U.S. patent application number 17/841982 was filed with the patent office on 2022-09-29 for system and method for product recognition and assignment at an automated storage and retrieval device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Walmart Apollo, LLC. Invention is credited to Stuart William Clark, Paul Edward Durkee, Bradley Johnson, Edwin H. Reed.
Application Number | 20220309456 17/841982 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006402613 |
Filed Date | 2022-09-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220309456 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Durkee; Paul Edward ; et
al. |
September 29, 2022 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRODUCT RECOGNITION AND ASSIGNMENT AT AN
AUTOMATED STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL DEVICE
Abstract
Systems, methods, and machine-readable media are provided for
processing items within an automated storage and retrieval device.
A scanned machine-readable identifier associated with an item is
received at an automated storage and retrieval device. A
determination is made whether the machine-readable identifier that
was scanned is a container identification (ID). The
machine-readable identifier is identified based on pre-defined
criteria when the machine-readable identifier is determined not to
be a container ID. The machine-readable identifier is mapped to an
existing order using stored order information. A container ID is
created by the fulfillment system and passed back to the automated
storage and retrieval device. The item is stored in the automated
storage and retrieval device using the created container ID.
Inventors: |
Durkee; Paul Edward;
(Centerton, AR) ; Reed; Edwin H.; (Bentonville,
AR) ; Clark; Stuart William; (Centerton, AR) ;
Johnson; Bradley; (Bentonville, AR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Walmart Apollo, LLC |
Bentonville |
AR |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000006402613 |
Appl. No.: |
17/841982 |
Filed: |
June 16, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
16510114 |
Jul 12, 2019 |
11397910 |
|
|
17841982 |
|
|
|
|
62697094 |
Jul 12, 2018 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 10/0832 20130101;
G06Q 10/0833 20130101; G06Q 10/0836 20130101; G06Q 10/0835
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 10/08 20060101
G06Q010/08 |
Claims
1. A product identifier recognition and assignment system, the
system comprising: an automated storage and retrieval device; a
scanning device in communication with the automated storage and
retrieval device; and a computing device in communication with the
scanning device and the automated storage and retrieval device, the
computing device configured to execute a recognition module,
wherein the recognition module, when executed: receives a scanned
machine-readable identifier associated with an item received at the
automated storage and retrieval device; determines if the scanned
machine-readable identifier is a container identification (ID)
recognized by the system as being already stored by the system to
identify the item; and when the scanned machine-readable identifier
is determined not to be a container ID recognized by the system as
being already stored by the system to identify the item: creates a
container ID for the item to be tracked by a fulfillment system,
the created container ID identifying both the item and the storage
location of the item within the automated storage and retrieval
device; and stores the item in the automated storage and retrieval
device using the created container ID.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the scanner is integrated into the
automated storage and retrieval device.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein the automated storage and
retrieval device is a tower.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein when the machine-readable
identifier is one of an Advanced Shipping Notice (ASN) number and a
tracking number.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein the automated storage and
retrieval device provides access to the item by a customer.
6. The system of claim 5 wherein a user provides credentials to the
automated storage and retrieval device to initiate retrieval of the
item.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein the automated storage and
retrieval device is one of a drone and an Autonomous Guided Vehicle
(AGV).
8. A computer-implemented method for product identifier recognition
and assignment, the method comprising: receiving a scanned
machine-readable identifier associated with an item received at an
automated storage and retrieval device; determining that the
scanned machine-readable identifier is not a container
identification (ID) recognized by the system as being already
stored by the system to identify the item; and when the scanned
machine-readable identifier is determined not to be a container ID
recognized by the system as being already stored by the system to
identify the item: creating a container ID for the item to be
tracked by a fulfillment system, the created container ID
identifying both the item and a storage location of the item within
the automated storage and retrieval device; and storing the item in
the automated storage and retrieval device using the created
container ID.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein the scanner is integrated into the
automated storage and retrieval device.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein the automated storage and
retrieval device is a tower.
11. The method of claim 8 wherein when the machine-readable
identifier is one of an Advanced Shipping Notice (ASN) number and a
tracking number.
12. The method of claim 8 further comprising providing access by
the automated storage and retrieval device to the item by a
customer.
13. The method of claim 12 further comprising a user providing
credentials to the automated storage and retrieval device to
initiate retrieval of the item.
