A47F2010/005

SHOPPING FACILITY ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS, DEVICES AND METHODS TO ADDRESS GROUND AND WEATHER CONDITIONS
20190002256 · 2019-01-03 ·

Some embodiments provide methods, systems and apparatus to enhance safety. In some embodiments, a system comprises: a central computer system comprising: a transceiver; a control circuit; and a memory coupled to the control circuit and storing computer instructions that when executed by the control circuit cause the control circuit to perform the steps of: communicate positioning routing instructions to the plurality of motorized transport units directing the motorized transport units to one or more external areas of a shopping facility that are exposed to weather conditions; and communicate separate area routing instructions to each of the motorized transport units that when implemented cause the motorized transport units to cooperatively and in concert travel in accordance with the area routing instructions over at least predefined portions of one or more external areas to cause ground treatment systems to address ground level conditions.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING PARCEL PICKUP

Systems and methods for facilitating parcel pickup are disclosed. A system may include a plurality of shelves and a plurality of display units coupled to the shelves. The system may further include memory and a processor physically coupled to the memory and communicatively coupled to the display units. The processor may be configured to receive an identifier of a parcel. The processor may be further configured, in response to receiving the identifier of the parcel, to determine a shelf location among the shelves for storing the parcel. The processor may also be configured, in response to determining the shelf location, to identify one or more display units to update. The processor may additionally be configured, in response to identifying one or more display units to update, to update graphical output of the identified one or more display units identified to each present a parcel storage location indication.

APPARATUS AND METHOD OF OBTAINING LOCATION INFORMATION OF A MOTORIZED TRANSPORT UNIT

Methods and apparatuses are provided, some apparatuses comprise: a location controller separate from a motorized transport unit, comprising: a transceiver configured to receive communications from the motorized transport unit; a control circuit; a memory storing computer instructions that when executed by the control circuit cause the control circuit to perform the steps of: obtain, from the communications, a unique light source identifier of a light source detected by the motorized transport unit, and relative distance information determined by the motorized transport unit through an optical measurement; process the at least one unique light source identifier and the relative distance information relative to a mapping of the shopping facility; and determine, in response to the processing, a location of the motorized transport unit within the shopping facility as a function of the at least one unique light source identifier and the relative distance information.

SYSTEMS, DEVICES AND METHODS OF PROVIDING CUSTOMER SUPPORT IN LOCATING PRODUCT
20180346300 · 2018-12-06 ·

Some embodiments provide a system comprising: multiple self-propelled motorized transport units; a wireless communication network; and a central computer comprising: a transceiver, a control circuit and a memory storing computer instructions that when executed by the control circuit cause the control circuit to: receive a request from a customer requesting location information for a requested item; identify the requested item is a category of items, and identify category location information; communicate routing instructions to the motorized transport unit based on the category location information causing the motorized transport unit to initiate physical movement; and communicate to the motorized transport unit a species clarification inquiry instruction configured to cause the motorized transport unit, while implementing routing instructions to move toward the category location, to present a clarification inquiry to the customer seeking clarification in narrowing the identified category to one or more products categorized within the identified category.

Recharging apparatus and method

Methods and apparatuses are provided for use in monitor power levels at a shopping facility, comprising: central control system separate and distinct from a plurality of self-propelled motorized transport units, wherein the central control system comprises: a transceiver configured to wirelessly receive communications from the plurality of motorized transport units; a control circuit coupled with the transceiver; and a memory coupled to the control circuit and storing computer instructions that cause the control circuit to: identify available stored power levels at each of the plurality of motorized transport units; identify an available recharge station, of a plurality of recharge stations distributed throughout the shopping facility, at least relative to a location of the first motorized transport unit intended to be subjected to recharging; and wirelessly communicate one or more instructions to cause the first motorized transport unit to cooperate with an available recharge station.

Product holder

A holder for a product package includes a substrate having an inside surface, with opposing end portions of the substrate being folded upwards. The holder also includes a securing member disposed on at least one of the end portions, the securing member configured to secure the product package within the end portions of the substrate. The holder also includes a RFID tag disposed on the substrate.

Shopping facility assistance systems, devices and methods

System, apparatuses, and methods for bringing a shopping container to a customer in a shopping space are provided. A system for bringing a shopping container to a customer in a shopping space comprises a plurality of sensors, a plurality of motorized transport units, and a control circuit. The control circuit being configured to: receive a shopping container request from a user interface device associated with the customer, determine at least one available shopping container based on data collected by the plurality of sensors, the at least one available shopping container being empty and not used by another customer, select an available shopping container based at least on a location information of the user interface device, select a motorized transport unit to transport the available shopping container, and provide instructions to the motorized transport unit to bring the available shopping container to the customer.

OVERRIDING CONTROL OF MOTORIZE TRANSPORT UNIT SYSTEMS, DEVICES AND METHODS
20180282139 · 2018-10-04 ·

Some embodiments include apparatuses providing control over movement of motorized transport units at a shopping facility, comprising: multiple self-propelled motorized transport units; a wireless communication network; and a central computer system, wherein the central computer system comprises: a transceiver; a control circuit; and a memory storing computer instructions that when executed cause the control circuit to: receive an override command, from a worker associated with the shopping facility, to cause a first motorized transport unit of the multiple motorized transport units to implement one or more actions; confirm a valid authorization of the worker to override one or more operating limits of the first motorized transport unit; and override the one or more operating limits and communicate one or more instructions to the first motorized transport unit configured to cause the first motorized transport unit to implement the one or more actions in accordance with the override command.

Interactive display case

An interactive display case having a first frame, a plurality of storage areas within the first frame, a second frame, and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to detect an object passing through the interior of the second frame, identify an area within the interior of the second frame in which the object passes, where the area corresponding to one of the storage areas, and generate interaction data corresponding to the identified area.

Horizontal tool staging system and tool staging accessories with secure enclosure and tool locating capabilities
12086758 · 2024-09-10 · ·

A securable vertical toolbox includes a vertically disposed frame, a plurality of wheels for transporting the vertically disposed frame, and a plurality of support panels configured to extend horizontally from the vertically disposed frame, each of the support panels including a peg board configured to support tool supporting fixtures. The securable vertical toolbox further includes an enclosure including a rear panel, a top panel, and two doors configured to surround the vertically disposed frame when the plurality of support panels are retracted into the vertically disposed frame and the two doors are secured, each of the two doors including a first panel configured to cover a side portion of the vertically disposed frame and a second panel configured to cover a front portion of the vertically disposed frame.