SENSOR TESTING STATION

Abstract

A system performs measurements in storage containers for storing items. The storage containers are stored in an automated storage system including a framework structure forming a three-dimensional storage grid structure for storing the storage containers. The grid structure forms vertical storage columns each having a horizontal area defined by the size of an access opening of the vertical storage columns. A rail system is arranged on the framework structure defining the circumference of each access opening on top of each storage column. The rail system provides available routes for container handling vehicles handling and transferring the storage containers to and from the storage columns. The system further includes a testing station, accessible to a container handling vehicle via the rail system, with measuring equipment for measuring atmospheric conditions and for performing measurements in said storage container. The testing station is configured to communicate measurement data to a computer system. The testing station includes an upper part to which a measuring platform with measuring equipment is attached, a lower part for holding a container, and connector for connecting the upper part and the lower part and the testing station includes a lifting device adapted to raise and lower the measuring platform.

Claims

1. A system for performing measurements in storage containers for storing items, the storage containers are stored in an automated storage system comprising a framework structure forming a three-dimensional storage grid structure for storing the storage containers, wherein the grid structure forms vertical storage columns each having a horizontal area defined by the size of an access opening of the vertical storage columns and wherein a rail system is arranged on the framework structure defining the circumference of each access opening on top of each storage column, the rail system providing available routes for container handling vehicles handling and transferring the storage containers to and from the storage columns, and wherein said system further comprises a testing station, accessible to a container handling vehicle via the rail system, with measuring equipment for measuring atmospheric conditions and for performing measurements in said storage container and wherein the testing station is configured to communicate measurement data to a computer system, the testing station comprises an upper part to which a measuring platform with measuring equipment is attached, a lower part for holding a container, and connection means for connecting the upper part and the lower part and the testing station comprises a lifting device adapted to raise and lower the measuring platform.

2. (canceled)

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the lower part comprises a cavity underneath a set of rails and into which cavity a storage container can be lowered.

4. The system according to claim 2, wherein the lower part comprises a plate with a set of tracks on them.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the testing station comprises a space between the upper part and the lower part adapted for accommodating a storage container.

6. (canceled)

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the testing station is adapted to accommodate a container handling vehicle with a storage container on top.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the measuring equipment is raised and lowered by a rope, band, or wire controlled by an electric motor. 9, (Currently Amended) The system according to claim 1, wherein the measuring equipment is raised and lowered by a robotic arm.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the measuring equipment comprises temperature measurement equipment, moisture detectors, gas detectors, and/or cameras.

11. The system according to claim 1, further comprising an UV light source for detecting mold on the items stored in the storage container.

12. The system according to claim 1, further comprising UV-C light source for killing mold, virus and bacteria on the items stored in the storage container.

13. A method for performing measurements in storage containers for storing items using a testing station, the storage containers is stored in an automated storage system comprising a framework structure forming a three-dimensional storage grid structure for storing the storage containers, wherein the grid structure forms vertical storage columns each having a horizontal area defined by the size of an access opening of the vertical storage columns and wherein a rail system is arranged on the framework structure defining the circumference of each access opening on top of each storage column, the rail system providing available routes for container handling vehicles handling and transferring the storage containers to and from the storage columns, each vehicle comprising a vehicle controller communicating with a central computer system controlling the operation of the storage system, and wherein said method comprises: placing a storage container in the testing station by means of a container handling vehicle, offering up a measuring equipment attached to the testing station onto the storage container, performing measurements to collect measurement data, transmitting the measurement data to a computer system, storing the transmitted measurement data and performing an analysis of the measurement data, transmitting instructions, regarding where to transport the container, from the central computer system to a container handling vehicle based on the result of the analysis, raising the measuring equipment, transporting the storage container to a next destination by means of a container handling vehicle.

14. The method according to claim 13, by performing measurements of temperature, moisture and/or gas level in the storage container and/or by using cameras for visual inspection of the items.

15. The method according to claim 14 wherein the gas detectors are lowered into the storage container.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Following drawings are appended to facilitate the understanding of the invention. The drawings show embodiments of the invention, which will now be described by way of example only, where:

[0037] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a framework structure of a prior art automated storage and retrieval system.

[0038] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a prior art container handling vehicle having a centrally arranged cavity for carrying storage containers therein.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a prior art container handling vehicle having a cantilever for carrying storage containers underneath.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a side view of a delivery vehicle.

[0041] FIG. 5A-D is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention wherein a container handling vehicle with a central cavity places a container in a testing station for measurements.

