Abstract: A delivery portal, which may be at a loading dock, includes a sensor configured to detect a pallet, platform or stack of goods as it passes through the portal. A computer is programmed to receive information from the sensor and to identify the pallet based upon the information. The computer is further programmed to compare the identified pallet to a database to determine if the identified pallet should be passing through the portal. For example, the computer determines whether the pallet is being loaded onto the wrong truck or onto the right truck but in the wrong sequence. The sensor for detecting the pallet may be an RFID sensor reading an RFID tag on the pallets. The portal may be a loading dock. The database may indicate a sequence for loading a plurality of pallets including the identified pallet onto a truck at the loading dock.

Abstract: Systems and methods for commanding, controlling, and guiding automated guided vehicles (“AGVs”). Automated systems translate AGV commands according to AGV manufacturers. AGVs can be summoned and destinations be determined automatically.

Abstract: A device for loading and unloading and for operating a machine vise (10) of a machine tool (02), the device having a positioning device (13) mounted so as to be displaceable along a longitudinal direction (L), a coupling unit (14) movable together with the positioning device (13) being disposed at one end of the positioning device (13) in the longitudinal direction (L) for the detachable mechanical coupling to a machine vise (10) of the machine tool (02) and for the operation, in particular opening and closing, of the machine vise (10) and a workpiece handling unit (15), in particular a multiaxial robot unit, being disposed on the positioning device (13) behind the coupling unit (14) in the longitudinal direction (L) so as to be movable together with the positioning device (13).

Abstract: A package room system may include at least one shelf, at least one sensor configured to sense items on the at least one shelf, at least one data entry device, and at least one computer coupled to the at least one sensor and the at least one data entry device. The at least one computer may be configured to receive data concerning a package from the at least one data entry device, detect, from data from the at least one sensor, a location of the package on the at least one shelf, notify a recipient of receipt of a presence of the package and the location of the package, and detect, from data from the at least one sensor, removal of the package from the at least one shelf.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for using augmented reality to improve loading, and in particular improve loading when the types and order of items to be loaded is unknown. A server uses information regarding the packages which have already been stored in a storage area to generate a three-dimensional map of where the stored packages currently are placed. Upon receiving information indicating a subsequent package is going to be stored, the server can identify the best place to store that package in the storage area, then communicate that storage location to an augmented reality device worn by a worker. The worker can then have a visual indication showing where and how to place the subsequent package.

Abstract: A method for authenticating an object, particularly a security element for protecting value documents, ID documents and products, as well as a security element, a security document, a reader, an individualization device and a server for such a method. The method involves the steps: dividing a first code element into at least one first partial code element and one second partial code element, storing the second partial code element, arranging the first partial code element and/or a second code element on and/or in the object, jointly machine-capturing the first partial code element and the second code element by means of a reader, extracting the first partial code element and the second code element from the data captured by the reader, accessing the stored second partial code element using the second code element as a key, checking whether the code element resulting from merging the extracted first partial code element and the stored second partial code element corresponds to the first code element.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a sensor unit disposed on a load-bearing device of an industrial truck includes the steps of: determining a first position of the sensor unit relative to an object located remotely from the industrial truck, displacing the sensor relative to the object in a first direction by a first distance, determining a second position of the sensor unit relative to the object, determining the spatial position or arrangement of the sensor unit relative to the load-bearing device based on the first and second positions, the direction of movement, and the distance between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A system for transporting containers using heavy goods vehicles having a separate operating region in which the heavy goods vehicles can be operated includes at least one first lane for at least one external heavy goods vehicle, and at least one second lane for at least one internal heavy goods vehicle are reserved in the separate operating region. The heavy goods vehicles can be operated together in a mixed traffic situation, and the first and second lanes are each guided through a transition region of a handling unit of a storage region and each arranged laterally in relation tothe storage region.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body and a door coupled to the body. The door is operable between opened and closed positions. A cinch assembly is operably coupled to the door. A door seal is positioned along at least a portion of a door opening, wherein the door seal includes a first conductor and a second conductor positioned therein. The first and second conductors are dielectrically isolated and cooperate to generate a capacitive signal. A controller is configured to monitor the capacitive signal and control the cinch assembly in response to the capacitive signal.

