may be retrieved from an inventory
database of the shopping facility. In some embodiments, the system
may use the item's appearance, size, shape, weight, etc. to
identify the merchandise and/or non-merchandise items. For example,
the system may identify a round and flat metal disk as a coin, and
may use the weight of the coin to further determine the coin
denomination. In some embodiments, item characteristic may be based
on both identifying the item and making direct measurements of one
or more item characteristics. For sample, the system may be
configured to identify a soda can based on an identifier (e.g.
barcode) and distinguish whether the can is full, half full, or
empty based measuring the can's weight. In some embodiments, the
sensor data may be used to determine a state of the item such as
one or more of: new, used, full, empty, dirty, damaged, broken,
etc. Generally, in step 1920, the system may match a discarded item
to a specific item and/or an item type based on sensor data.
[0270] In step 1930, the system determines a sorting category for
the item. In some embodiments, the item characterization database
may assign a sorting category to a plurality of identifiable items
and item types. In some embodiments, an item may be assigned to one
of the two or more sorting categories based on the state of the
item (e.g. unopened and undamaged soda can may be categorized as
merchandise while empty soda can may be categorized as recyclable
metal). In some embodiments, the sorting category may be determined
based on one or more characteristics and/or combination of
characteristics measured by the sensor device. The sorting
categories may comprise predefined categories such as one or more:
recyclable items, compostable items, likely customer items,
merchandise, merchandise-like items, valuable items, metal items,
glass items, paper items, plastic items, and trash. In some
embodiments, each categorize may be generally associated with a
method of deposition (e.g. send to X recycling service, send to
landfill, convert to fuel, convert to compost, inspected for
restocking, etc.).
[0271] In step 1940, the system causes the MTU to move the item
into a category area. In some embodiments, the MTU may be
configured to push, pull, pick up, and/or attach to an item. In
some embodiments, the MTU may comprise an item mover device for
moving the item. In some embodiments, as the MTU moves the item,
the MTU may use one or more of its sensor devices to navigate among
one or more items in the sorting area. In some embodiments, in step
1940, the instructions provided to the MTU may further comprise
instructions to move other items out of the way. In some
embodiments, the category areas may be around and/or adjacent to
the sorting pad. In some embodiments, the sorting pad may comprise
a platform that is raised relative to the category areas. In some
embodiments, the categories areas may each comprise an item
receptacle such as a receptacle bin. In some embodiments, the MTU
may be configured to push items off the sorting pad and into one of
the category receptacles adjacent to the sorting pad. An example of
a sorting area is described herein with reference to FIG. 20.
[0272] After step 1940, the process may return to step 1910 to sort
another item on the sorting pad. In some embodiments, the process
may continue to repeat until all items on the sorting pad have been
moved to a category area and/or when a category area is full. In
some embodiments, when a bin of a category area is full, the system
may instruct the MTU, another MTU, and/or a store associate to
replace the bin with a new bin. In some embodiments, after sorting
of the discarded items is complete, the MTU may exit sorting mode
and may be assigned to one or more other shopping space assistance
tasks described herein. In some embodiments, the MTU may comprise a
dedicated sorting MTU. While one MTU is generally described herein
with reference to FIG. 19, in some embodiments, the system may
instruct two or more MTUs to sort the same group of items on a
sorting pad simultaneously.
[0273] FIG. 20 shows an illustration of a process according to some
embodiments. In stage 2010, the discarded items collected in a
shopping facility are moved through a rotating brush to loosen the
gathered items. The rotating brush may be part of a separator
configured to receive discarded items from a container and loosen
the discarded items from each other. In stage 2020, items are
separated through a tumbler. In some embodiments, the tumbler may
be configured to separate discarded items by size. For example, the
tumbler may comprise one or more holes through which smaller items
may drop through. In some embodiments, the smaller items may be
placed on a small item sorting pad separate from large items placed
on a large item sorting pad. One or more MTUs and/or store
associated may be instructed to sort the items on different sorting
pads separately. In some embodiments, the tumbler may separate the
items based on three or more size types (e.g. small, medium, and
large). In stage 2030, a fan blows light items (e.g. paper, plastic
bags) off into a dumpster. In some embodiments, the fan may be
implemented with or near the rotating brush, the tumbler, and/or
the sorting pad. In stage 2040, items on a sorting pad are sorted
by an MTU.