14. The method of claim 8 wherein the automated storage and
retrieval device is one of a drone and an Autonomous Guided Vehicle
(AGV).
15. A non-transitory machine-readable medium storing instructions
executable by a computing device, wherein execution of the
instructions causes the computing device to implement a method for
product identifier recognition and assignment, the method
comprising: receiving a scanned machine-readable identifier
associated with an item received at an automated storage and
retrieval device; determining if the scanned machine-readable
identifier is a container identification (ID) recognized by the
system as being already stored by the system to identify the item;
and when the scanned machine-readable identifier is determined not
to be a container ID recognized by the system as being already
stored by the system to identify the item: creating a container ID
for the item to be tracked by a fulfillment system, the created
container ID identifying both the item and a storage location of
the item within the automated storage and retrieval device; and
storing the item in the automated storage and retrieval device
using the created container ID.
16. The medium of claim 15 further comprising instructions wherein
the automated storage and retrieval device is a tower.
17. The medium of claim 15 further comprising instructions wherein
when the machine-readable identifier is one of an Advanced Shipping
Notice (ASN) number and a tracking number.
18. The medium of claim 15 further comprising instructions
providing access by the automated storage and retrieval device to
the item by a customer.
19. The medium of claim 18 further comprising instructions for
verifying credentials to the automated storage and retrieval device
to initiate retrieval of the item.
20. The medium of claim 15 further comprising instructions wherein
the automated storage and retrieval device is one of a drone and an
Autonomous Guided Vehicle (AGV).
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No.
16,510,114, filed Jul. 12, 2019, which claims priority to U.S. App.
No. 62/697,094, filed on Jul. 12, 2018, the content of each of
which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In conventional retail environments when processing an
order, a single identifier (ID), may be used for an item in the
order. The ID may be used to identify the item during different
stages of processing of the order.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more
embodiments of the invention and, together with the description,
help to explain the invention. The drawings are not necessarily to
scale, or inclusive of all elements of a system, emphasis instead
generally being placed upon illustrating the concepts, structures,
and techniques sought to be protected herein. In the drawings:
[0004] FIG. 1 is a block diagram for a product recognition and
assignment system, according to an example embodiment.
[0005] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for
product recognition and assignment according to an example
embodiment.
[0006] FIG. 3 is a diagram of an exemplary network environment
suitable for a product recognition and assignment system of
exemplary embodiments.
[0007] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary computing device
that may be used to implement exemplary embodiments described
herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0008] Conventionally some items may be received at a facility with
machine-readable identifiers that cannot be understood by an
automated storage and retrieval device for the facility.
Embodiments improve the ability of the automated storage and
retrieval device to recognize multiple types of machine-readable
identifiers, map them to existing orders tracked by a fulfillment
system, and assign a new ID to enable future location tracking of
the item.
[0009] In some facilities, items associated with an order may be
tracked by an order fulfillment system on a container basis. A
container can be a tote, bin, shopping bag, shopping cart, or the
like, and may include one or more items. The containers can be
different colors depending on the temperature required for storage
of items to be picked. Items come in various shapes and sizes, and
a large item may serve as its own container. For example, a
container ID label may be placed on box of an item (e.g., a
television).
[0010] In some instances, the container may be a shopping bag.
Items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, and shampoo may use a
shopping bag for the container and a container label may be applied
on the bag for that order. With this approach, every item of an
order may therefore tracked by container and container ID. Each
container label is a unique ID. An order can have multiple
container IDs associated with it. For example, a TV may get a first
ID, and a shopping bag may get a different ID, even though they are
part of the same order.
[0011] Embodiments of the present invention provide a mechanism for
product recognition and assignment at an automated storage and
retrieval device. Referring to FIG. 1, the system 100 includes an
automated storage and retrieval device 102, a scanning device 104
in communication with the automated storage and retrieval device,
and a computing device 110 in communication with the scanning
device and the automated storage and retrieval device. In some
embodiments, the automated storage and retrieval device, may be,
but is not limited to, a tower apparatus equipped with automated
storage and retrieval mechanisms. In other embodiments, the
automated storage and retrieval device may be a drone, Autonomous
Guided Vehicle (AGV) or other robotic device equipped with storage
space and automated storage and retrieval mechanisms. In one
embodiment, the scanning device 104 may be integrated into the
automated storage and retrieval device 102. The computing system is
configured to execute a recognition module that receives a scanned
machine-readable identifier associated with an item received at the
automated storage and retrieval device. For example, a facility may
receive a shipped item that includes a machine-readable identifier
and deliver the item to the automated storage and retrieval device.