Abstract: A method of identifying item selection by a user, the method comprising: receiving signals at a receiver of a fixed terminal from a transmitter of a mobile terminal associated with the user, generating a signature at the receiver of the fixed terminal of the movement of the user based on changes in the signals received from the transmitter, matching the signature with prior stored movement information to determine the movement of the user, and identifying the item being selected by the user based on the determined movement of the user.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical transport system may include an authentication server for storing authorized user identifications (IDs), and a pharmaceutical transport device movable within a pneumatic network. The transport device may include a container, a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader configured to obtain a user identification (ID) based upon a user RFID transmitter being presented adjacent thereto, and wireless communications circuitry to wirelessly communicate the obtained user ID to the authentication server. The pharmaceutical transport device may also include an electronic lock configured to unlock the container responsive to an unlock command via the wireless communications circuitry and from the authentication server based upon a match between the obtained user ID and one of the plurality of authorized user IDs.

Abstract: The present publication discloses a method and system for delivering goods from main system (S1) via subsystem (S2) to an end address (D1-Dn) of the customer (3). According to the invention the end address (D1-Dn) of the customer (3) is enquired (4) from the customer via telecommunications network by a multiple choice enquiry (4), the end address (D1-Dn) selected by the customer is received (5) and the goods are delivered to the selected end address (D1-Dn).

Abstract: A delivery system generates a pick sheet containing a plurality of SKUs based upon an order. A loaded pallet is imaged to identify the SKUs on the loaded pallet, which are compared to the order prior to the loaded pallet leaving the distribution center. The loaded pallet may be imaged while being wrapped with stretch wrap. At the point of delivery, the loaded pallet may be imaged again and analyzed to compare with the pick sheet.

Abstract: A transport system for products comprising a plurality of driverless transport units that move in a travel zone not accessible to persons and that do not have a sensor system for a reliable avoidance of accidents with persons. In this respect, at least one driverless transport unit is configured as an escort vehicle that has at least one sensor for a safe detection of sensor data to safely escort a person in the non-accessible travel zone.

Abstract: An aspect includes receiving a software image file set and a capacity requirement at a software image distribution system. A software image is generated based on the software image file set. A license record is generated based on the capacity requirement. The software image and the license record are provided to an external interface of the software image distribution system. An installation action is triggered by the software image distribution system on to a machine based on a request of an ordering system.

Abstract: Modulable system for identifying and certifying garments, suitable to analyze a garment or an accessory inside a tunnel in which a common movement mechanism transports the garments. The tunnel has image capturing devices, light source and a common automatic gripping mechanism. Each garment has an identification device recognized by an identification sensor in the tunnel. The analysis is performed by software and includes: identification, by associating the garment with a wearer; entry, in which the garment is introduced inside the tunnel; acquisition of the images, in which image capturing devices take at least one pair of photographs; analysis, in which the software analyzes the images; assessment, in which the common dedicated software processes the data and indicates whether the garment meets the pre-set parameters; saving in a memory; sorting the approved garments from those that have been rejected. The assessment parameters are changeable through a special adjustment device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for alerting a user to a device low battery state are disclosed herein. An example method includes receiving, at a charging station for a scanning device, a notification from the scanning device when the scanning device is not coupled to the charging station indicating that the scanning device has entered a low battery state. The scanning device may be communicatively coupled to the charging station by a wireless communication protocol. Further, the example method may include generating, by the charging station, an indication of the low battery state of the scanning device based upon the notification. The example method may also include displaying, by the charging station, the indication for a user.

