Abstract: A safety system is disclosed for failsafe servicing of areas within an order fulfillment facility. During normal operation, a number of battery-powered robots receive wireless instructions from a management control system (MCS) to transfer items to/from workstations or storage shelves in a multi-level storage structure. The order fulfillment facility may be divided into dynamically configurable service zones. When service is required in a service zone, different safety protocols may be employed based on a determination as to the priority level of service required and/or the estimated length of time service will take. One safety protocol involves physically blocking all access points to a service area with mechanical guards, so that order fulfillment operations may be proceed around the service zone while service is performed.

Abstract: An opportunistic rail charging system is disclosed for recharging power supplies on mobile robots transporting goods within an automated order fulfillment system. Individual chargers may be incorporated into each mobile robot for converting a facility line voltage from the charge rail to a voltage for which the rechargeable power supplies on each mobile robot are rated.

Abstract: A safety system is disclosed for failsafe servicing of areas within an order fulfillment facility. During normal operation, a number of battery-powered robots receive wireless instructions from a management control system (MCS) to transfer items to/from workstations or storage shelves in a multi-level storage structure. The order fulfillment facility may be divided into dynamically configurable service zones. When service is required in a service zone, different safety protocols may be employed based on a determination as to the priority level of service required and/or the estimated length of time service will take. One safety protocol involves physically blocking all access points to a service area with mechanical guards, so that order fulfillment operations may be proceed around the service zone while service is performed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prize merchandiser comprising a cabinet, a see-through monitor extending through a front wall of the cabinet, a touch screen overlay mounted over the see-through monitor, a coin acceptor attached to the cabinet, a prize dispenser mounted inside the cabinet, and a computer unit connected to the coin acceptor, the prize dispenser, the see-through monitor and the touch screen overlay. The prize dispenser has a prize storage area extending behind the see-through monitor so that prizes in the prize storage area are visible through the see-through monitor during game play and when nobody plays a game. The computer unit is configured to run an interactive video game that displays on the see-through monitor and is controlled by player interactions with the touch screen overlay, and to operate the prize dispenser so as to dispense a prize based on an outcome of the video game.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prize merchandiser comprising a cabinet, a see-through monitor extending through a front wall of the cabinet, a touch screen overlay mounted over the see-through monitor, a coin acceptor attached to the cabinet, a prize dispenser mounted inside the cabinet, and a computer unit connected to the coin acceptor, the prize dispenser, the see-through monitor and the touch screen overlay. The prize dispenser has a prize storage area extending behind the see-through monitor so that prizes in the prize storage area are visible through the see-through monitor during game play and when nobody plays a game. The computer unit is configured to run an interactive video game that displays on the see-through monitor and is controlled by player interactions with the touch screen overlay, and to operate the prize dispenser so as to dispense a prize based on an outcome of the video game.

Abstract: An interactive image projection system and method provides for projection of an interactive image on a projection surface. A copy of the image is broadcast by two projectors onto the projection surface in registration with one another to form a single projection copy on the surface. Sensors on the surface detect a position on the projection surface of an object manipulatable by a user and a computing device connected to the object generates an output in response thereto. The projectors are configured such that any shadow cast by the object in the path of a projection from one projector is at least partially eliminated by the projection of the other projector.