The recognition module determines if the machine-readable
identifier that was scanned is an identification (ID) (referred to
herein as a "container ID") recognized by the system that
identifies an item for which information is already stored by the
system. When the machine-readable identifier is determined not to
be a container ID that is recognized by the system the recognition
module identifies the machine-readable identifier based on
pre-defined criteria and maps the machine-readable identifier to an
existing user order using order information for the facility
previously stored in one or more databases. For example, the
machine-readable identifier may instead be a tracking number or
Advanced Shipping Notice (ASN) number that is recognizable by the
system and which is indexed to an existing order. Once the item is
identified, it can be mapped to an existing order whose details
were previously saved by the system. Following identification, the
recognition module creates a container ID for the item to allow
future tracking of the item. The item is stored in the automated
storage and retrieval device using the created container ID that
identifies the item and its location within the automated storage
and retrieval device.
[0012] In one embodiment, items are taken directly off a delivery
vehicle and routed directly to an automated storage and retrieval
device, such as but not limited to a tower apparatus, without going
through a traditional receiving process involving human inspection
and the manual printing of container IDs for each item. For
example, embodiments allow the scanner in the automated storage and
retrieval device to read and process multiple types of
machine-readable identifiers including a container ID, a tracking
number, or an ASN. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments
additional types of machine-readable identifiers not specifically
listed herein may be read in the absence of a container ID by the
automated storage and retrieval device so as to allow the mapping
of the item to existing order information and the assignment of a
container ID by the automated storage and retrieval device. It
should be appreciated that when an item arrives at the automated
storage and retrieval device and includes a container ID that is
read, nothing is changed, and the processing of the item continues
with the item's storage in the automated storage and retrieval
device and the updating of its location in the system. The tower or
other automated storage and retrieval device understands where the
container ID is held, and is available for retrieval when a user
arrives for pickup.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 200
for product recognition and assignment. A scanned machine-readable
identifier associated with an item is received at an automated
storage and retrieval device (step 202). The item may be from
another retail facility, a vendor, or the like. The item may have
one or more barcodes on it.
[0014] A determination is made regarding whether the
machine-readable identifier that was read is a container ID (step
204). When the machine-readable identifier is a container ID, the
item is processed using the container ID.
[0015] When the machine-readable identifier is not a container ID,
the machine readable-identifier is identified based on pre-defined
criteria (step 206). For example, the machine-readable identifier
may be one of an ASN number or a tracking number whose format the
recognition module has been programmed to recognize.
[0016] The machine-readable identifier is mapped to an existing
order using stored number information (step 208). A container ID
number is created by an order fulfillment system and passed to the
automated storage and retrieval device (step 210).
[0017] The item is stored in the automated storage and retrieval
device (step 210). Once the order is completed (all items have been
picked), the customer is notified that the order is ready to be
picked up. The customer may provide credentials to the tower and is
able to access the ordered items.
[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a network diagram depicting a system 300
for implementing the product recognition and assignment system,
according to an example embodiment. The system 300 can include a
network 305, multiple client devices, for example, client device
310, client device 320, a server 330, and database(s) 340. Each of
the client devices 310, 320, server 330, and database(s) 340 is in
communication with the network 305.
[0019] In an example embodiment, one or more portions of network
305 may be an ad hoc network, an intranet, an extranet, a virtual
private network (VPN), a local area network (LAN), a wireless LAN
(WLAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wireless wide area network
(WWAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a portion of the
Internet, a portion of the Public Switched Telephone Network
(PSTN), a cellular telephone network, a wireless network, a WiFi
network, a WiMax network, another type of network, or a combination
of two or more such networks.