Abstract: Disclosed are a logistics movement automation system and method in which transfer means automation and moving path optimization have been implemented in association with the existing logistics automation system for integrated cargo warehousing and delivery. When unit cargoes are piled up from an association system outside or within a warehouse to an association transfer unit, a recognition unit generates recognition information by recognizing the unit cargoes and transfers the recognition information to a control unit. The control unit generates a moving path based on the received recognition information using an optimization algorithm and moves, arranges, distributes or flat keeps the unit cargoes along the generated moving path through at least one of the association transfer unit, the distribution transfer unit and the plate unit for warehousing or delivery.

Abstract: A method of selecting and connecting power subsystems, the method including: locating, by a mobile robot including a processor and a motor, at least one of a first storage subsystem, a first power subsystem, or a first control subsystem; attaching, by the mobile robot, to the at least one of the first storage subsystem, the first power subsystem, or the first control subsystem; moving, by the mobile robot, the at least one of the first storage subsystem, the first power subsystem, or the first control subsystem to another location; and connecting, by the mobile robot, the at least one of the first storage subsystem, the first power subsystem, or the first control subsystem to at least one of a second storage subsystem, a second power subsystem, or a second control subsystem located at the other location.

Abstract: Computer-implemented systems and methods generate dynamic and interactive user interfaces. In one embodiment, a computerized system includes a user interface and at least one processor configured to receive data related to at least a first request of a department, receive data related to positioning of a plurality of employees of the department, and data indicative of equipment in the possession of the plurality of employees, generate an assignment for at least one employee based on the received data, provide for display at the at least one user interface, an interactive graphical user interface indicative of the assignment to the at least one employee, the graphical user interface including elements for indicating a status of the assignment. The at least one processor monitors whether the assignment has been accepted, and determines whether the assignment has been completed, based in part on interaction with the graphical user interface.

Abstract: A smart packaging system and a smart display system and methods relating thereto are disclosed herein. In various embodiments, the packaging system may include an inner package, an outer package, and an identification tag disposed between said inner package and said outer package. Said identification tag may be a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, a near-field communication (NFC) identification tag, or any variation thereof. In various embodiments, the display system may include a display shelf for positively positioning a plurality of product packages, at least one near-field communication antenna, and a control system. Each of said plurality of product packages may include said identification tag. Said control system may transmit and receive product information data to and from said identification tag for each of said plurality of product packages.

Abstract: An industrial visualization system defines and enforces a virtual safety shield comprising a three-dimensional space surrounding a wearer of a client device. The dimensions of the virtual safety shield are defined by a specified safe distance surrounding the user that allows sufficient reaction time in response to notification that the wearer is at risk of interacting with a safety zone, hazardous machinery, or vehicles within the plant. If a boundary of a safety zone or hazardous equipment falls within the three-dimensional space defined by the virtual safety shield, the system sends a notification to the user's client device, or places the hazardous equipment in a safe operating mode.

Abstract: A layer pick system optimizes usage of a layer picker gantry or robotic arm by arranging and/or displacing the gantry or arm in optimal locations with respect to one or more groups of pallets, and/or by grouping pallets by their attributes and arranging the same group of pallets close to each other. In some implementations, a plurality of pallets is categorized into multiple groups by different velocities.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of providing information about a package in transit. The method involves receiving environmental data collected by a sensor associated with the package during transit and identifying contextual data about the package that is associated with the environmental data. The method also involves selectively providing access to the environmental and contextual data together as elements in an information feed to a plurality of parties, wherein the contextual data comprises at least one comment made by a party on an element in the information feed, and wherein one or more elements in the information feed are listed in chronological order beginning at a start time of the transit of the package.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed of operating a plurality of fulfillment centres, including a large fulfillment centre and a small fulfillment centre, each of the fulfillment centres being configured to fulfil customer orders. A first product and a second product are received at the large fulfillment centre. Desired quantities of the first and second products are picked at the large fulfillment centre for packing into a container, wherein the desired quantities include at least one of: quantities ordered by at least one customer to be fulfilled at the large fulfillment centre or the small fulfillment centre, and quantities predicted to be ordered by at least one customer and to be fulfilled at the small fulfillment centre.