[0274] In FIG. 20, the sorting pad is surrounding by six category
areas: metal, glass, plastic, trash, merchandise-like items, and
merchandise items. The MTU may be configured to move the items that
were presorted by the tumbler into one of the six category areas
according to methods for sorting discarded items described herein.
In some embodiments, items sorted into metal, glass, and plastic
categories may be sent to a corresponding cycling center, trash may
be sent to landfill, and merchandise may be inspected and
potentially re-shelved. Merchandise-like may comprise items that
need to be inspected for proper disposal. In some embodiments,
merchandise-like items may include items that do not match
merchandise being sold in the shopping facility and could be items
lost by customer and/or associates (e.g. wallet, key, ring, etc.).
In some embodiments, customer items may be sent to lost and found.
The categories in FIG. 20 are shown as an example only. The system
may include any number of categories area in any placement and
order around the sorting pad without departing from the spirit of
the present disclosure. In some embodiments, one or more of the
rotating brush, the tumbler, the fan, and the sorting pad may
comprise a stationary and/or portable system configured to operate
at the shopping facility at which the discarded items are
collected.
[0275] FIG. 21 shows a system diagram for sorting discarded items
in a shopping facility. The system comprises a presort system 2110,
an external sensor/camera 2120, a central computer system 2130, an
MTU 2140, and a sorting pad and bins 2150 setup. In some
embodiments, one or more of the presort system 2110, the external
sensor/camera 2120, the central computer system 2130, the MTU 2140,
and the sorting pad and bins 2150 setup may be located in the
shopping facility from which the discarded items are collected. The
presort system 2110 may comprise one or more of a brush, a tumbler,
and a fan to separate discarded items collected from a shopping
facility. In some embodiments, the system includes external
sensor/camera 2120 for collecting data from discarded items. In
some embodiments, data may be collected by the sensors while the
items are being pre-sorted.
[0276] The central computer system 2130 may comprise a
processor-based device configured to categorize discarded items and
provide instructions to the MTU 2140. The central computer system
2130 may comprise an item file database 2131, an object
images/models database 2132, an object identification process
module 2133, an object categorization process module 2134, and a
disposition process module 2135. The item file data 2131 may
comprise identifiers and/or characteristics associated with various
items sold in a shopping facility and/or items likely to be found
in a shopping facility. The object image/models database 2132 may
comprise object images and models that are representative different
object's characteristics and property (e.g. visual properties,
weight, texture, size, etc.). The object identification process
module 2133 may be configured to compare data collected by the
external sensor/camera 2120 and/or sensors on the MTU 2140 with the
information in the item file database 2131 and/or the object
images/models database 2132 to identify and/or categorize an
object. An object may be matched to an item identifier (e.g.
barcode, UPC, etc.) and/or an item type description (e.g. keys,
coins, credit cards, empty cup, etc.). The object categorization
process module 2134 may be configured to categorize objects based
on each object's identity determined by the object identification
process module 2133. For example, each item identifier and/or type
may be assigned to one of a plurality of predetermined categories
such as recyclable items, compostable items, likely customer items,
merchandise, merchandise-like items, valuable items, metal items,
glass items, paper items, plastic items, trash, etc. The
disposition process module 2135 may then determine a disposition
method (e.g. where to move the item) and provide instructions to
the MTU 2140.
[0277] The MTU 2140 may comprise a motored movable unit configured
to move items based on instructions received from the central
computer system 2130. In some embodiments, the MTU 2140 may
comprise an MTU identical or similar to MTUs described herein. The
MTU 2140 may be configured to sort items on a sorting pad based on
instructions from the central computer system 2130. The MTU 2140
comprises a sensor such as one or more of: a camera, a barcode
scanner, a metal detector, an ultrasonic reader, a text reader, a
weight sensor, etc. The sensor data collected by the MTU 2140
sensor may be transmitted back to a central computer system 2130
for object identification and/or MTU navigation. In some
embodiments, the MTU 2140 may further include an item handling
attachment such as one or more of a shovel, a brush, and an arm to
move selected items.
