Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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SHOPPING FACILITY TRACK SYSTEM AND METHOD OF
ROUTING MOTORIZED TRANSPORT UNITS
Technical Field
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
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
The above needs are at least partially met through provision of embodiments of
systems,
devices, and methods designed to provide a track system that motorized
transport units can utilize
in traversing parts of a shopping facility, which can in part improve customer
and/or worker
assistance in a shopping facility, such as described in the following detailed
description,
particularly when studied in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:
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FIG. 1 comprises a block diagram of a shopping assistance system as configured
in
accordance with various embodiments of these teachings;
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;
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;
FIG. 4 comprises a block diagram of a motorized transport unit as configured
in accordance
with various embodiments of these teachings;
FIG. 5 comprises a block diagram of a computer device as configured in
accordance with
various embodiments of these teachings;
FIG. 6 shows a simplified overhead view of an exemplary elevated track system
within a
shopping facility, in accordance with some embodiments;
FIG. 7 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;
FIG. 8 illustrates some embodiments of a portion of an exemplary elevated
track of an
elevated track system that include one or more staging areas;
FIG. 9 illustrates a simplified flow diagram of an exemplary process of
routing motorized
transport units through a shopping facility, in accordance with some
embodiments.
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
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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
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.
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 examples, persons or
other movable objects
may be freely and independently traveling through the shopping facility space.
And in other
examples, 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-
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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.
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.
SYSTEM OVERVIEW
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. 6-9 expand on some functionalities of some embodiments of
the system and/or
embodiments independent of such systems.
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
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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.
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.
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.
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
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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.
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).
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).)
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.
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
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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.
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
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.
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
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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.
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.
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, Massachusetts.
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.
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
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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.
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.
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.
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
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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.
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.
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.
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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.
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
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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.
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.
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
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(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.
The control circuit 406 operably couples to a motorized wheel system 410. This
motorized
wheel system 410 functions as a locomotion system to pennit 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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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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).
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).)
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.
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
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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.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES OVERVIEW
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.
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,
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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position and replace the motorized transport unit with low power. The
transition from one unit to
the next can be seamless to the user.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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FURTHER DETAILS OF SOME EMBODIMENTS
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 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. 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.
FIG. 6 shows a simplified overhead view of an exemplary elevated track system
600 within
a shopping facility 601, in accordance with some embodiments. The elevated
track system
includes one or more tracks 604, 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 606, 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
604 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.
FIG. 7 illustrates some embodiments of an exemplary elevated track 604 of an
elevated
track system positioned above one or more shelving units 700, modulars, and
other such product
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support units. In this example, a chute 606 is further illustrated as being
cooperated with the
elevate track 604 and extending between the elevated track and the sales
floor. Referring to at
least FIGS. 6 and 7, 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.
The chutes 606 allow the motorized transport units to access and exit the
elevated track
system 600. 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.
As illustrated in FIG. 7, in some embodiments, a chute 606 may be positioned
at least
partially within a shelving unit, end cap 706 (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
706 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
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system. The door prevents children or others from playing with the chutes or
otherwise interfering
with the use of the chutes.
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. 62/175,182, filed June 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.
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.).
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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.).
The tracks 604 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.
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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.).
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.
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
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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.
FIG. 8 illustrates some embodiments of a portion of an exemplary elevated
track 604 of an
elevated track system 600 that include one or more staging areas 608.
Referring to at least FIGS.
6 and 8, in some embodiments, the track system 600 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 608, which can
include T-junctions 610,
extensions 612, launch pads, other such areas, or a combination of two or more
of such areas. The
staging areas 608 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 606, 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.
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.
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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 platfoini 614, 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.
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.
62/175,182, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
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
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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.
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 perfoini 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.
FIG. 9 illustrates a simplified flow diagram of an exemplary process 900 of
routing
motorized transport units through a shopping facility, which can include
utilizing the elevated track
system 600 when relevant, in accordance with some embodiments. In step 902,
the central
computer system instructs multiple motorized transport units to access the
elevated track system
600. 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.
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In step 904, 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.
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.
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
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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.
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.
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.
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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.).
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.
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
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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.
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.
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.
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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