Abstract: A storage facility for objects of paying of respects includes a plurality of storage locations each configured to store an object of paying of respects, a respects-paying area which includes an area for a person, visiting to pay respects, to pay respects in, a transport system configured to transport an object of paying of respects between the storage location and a support location provided in the respects-paying area, and an orientation changing device which is located on a transporting path of the transport system. The orientation changing device changes an orientation of an object of paying of respects so that the object is in a selected orientation at the support location, the selected orientation being selected from a plurality of different orientations.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for sorting and delivering articles in a processing facility. Delivery endpoints are divided and grouped into stop groups. A first sorter sorts items according to stop group and outputs the items to trays. The output trays from the first sorter are loaded to a second sorter. The second sorter sorts items for each stop group into trays based on carrier route segments. A manifest is created that comprises a list of the items in a tray. A mobile computing device alerts a delivery carrier when there is an item that needs to be delivered.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for sorting and delivering articles in a processing facility. Delivery endpoints are divided and grouped into stop groups. A first sorter sorts items according to stop group and outputs the items to trays. The output trays from the first sorter are loaded to a second sorter. The second sorter sorts items for each stop group into trays based on carrier route segments. A manifest is created that comprises a list of the items in a tray. A mobile computing device alerts a delivery carrier when there is an item that needs to be delivered.

Abstract: A system for robotic manipulation of objects having various shapes and sizes. The system includes a robot having an end effector, and an independent tag. The independent tag may have an object attachment interface to grasp an object, and an end effector attachment interface to mechanically interface with the end effector. Upon actuation of the robot, the end effector may move the object via the independent tag. A corresponding method is also disclosed and claimed herein.

Abstract: A robot includes a mover, a determiner, and a controller. The mover moves the robot. The determiner determines a touch type by a predetermined object. The controller controls the mover so as to move the robot close to the predetermined object when the determiner determines that the touch type by the predetermined object is petting, or so as to move the robot apart from the predetermined object when the determiner determines that the touch type by the predetermined object is to hitting.

Abstract: An HMD includes an image display section that allows a user to view an image and transmits an outside scene, an evaluation section that evaluates the state of the user, and a communication section that communicates with another HMD. A control section transmits visual field data on the basis of images captured with a right camera and a left camera to the other HMD, causes the communication section to transmit notification data on the basis of a result of the evaluation performed by the evaluation section to the other HMD, and causes the image display section to perform display on the basis of data transmitted from the other HMD.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and method for visual search and augmented reality, in which an onscreen body of visual markers overlayed on the interface signals the current state of an image recognition process. Specifically, the body of visual markers may take on a plurality of behaviors, in which a particular behavior is indicative of a particular state. Thus, the user can tell what the current state of the scanning process is by the behavior of the body of visual markers. The behavior of the body of visual markers may also indicate to the user recommended actions that can be taken to improve the scanning condition or otherwise facilitate the process. In various embodiments, as the scanning process goes from one state to another state, the onscreen body of visual markers may move or seamlessly transition from one behavior to another behavior, accordingly.

Abstract: The navigation system includes a series of bar codes and a bar code reader. The bar codes are placed at positions throughout the area to be navigated. The bar code readers scan the bar codes as a user moves through the area to be navigated. The navigation system may include a processor which includes instructions for receiving the user's current position and at least one location the user wishes to reach. The processor assembles the most efficient route from the user's position to the locations the user wishes to reach. The navigation system may include an augmented reality viewing device which receives signals from the processor and displays an augmented reality view to the user. The augmented reality view includes augmented reality images which provide step-by-step instructions from the user's position to the locations the user wishes to reach.

Abstract: A mail sorting system and method process mail pieces that arrive at a feed point. The mail pieces are classified into machinable mail pieces and non-machinable mail pieces. The machinable mail is processed in an automated sorting machine. Mail pieces with incomplete or incorrect addressing information are classified as rejects and diverted for manual processing. A manual processing station receives the non-machinable mail pieces from the feed point and also the rejects from the automated sorting machine. In the manual processing station the mail pieces are scanned in a scanning device and the images are send to an image processing system, which also receives images from the automated sorting machine. Upon receiving the results from the automated image processing system, an operator completes labeling process from each mail piece.