[0020] The client devices 310, 320 may comprise, but are not
limited to, mobile devices, handheld devices, wireless devices,
portable devices, wearable computers, cellular or mobile phones,
portable digital assistants (PDAs), smart phones, smart watches,
tablets, ultrabooks, netbooks, laptops, desktops, multi-processor
systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics,
and the like. Each of client devices 310, 320 may connect to
network 305 via a wired or wireless connection. In an example
embodiment, the client devices 310, 320 may perform one or more of
the functionalities of the product recognition and assignment
system described herein, or transmit data or signals to the product
recognition and assignment system described herein. The client
device 310, 320 can include one or more components of computing
device 400 of FIG. 4.
[0021] In an example embodiment, the targeted advertising system
100 may be included at least in part on the client device 310, 320,
and the client device 310, 320 performs one or more of the
functionalities of the system described herein. In an example
embodiment, the product recognition and assignment system may be
included at least in part on the server 330, and the server 330
performs one or more of the functionalities of the product
recognition and assignment system described herein.
[0022] The database(s) 340 comprise one or more storage devices for
storing data and/or instructions (or code) for use by the server
330 and/or the client devices 310, 320. Each of the database(s) 340
and the server 330 is connected to the network 305 via a wired
connection. Alternatively, one or more of the database(s) 340 and
server 330 may be connected to the network 305 via a wireless
connection. The server 330 comprises one or more computers or
processors configured to communicate with the client devices 310,
320 via network 305. The server 330 can include one or more
components of device 400 of FIG. 4. Server 330 hosts one or more
software systems, applications or websites, including one or more
components of the product recognition and assignment system 100
described herein and/or facilitates access to the content of
database(s) 340.
[0023] In an example embodiment, the server 330 also includes
various software services that facilitate the functionalities of
the product recognition and assignment system. Database(s) 340 and
server 330 may be located at one or more geographically distributed
locations from each other or from client devices 310, 320.
Alternatively, database(s) 340, 345 may be included within server
330. Server 330 includes software and applications for application
services 332, security services 334, external services 336, and
retail services 338.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary computing device
400 that can be used to perform one or more steps of the methods
provided by exemplary embodiments. For example, computing device
400 may be the client device 310, 320 and the server 330 as
described in FIG. 3. The computing device 400 includes one or more
non-transitory computer-readable media for storing one or more
computer-executable instructions or software for implementing
exemplary embodiments. The non-transitory computer-readable media
can include, but are not limited to, one or more types of hardware
memory, non-transitory tangible media (for example, one or more
magnetic storage disks, one or more optical disks, one or more USB
flashdrives), and the like. For example, memory 406 included in the
computing device 400 can store computer-readable and
computer-executable instructions or software for implementing
exemplary embodiments. The computing device 400 also includes
processor 402 and associated core 404, and optionally, one or more
additional processor(s) 402' and associated core(s) 404' (for
example, in the case of computer systems having multiple
processors/cores), for executing computer-readable and
computer-executable instructions or software stored in the memory
406 and other programs for controlling system hardware. Processor
402 and processor(s) 402' can each be a single core processor or
multiple core (404 and 404') processor.
[0025] Virtualization can be employed in the computing device 400
so that infrastructure and resources in the computing device can be
shared dynamically. A virtual machine 414 can be provided to handle
a process running on multiple processors so that the process
appears to be using only one computing resource rather than
multiple computing resources. Multiple virtual machines can also be
used with one processor.
[0026] Memory 406 can include a computer system memory or random
access memory, such as DRAM, SRAM, EDO RAM, and the like. Memory
406 can include other types of memory as well, or combinations
thereof. An individual can interact with the computing device 400
through a visual display device 418, such as a touch screen display
or computer monitor, which can display one or more user interfaces
422 for receiving data from the individual (e.g., order data and
travel data). The visual display device 418 can also display other
aspects, elements and/or information or data associated with
exemplary embodiments. The computing device 400 can include other
I/O devices for receiving input from a individual, for example, a
keyboard or another suitable multi-point touch interface 408, a
pointing device 410 (e.g., a pen, stylus, mouse, or trackpad). The
keyboard 408 and the pointing device 410 can be coupled to the
visual display device 418. The computing device 400 can include
other suitable conventional I/O peripherals.