[0278] The sorting pad and bins 2150 set up may comprise a sorting
pad and a plurality of bins around the sorting pad for receiving
sorted items. The MTU 2140 may be configured to travel on the
sorting pad and, based on instructions from the central computer
system 2130, sort the discarded items by moving each item into one
or more of the bins. In some embodiments, the sorting pad may
comprise a raised sorting platform and the bins may be configured
to catch items that are pushed/dropped off the platform. In some
embodiments, each bin may correspond to one or more sorting
categories such as metal, glass, plastic, trash, returns
merchandise, fuel, etc.
[0279] FIG. 22 shows a process diagram for sorting discarded items
according to some embodiments. In step 2211, an associate may
manually empty one or more trash bins into an item sorter.
Additionally or alternatively, in step 2241, an MTU may be
configured to empty trash bins into sorters. In step 2221, trash is
pre-sorted and separated by size and/or weight (e.g. lighter,
smaller, larger, heavier, etc.) to facilitate sensor analysis.
[0280] In step 2222, external sensor data may be collected by one
or more external sensors. The external sensor may be positioned at
the sorting system and/or may be positioned in or around a sorting
pad. In step 2231, the central computer system analyzes the
external sensor data to determine whether the sorting pad is empty
and/or if bins associated with sorting categories are full. In step
2242, an MTU may be instructed to exchange full bins with empty
ones. In some embodiments, the MTU may be instructed to continue
sorting until the sorting pad is empty. In some embodiments, the
sorting pad may comprise a category area and items left on the
sorting pad may be collected for disposal (e.g. inspect manually,
send to landfill, etc.). In some embodiments, the external sensor
data monitoring steps of 2222, 2231, and 2242 may be repeated while
an MTU sorts items on a sorting pad.
[0281] In step 2243, an MTU moves, handles, and manipulates trash
items to facilitate item identification. For example, the MTU may
change the orientation of an item and/or remove obstructions to the
item to look for identifying marks such as barcodes, logos, etc. In
some embodiments, the MTU may pick up the item to determine the
weight of the item. In step 2244, the sensor(s) on the MTU gathers
data from the discarded items. The gathered data may comprise one
or more of: scanned barcode, video image, recognizable text, metal
detector reading, ultrasonic scanner reading, weight, thermal data,
etc. In step 2232, the central computer system identifies objects
based on one or more of: comparing images or 3D models, looking up
item file data and looking up physical characteristics to determine
the closest match and/or the best guess of the identity of the
item. In step 2212, the system may notify associates of any object
that the MTU may be unable to handle. For example, oversize items,
fragile items, and/or unidentifiable items may be left on the pad
or sorted into a separate area for human handling. In step 2233,
the central computer system categorizes objects based on the
identity of the object determine in step 2232. In step 2234, the
central computer system determines a disposition methods for the
objects. In some embodiments, the system may further select a
disposal bin based on category and/or disposition method determined
in step 2234. In step 2245, the central computer system instructs
the MTU to move objects into selected bins. In some embodiments,
the MTU may move items off the sorting pad and into one of the bins
associated with a sorting category around the sorting pad. In step
2213, the central computer system may notify associates to validate
the disposition of items in various bins. For example, associates
may be instructed to perform a manual inspection and/or secondary
sorting of the one or more bins and/or the items remaining on the
sorting pad.
[0282] In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided
herein useful for sorting items discarded in a shopping facility.
In some embodiments, a system for sorting items discarded in a
shopping facility, comprises a motorized transport unit configured
to travel around discarded items collected from the shopping
facility and placed in a sorting area in the shopping facility, the
motorized transport unit comprises a sensor device and an item
mover device, an item characterization database storing
characteristics corresponding to a plurality of items likely to be
found in the shopping facility, and a central computer system
coupled to the motorized transport unit and the item
characterization database. The central computer system is
configured to receive data from the sensor device on the motorized
transport unit, determine an item characteristic of an item among
the discarded items in the sorting area based on the data from the
sensor device, determine a sorting category of the item from a
plurality of predefined categories based on the item
characterization database, each of the plurality of predefined
categories corresponds to a method of discarded item deposition,
and cause the motorized transport unit to move the item, with the
item mover device, from the sorting area into a category area
associated with the sorting category.