Abstract: Computer-implemented systems and methods generate dynamic and interactive user interfaces. In one embodiment, a computerized system includes a user interface and at least one processor configured to receive data related to at least a first request of a department, receive data related to positioning of a plurality of employees of the department, and data indicative of equipment in the possession of the plurality of employees, generate an assignment for at least one employee based on the received data, provide for display at the at least one user interface, an interactive graphical user interface indicative of the assignment to the at least one employee, the graphical user interface including elements for indicating a status of the assignment. The at least one processor monitors whether the assignment has been accepted, and determines whether the assignment has been completed, based in part on interaction with the graphical user interface.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for use in delivery of items to a storage unit. The storage unit can include one or several storage receptacles and a control unit that controls and monitors the status of the one or several storage receptacles. The storage unit may be included in a storage unit system that can include one or several storage units and a central control unit. The central control unit can communicate with the one or several storage units, and can receive status and availability updates from the one or several storage units.

Abstract: Disclosed are various implementations for updating information displayed in a user interface for a worker in a fulfillment center. Information changing relative to a previous user interface can be provided in response to location data that indicates the worker's location within a fulfillment center.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medium processing device and medium transaction device that may increase stability by shortening a conveyance path. Namely, a banknote deposit/withdrawal device includes a conveyance section that forms a linear conveyance path along a front-rear direction inside an upper section block, in the vicinity of a boundary with a lower section block. An upper section storage box is disposed in the vicinity of a rear side terminal end of a rear conveyance section. Counterfeit notes are conveyed to the upper section storage box using a switching section. Accordingly, due to keeping the conveyance path length short, the banknote deposit/withdrawal device may reduce the frequency of occurrence of faults, such as banknote jams, and may prevent the circulation of counterfeit notes by storing counterfeit notes segregated from genuine banknotes, reject banknotes, and the like.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for use in delivery of items to a storage unit. The storage unit can include one or several storage receptacles and a control unit that controls and monitors the status of the one or several storage receptacles. The storage unit may be included in a storage unit system that can include one or several storage units and a central control unit. The central control unit can communicate with the one or several storage units, and can receive status and availability updates from the one or several storage units.

Abstract: Methods for automated handling for forming a device and automated handling systems for forming a device are presented. One of the methods includes providing a production area with a plurality of destinations and a transport system which includes transport and load/unload (U/L) units in the production area. The transport units include automated guided vehicles (AGVs) with a storage compartment for holding at least one carrier containing production material for forming the device and U/L units include AGVs with a robotic system for handling carriers. A transfer of a selected carrier from a first destination to a second destination is determined. A request to the transport system is issued to effect the transfer of the selected carrier, which includes using a selected U/L unit, a selected transport unit, or a combination of selected U/L and transport units.

Abstract: Storage compartment configurations of pickup locations may be modified (e.g., by dividing larger storage compartments into multiple smaller storage compartments, or vice versa) based on sizes of items to be delivered to the pickup locations, so as to allow more items to be stored with less unused space in each of the storage compartments. Partitions may be positioned (e.g., inserted, moved, removed, etc.) utilizing positioning elements (e.g., rollers, motors, actuators, robotic arms, etc.) for configuring the sizes of each of the storage compartments. Door operations for each of the storage compartments may be modified so as to correspond to the current sizes of the storage compartments, and in some instances multiple doors may be utilized for providing access to larger storage compartments while individual doors may be utilized for providing access to smaller storage compartments.

Abstract: An Unmanned Aerial System configured to receive a request from a user and fulfill that request using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. The Unmanned Aerial System selects a distribution center that is within range of the user, and deploys a suitable Unmanned Aerial Vehicle to fulfill the request from that distribution center. The Unmanned Aerial System is configured to provide real-time information about the flight route to the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle during its flight, and the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle is configured to dynamically update its mission based on information received from the Unmanned Aerial System.