[0027] The computing device 400 can also include one or more
storage devices 424, such as a hard-drive, CD-ROM, or other
computer readable media, for storing data and computer-readable
instructions and/or software, such as one or more modules of the
system 100 shown in FIG. 1 that implements exemplary embodiments of
the product recognition and assignment system as described herein,
or portions thereof, which can be executed to generate user
interface 422 on display 418. Exemplary storage device 424 can also
store one or more databases 426 for storing suitable information
required to implement exemplary embodiments. The databases can be
updated by an individual or automatically at a suitable time to
add, delete, or update one or more items in the databases.
Exemplary storage device 424 can store one or more databases 426
for storing provisioned data, and other data/information used to
implement exemplary embodiments of the systems and methods
described herein.
[0028] The computing device 400 can include a network interface 412
configured to interface via one or more network devices 420 with
one or more networks, for example, Local Area Network (LAN), Wide
Area Network (WAN) or the Internet through a variety of connections
including, but not limited to, standard telephone lines, LAN or WAN
links (for example, 802.11, T1, T3, 46 kb, X.25), broadband
connections (for example, ISDN, Frame Relay, ATM), wireless
connections, controller area network (CAN), or some combination of
any or all of the above. The network interface 412 can include a
built-in network adapter, network interface card, PCMCIA network
card, card bus network adapter, wireless network adapter, USB
network adapter, modem or another device suitable for interfacing
the computing device 400 to a type of network capable of
communication and performing the operations described herein.
Moreover, the computing device 400 can be a computer system, such
as a workstation, desktop computer, server, laptop, handheld
computer, tablet computer (e.g., the iPad.RTM. tablet computer),
mobile computing or communication device (e.g., the iPhone.RTM.
communication device), or other form of computing or
telecommunications device that is capable of communication and that
has sufficient processor power and memory capacity to perform the
operations described herein.
[0029] The computing device 400 can run an operating system 416,
such as versions of the Microsoft.RTM. Windows.RTM. operating
systems, the different releases of the Unix and Linux operating
systems, a version of the MacOS.RTM. for Macintosh computers, an
embedded operating system, a real-time operating system, an open
source operating system, a proprietary operating system, an
operating systems for mobile computing devices, or another
operating system capable of running on the computing device and
performing the operations described herein. In exemplary
embodiments, the operating system 416 can be run in native mode or
emulated mode. In an exemplary embodiment, the operating system 416
can be run on one or more cloud machine instances.
[0030] The description is presented to enable a person skilled in
the art to create and use a computer system configuration and
related method and systems for product recognition and assignment.
Various modifications to the example embodiments will be readily
apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles
defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Moreover, in the following description, numerous details are set
forth for the purpose of explanation. However, one of ordinary
skill in the art will realize that the invention may be practiced
without the use of these specific details. In other instances,
well-known structures and processes are shown in block diagram form
in order not to obscure the description of the invention with
unnecessary detail. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to
be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the
widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed
herein.
[0031] In describing exemplary embodiments, specific terminology is
used for the sake of clarity. For purposes of description, each
specific term is intended to at least include all technical and
functional equivalents that operate in a similar manner to
accomplish a similar purpose. Additionally, in some instances where
a particular exemplary embodiment includes a plurality of system
elements, device components or method steps, those elements,
components or steps can be replaced with a single element,
component, or step. Likewise, a single element, component, or step
can be replaced with a plurality of elements, components, or steps
that serve the same purpose. Moreover, while exemplary embodiments
have been shown and described with references to particular
embodiments thereof, those of ordinary skill in the art will
understand that various substitutions and alterations in form and
detail can be made therein without departing from the scope of the
invention. Further still, other aspects, functions, and advantages
are also within the scope of the invention.
[0032] Exemplary flowcharts have been provided herein for
illustrative purposes and are non-limiting examples of methods. One
of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that exemplary methods
can include more or fewer steps than those illustrated in the
exemplary flowcharts, and that the steps in the exemplary
flowcharts can be performed in a different order than the order
shown in the illustrative flowcharts.
[0033] Having described certain embodiments, which serve to
illustrate various concepts, structures, and techniques sought to
be protected herein, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill
in the art that other embodiments incorporating these concepts,
structures, and techniques may be used. Elements of different
embodiments described hereinabove may be combined to form other
embodiments not specifically set forth above and, further, elements
described in the context of a single embodiment may be provided
separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Accordingly, it is
submitted that the scope of protection sought herein should not be
limited to the described embodiments but rather should be limited
only by the spirit and scope of the following claims.
* * * * *