[0042] FIG. 6A-D is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention wherein a container handling vehicle with a cantilever solution places a container in a testing station for measurements.

[0043] FIG. 7A-C is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention wherein a delivery vehicle carrying a container is placed in a testing station.

[0044] FIG. 8A-D is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein a container handling vehicle with a cantilever solution places a container in a testing station for measurements.

[0045] FIG. 9A-C is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein a delivery vehicle carrying a container is placed in a testing station.

[0046] FIG. 10 is a flowchart describing the steps in the process of the embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] In the following, embodiments of the invention will be discussed in more detail with reference to the appended drawings. It should be understood, however, that the drawings are not intended to limit the invention to the subject-matter depicted in the drawings.

[0048] The framework structure 100 of the automated storage and retrieval system 1 is constructed in accordance with the prior art framework structure 100 described above in connection with FIGS. 1-3, i.e. a number of upright members 102 and a number of horizontal members 103, which are supported by the upright members 102, and further that the framework structure 100 comprises a first, upper rail system 108 in the X direction and Y direction.

[0049] The framework structure 100 further comprises storage compartments in the form of storage columns 105 provided between the members 102, 103, where storage containers 106 are stackable in stacks 107 within the storage columns 105.

[0050] The framework structure 100 can be of any size. In particular it is understood that the framework structure can be considerably wider and/or longer and/or deeper than disclosed in FIG. 1. For example, the framework structure 100 may have a horizontal extent of more than 700×700 columns and a storage depth of more than twelve containers.

[0051] Embodiments of the automated storage and retrieval system according to the invention will now be discussed in more detail with reference to FIGS. 5A-D, 6A-D, 7A-C, 8A-D, 9A-C and 10.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the testing station is comprised of a top portion. This top portion houses the measuring platform. The measuring platform comprises at least one sensor. The at least one sensor is used to measure a at least one atmospheric condition in a storage container. One such atmospheric condition might be the temperature in the container, further the sensor can be used to detect the presence of gasses that is released during rotting of food. One such gas can be methane. Other gasses that are released during decay of food is carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulphide. In the case of carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulphide they are heavier than air and will therefore collect at the bottom of the container. The sensors for sensing carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulphide can therefore be attached to a probe that is lowered into the container. Alternatively there can be holes in the sides or in the bottom of the containers into which it is possible to insert sensors. In yet another solution there can be a slit or a tunnel e.g. along the inside edges of the container wherein the probe can be lowered into the bottom of the container without the content of the container hindering the probe. Further there can be detectors to detect moisture. The presense of moisture is due to the fact that during rotting of food the cells of the food is broken down and the liquid in the cells leaks out. A further type of measuring equipment can be a camera. The camera can take pictures into the container, i.e., of the contents, in order to detect if there is any sign of rotting food. The camera can be an ordinary camera that takes colour images in order to detect if there is marks on the food, like e.g., brown spots on bananas, or discoloration on the surface due to milldue. Alternatively or in addition, there can be used a camera that has ultraviolet light in order to detect mold.

[0053] There is also the possibility to use UV light in order to kill bacteria on the food. There is further a possibility to use UV light to kill mold. Therefor the measuring platform can have a UV light source that can be used to both detect rotting food and to kill bacteria and mold on the food and in the container. The difference between using the UV light source to detect decay and to kill bacteria and mold is the wavelength of the light and the power of the light source.

[0054] FIG. 5A-D is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention wherein a container handling vehicle with a central cavity places a container in a testing station for measurements. The container handling vehicle with a container in its central cavity moves into the testing station. The container is lowered down into a cavity underneath the container handling vehicle. After the container handling vehicle has placed the container in the testing station, the container handling vehicle moves away. After it has moved away, the measuring equipment is lowered down on a measuring platform. The testing station lowers a measuring platform onto the container. The measuring platform is lowered using lines attached to an electric motor. These lines can be wire, belts, chains, rope or similar. The measuring platform fits over the top opening. The platform further comprises measuring equipment attached to the underside. The measuring equipment is placed so that it fits inside the container when the platform is placed on the container. The measuring equipment can be a temperature sensor, a moisture sensor, a gas sensor and/or cameras. Any other kind of measuring equipment that can be mounted onto the measuring platform can be used. After the measuring equipment has collected the data, it can be sent to a central computer system. The central computer system can store the data together with the ID of the container in order to keep track of the condition of the content of the container. Based on the conditions of the content of the container, the central computer system can send instruction to a container handling vehicle to transport the container to a destination dependent on the condition of the items in the container. If the items are in a condition that is acceptable for distribution to customers, the container with the items are transported either to a station where the desired items can be picked for further distribution, or the container with the items can be transported back into the storage system. If one or more of the items in the container is of poor quality the container can be transported to a destination where the spoiled items can be removed from the container. After the items have been removed the container is either transported back to the storage system or to a port for further distribution to a picking station where items are picked for further distribution to customers.