[0283] In some embodiments, a plurality of predefined categories
comprises one or more: recyclable items, compostable items, likely
customer items, merchandise, merchandise-like items, valuable
items, metal items, glass items, paper items, plastic items, and
trash. In some embodiments, the sensor device comprises one or more
of an image sensor, a weight sensor, a barcode reader, and a radio
frequency identification (RFID) reader. In some embodiments, the
item characteristic comprises one or more of: item appearance, item
shape, item weight, item density, item text, item identifier, item
barcode, and item condition. In some embodiments, the item
characterization database comprises a plurality of object models,
and the item characteristic is determined based on comparing the
data received from the sensor device with the plurality of object
models in the item characterization database. In some embodiments,
the item characteristic is determined by comparing an item
identifier associated with the item with a store inventory database
to determine whether the item corresponds to merchandise sold in
the shopping facility. In some embodiments, the system further
comprises a separator configured to receive the discarded items
from a container and loosen the discarded items from each other
prior to the discarded items being placed in the sorting area. In
some embodiments, the system further comprises a tumbler configured
to separate the discarded items by size prior to the discarded
items being placed in the sorting area. In some embodiments, the
system further comprises a fan configured to remove light weight
material from the discarded items. In some embodiments, the sorting
area comprises a sorting platform and the category area comprises
one of a plurality of receptacle bins positioned adjacent to the
sorting platform.
[0284] In some embodiments, a method for sorting items discarded in
a shopping facility, comprises receiving, at a control circuit,
data from a sensor device on a motorized transport unit configured
to travel around discarded items collected from the shopping
facility and placed in a sorting area in the shopping facility,
determining, by the control circuit, an item characteristic of an
item among the discarded items in the sorting area based on the
data from the sensor device, determining, by the control circuit, a
sorting category of the item from a plurality of predefined
categories based on an item characterization database storing
characteristics corresponding to a plurality of items likely to be
found in the shopping facility, wherein each of the plurality of
predefined categories corresponds to a method of discarded item
deposition, and causing the motorized transport unit to move the
item from the sorting area into a category area associated with the
sorting category with an item mover device of the motorized
transport unit.
[0285] In some embodiments, the plurality of predefined categories
comprises one or more: recyclable items, compostable items, likely
customer items, merchandise, merchandise-like items, valuable
items, metal items, glass items, paper items, plastic items, and
trash. In some embodiments, the sensor device comprises one or more
of an image sensor, a weight sensor, a barcode reader, and a radio
frequency identification (RFID) reader. In some embodiments, the
item characteristic comprises one or more of: item appearance, item
shape, item weight, item density, item text, item identifier, item
barcode, and item condition. In some embodiments, the item
characterization database comprises a plurality of object models,
and the item characteristic is determined based on comparing the
data received from the sensor device with the plurality of object
models in the item characterization database. In some embodiments,
the item characteristic is determined by comparing an item
identifier associated with the item with a store inventory database
to determine whether the item corresponds to merchandise sold in
the shopping facility. In some embodiments, the system further
performs: causing a separator configured to receive the discarded
items from a container to loosen the discarded items from each
other prior to the discarded items being placed in the sorting
area. In some embodiments, the system further performs: causing a
tumbler to separate the discarded items by size prior to the
discarded items being placed in the sorting area. In some
embodiments, the system further performs: causing a fan to remove
light weight material from the discarded items. In some
embodiments, the sorting area comprises a sorting platform and the
category area comprises one of a plurality of receptacle bins
positioned adjacent to the sorting platform.
[0286] In some embodiments, an apparatus for sorting items
discarded in a shopping facility comprises: a non-transitory
storage medium storing a set of computer readable instructions and
a control circuit configured to execute the set of computer
readable instructions which causes to the control circuit to:
receive, at a control circuit, data from a sensor device on a
motorized transport unit configured to travel among discarded items
collected from the shopping facility and placed in a sorting area
in the shopping facility, determine, by the control circuit, an
item characteristic of an item among the discarded items in the
sorting area based on the data from the sensor device, determine,
by the control circuit, a sorting category of the item from a
plurality of predefined categories based on an item
characterization database storing characteristics corresponding to
a plurality of items likely to be found in the shopping facility,
each of the plurality of predefined categories corresponds to a
method of discarded item deposition, and cause the motorized
transport unit to move the item from the sorting area into a
category area associated with the sorting category with an item
mover device of the motorized transport unit.
[0287] Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety
of modifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with
respect to the above described embodiments without departing from
the scope of the invention, and that such modifications,
alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as being within the
ambit of the inventive concept.
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