Abstract: A technical solution for accurately positioning a computer position, that is to say, the solution can identify the specific rack position where the computer is. And the solution has low cost and does not need manual intervention. The core idea of the solution lies in using a camera installed on the computer to read the contents of a tag on the rack, so as to identify the position information of the computer. Specifically, the solution provides a computer with a self-positioning function, wherein: a camera is installed on the computer, and the camera is configured to read the contents of a tag attached on a side of a rack to house the computer to identify the rack position where the computer is.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for sorting or retrieving items to/from a plurality of destinations areas. The items are loaded onto one of a plurality of independently controlled delivery vehicles. The delivery vehicles follow a track that guides the delivery vehicles to/from the destination areas, which are positioned along the track. Once at the appropriate destination area, an item is transferred between the delivery vehicle and the destination area.

Abstract: Described is an airborne fulfillment center (“AFC”) and the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (“UAV”) to deliver items from the AFC to users. For example, the AFC may be an airship that remains at a high altitude (e.g., 45,000 feet) and UAVs with ordered items may be deployed from the AFC to deliver ordered items to user designated delivery locations. As the UAVs descend, they can navigate horizontally toward a user specified delivery location using little to no power, other than to stabilize the UAV and/or guide the direction of descent. Shuttles (smaller airships) may be used to replenish the AFC with inventory, UAVs, supplies, fuel, etc. Likewise, the shuttles may be utilized to transport workers to and from the AFC.

Abstract: A telecommunications system for use in a secure facility such as a jail, prison or the like. The systems, devices and methods disclosed provide telecommunications, email, other messaging, financial services, vending, and commissary or canteen services for inmates of a secure facility with respect to family, friends and others. The system also includes a system for video visitation via audio-visual communication. The system includes a phone server adapted to be communicatively connected to an external service provider; a monitoring station communicatively connected to the phone server; an account manager server communicatively connected to the phone server, and at least one telecommunications device disposed at the secure facility for use by the inmate and which is communicatively connected to the phone server. A method of telecommunicating, including video visitation, via the system is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention includes a driverless data transfer device and method for accessing and downloading item data from an item storage unit associated with an item. The driverless data transfer device includes, inter alia, a data downloading unit configured to download the item data, an interface unit for transferring the downloaded data to an item checking unit via a communications bus, and a decoder configured to decode said stored data to conform to data processing requirements of the item checking unit.

Abstract: Disclosed are various systems, methods, and other embodiments involving assignment and use of sort bins in a materials handling center. A manifest is generated in a computer system that directs a picking of a plurality of items from a plurality of inventory locations in a materials handling center in fulfillment of a plurality of orders for the purchase of the items. Sort bin assignments are generated in the computer system before picking the items. Each sort bin assignment corresponds to a respective one of the items, and each of the sort bin assignments specifies a corresponding one of a plurality of sort bins designated to coalesce together the items associated with respective ones of the orders for packing. The sort bin assignments are stored in memory for use in sorting the items.

Abstract: In some instances, a resource may have display space that is independent of the first-party content and which may be used for presenting third-party content items. The display of third-party content items may also depend on one or more device parameters. For a non-standard space, such as a content item slot having a non-standard ratio of height to width, a determination of the number of content items that can fill the non-standard content item slot may be made based on the height of the content item slot, the width of the content item slot, and a minimum content item size. The number of content items may be selected and formatted, such as by modifying a font size, based on the height and width of the content item slot and the minimum content item size. Data may be output to effect display of the formatted content items with the resource.

Abstract: A misplaced item service identifies a plurality of inventory storage locations in a materials handling facility associated with a misplaced item. The misplaced item service determines an ordered list of the plurality of inventory storage locations, wherein the inventory storage locations are arranged in the ordered list based at least in part on a location density of the inventory storage locations, a population density of the inventory storage locations and a last inventory storage location inspected.