[0055] FIG. 6A-D is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention wherein a container handling vehicle with a cantilever solution places a container in a testing station for measurements. The container handling vehicle approaches the testing station carrying a container from the storage system. The container handling vehicle places the container in the testing station. The container handling vehicle backs away giving the testing station access to the contents of the container via its top opening.

[0056] The testing station lowers a measuring platform onto the container. The measuring platform is lowered using lines attached to an electric motor. These lines can be wire, belts, chains, rope or similar. The measuring platform fits over the top opening. The platform comprises measuring equipment attached to the underside. The measuring equipment is placed, for example, on the underside, so that it fits inside the container when the platform is placed on the container. The measuring equipment can be a temperature sensor, a moisture sensor, a gas sensor and/or cameras. Any other kind of measuring equipment that can be mounted onto the measuring platform can be used. The collected data can be sent to a central computer system. The central computer system can store and analyse the data. The data can be stored together with the ID of the container in order to keep track of the condition of the content of the container. Based on the conditions of the content of the container, the central computer system can send instruction to a container handling vehicle to transport the container to a destination dependent on the condition of the items in the container. If the items are in a condition that is acceptable for distribution to customers, the container with the items are transported either to a station where the desired items can be picked for further distribution, or the container with the items can be transported back into the storage system. If one or more of the items in the container is of poor quality the container can be transported to a destination where the spoiled items can be removed from the container. After the items have been removed the container is either transported back to the storage system or to a port for further distribution to a picking station where items are picked for further distribution to customers.

[0057] FIG. 7A-D is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention wherein a delivery vehicle carrying a container is placed in a testing station. Since the delivery vehicle does not have a lifting platform arranged above the container, like the previously described handling vehicles, it is not possible for the delivery vehicle to place the container in the testing station with out help. In an embodiment of the present invention the delivery vehicle with the container on top therefor fits into the testing station. In this embodiment the testing station therefor has tracks in the bottom in order to allow the delivery vehicle to manouever itself with the container on top into the testing station. The testing station lowers the measuring platform onto the container. The measuring platform is lowered using, wire, belts, chains, rope or similar attached to an electric motor. The measuring platform fits over the top opening. The platform further comprises measuring equipment attached to the underside. The measuring equipment is placed so that it fits inside the container when the platform is placed on the container. The measuring equipment can be a temperature sensor, a moisture sensor, a gas sensor and/or cameras. Any other kind of measuring equipment that can be mounted onto the measuring platform can be used. After the data from the measuring equipment has been collected the data can be sent over to the central computer system. When the data is collected the delivery vehicle with the container on top can be transported to the next destination.

[0058] FIG. 8A-D is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein a container handling vehicle with a cantilever solution places a container in a testing station for measurements. The container handling vehicle approaches the testing station carrying a container from the storage system. The container handling vehicle places the container on the base of the testing station. The container handling vehicle backs away giving the testing station access to the contents of the container via its top opening. The testing station lowers a measuring platform onto the container. The measuring platform is lowered using, wire, belts, chains, rope or similar attached to an electric motor. The measuring platform fits over the top opening. The platform further comprises measuring equipment attached to the underside. The measuring equipment are placed so that it fits inside the container when the platform is placed on the container. The measuring equipment can be a temperature sensor, a moisture sensor, a gas sensor and/or cameras. Any other kind of measuring equipment that can be mounted onto the measuring platform can be used. The collected data can be sent to a central computer system. The central computer system can store and analyse the data. The data can be stored together with the ID of the container in order to keep track of the condition of the content of the container. Based on the conditions of the content of the container, the central computer system can send instruction to a container handling vehicle to transport the container to a destination dependent on the condition of the items in the container. If the items are in a condition that is acceptable for distribution to customers, the container with the items are transported either to a station where the desired items can be picked for further distribution, or the container with the items can be transported back into the storage system. If one or more of the items in the container is of poor quality the container can be transported to a destination where the spoiled items can be removed from the container. After the items have been removed the container is either transported back to the storage system or to a port for further distribution to a picking station where items are picked for further distribution to customers.

[0059] FIG. 9A-C is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein a delivery vehicle carrying a container is placed in a testing station. Since the delivery vehicle does not have a lifting platform holding the container it is not possible for the delivery vehicle to place the container in the testing station with out help. In an embodiment of the present invention the delivery vehicle with the container on top therefor fits into the testing station. In this embodiment the testing station has tracks in the base of the testing station in order to allow the delivery vehicle to manouever itself with the container on top into the testing station. The testing station lowers the measuring platform onto the container. The measuring platform is lowered using, wire, belts, chains, rope or similar attached to an electric motor. The measuring platform fits over the top opening. The platform further comprises measuring equipment attached to the underside. The measuring equipment are placed so that it fits inside the container when the platform is placed on the container. The measuring equipment can be a temperature sensor, a moisture sensor, a gas sensor and/or cameras. Any other kind of measuring equipment that can be mounted onto the measuring platform can be used. After the data from the measuring equipment has been collected the data can be sent over to the central computer system. When the data is collected the delivery vehicle with the container on top can be transported to the next destination.

[0060] FIG. 10 is a flowchart describing the steps in the process of the embodiments of the present invention. A container handling vehicle or a delivery vehicle transports a container from the storage system. The storage system is an automated storage and retrieval system 1 with a framework structure 100, comprising upright members 102, horizontal members 103 and a storage volume comprising storage columns 105 arranged in rows between the upright members 102 and the horizontal members 103. In these storage columns 105 storage containers 106, also known as bins, are stacked one on top of one another to form stacks 107. The container handling vehicle or the delivery vehicle transports the container to the measuring station. Dependent on the vehicle transporting the container, the container is either placed in the testing station or the delivery vehicle with the container on top is parked in the testing station. The testing station lowers the measuring platform, the measuring platform fits over the top of the container. The measuring platform has sensors attached to it. The sensors can be a temperature sensor, a gas sensor, a moisture detector and/or a camera. The data from the sensors are collected and sent to the central computer system. In the central computer system the collected data is stored together with the ID of the container. Further the data can be analyzed and the result to the analysis is the basis for the conclusion of where the container and its content go after the measuring. After the measuring is performed, the central computer system sends instructions to the container handling vehicle or the delivery vehicle telling it to transport the container to a predetermined destination. The predetermined destination is dependent on the quality of the items in the container. If the items are of a quality that is good enough to be distributed to consumers, the container is either transported to a port and from there it is transported to a picking station where items are collected for further distribution, alternatively the container can be transported back to the storage grid structure. If the items in the container is of a quality that is not good enough for human consumption, it is transported to a destination where the spoiled items are picked from the container and disposed of according to prescribed instructions.

[0061] In the preceding description, various aspects of the delivery vehicle and the automated storage and retrieval system according to the invention have been described with reference to the illustrative embodiment. For purposes of explanation, specific numbers, systems and configurations were set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the system and its workings. However, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and variations of the illustrative embodiment, as well as other embodiments of the system, which are apparent to persons skilled in the art to which the disclosed subject matter pertains, are deemed to lie within the scope of the present invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0062] Prior Art (FIGS. 1-10):

[0063] 100 Framework structure

[0064] 102 Upright members of framework structure

[0065] 103 Horizontal members of framework structure

[0066] 104 Storage grid

[0067] 105 Storage column

[0068] 106 Storage container

[0069] 106′ Particular position of storage container

[0070] 107 Stack

[0071] 108 Rail system

[0072] 110 Parallel rails in first direction (X)

[0073] 110a First rail in first direction (X)

[0074] 110b Second rail in first direction (X)

[0075] 111 Parallel rail in second direction (Y)

[0076] 111a First rail of second direction (Y)

[0077] 111b Second rail of second direction (Y)

[0078] 112 Access opening

[0079] 119 First port column

[0080] 120 Second port column

[0081] 201 Prior art storage container vehicle

[0082] 201a Vehicle body of the storage container vehicle 101

[0083] 201b Drive means/wheel arrangement, first direction (X)

[0084] 201c Drive means/wheel arrangement, second direction (Y)

[0085] 301 Prior art cantilever storage container vehicle

[0086] 301a Vehicle body of the storage container vehicle 101

[0087] 301b Drive means in first direction (X)

[0088] 301c Drive means in second direction (Y)

[0089] X First direction

[0090] Y Second direction

[0091] Z Third direction

[0092] 401 Delivery vehicle

[0093] 501 Container lifting platform

[0094] 502 Container

[0095] 503 Measuring platform

[0096] 504 Testing station

[0097] 601 Container placement area.

[0098] 801 Plate