Abstract: A system and method for operating a robotic system to scan and register unrecognized objects is disclosed. The robotic system may use an image data representative of an unrecognized object located at a start location to implement operations for transferring the unrecognized object from the start location. While implementing the operations, the robotic system may obtain additional data, including scanning results of one or more portions of the unrecognized object not included in the image data. The robotic system may use the additional data to register the unrecognized object.

Abstract: A system for maintaining consistency of a data value using a probability includes an interface and a processor. The interface is configured to receive a data value for storing. The processor is configured to store the data value in a data element of a data structure and determine, using an adaptive filter, a probability of certainty associated with the data value. The probability of certainty associated with the data value depends on a time since the data value was updated. The adaptive filter provides as output the probability of certainty and store the probability of certainty associated with the data value in the data structure.

Abstract: A system for maintaining consistency of a data value using a probability includes an interface and a processor. The interface is configured to receive a data value for storing. The processor is configured to store the data value in a data element of a data structure and determine, using an adaptive filter, a probability of certainty associated with the data value. The probability of certainty associated with the data value depends on a time since the data value was updated. The adaptive filter provides as output the probability of certainty and store the probability of certainty associated with the data value in the data structure.

Abstract: An example luggage processing station comprises: an injector adapted to receive a piece of luggage, the injector comprising an injector conveyor belt integrated into a floor of the injector; a group of sensors positioned around the injector directed towards the injector conveyor belt; a controller adapted to assess the piece of luggage compared to an acceptance parameter whilst the piece of luggage is stationary on the injector conveyor belt; and the controller is configured to actuate the injector conveyor belt when the controller assesses the piece of luggage as meeting the acceptance parameter.

Abstract: An example processing station for registering a passenger's luggage for a trip is provided, the processing station comprising: an injector for receiving a piece of luggage associated with the passenger; at least one sensor associated with the injector for sensing whether the dimensions of the piece of luggage exceed a predetermined limit; a weighing machine associated with the injector for weighing the piece of luggage whilst in the injector; a controller associated with the at least one sensor and weighing machine, the controller being adapted to accept the piece of luggage if feedback from the at least one sensor and weighing machine indicate that dimensions and weight of the piece of luggage are within respective predetermined limits; and an injector conveyor in the floor of the injector for conveying the piece of luggage in a first direction, if accepted, to a downstream collector conveyor system.

Abstract: A method and system for obtaining an identifier from an item is disclosed. The method includes autonomously operate a robotic structure to move an item along a predetermined path from a source location to a destination location, and autonomously operating the robotic structure to place the item at the destination location based at least in part on the plan. The item comprises one or more identifiers, and in response to a determination that at least one of the one or more identifiers was not obtained by one or more sensors, an active measure is performed to cause the one or more sensors to obtain the at least one identifier that was not obtained. The predetermined path corresponds to a path along which the item is moved from the source location to the destination location. The predetermined path is planned so that the item is moved within a threshold range of the one or more sensors while the item is moved along the predetermined path.

Abstract: Verification systems and methods for high risk packaging are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for designating a location for a delivery item that is being sorted by an operator. The operator scans the delivery address of the item using a particular scanner. Using the delivery address and other information from the scanner that was used, the system determines a sort output location for the item and identifies an indicator device (e.g., an LED device) that corresponds to the sort output location. The system then commands the indicator device to present or display a designator. For example, the indicator device may be commanded to illuminate a light, such as an LED. The operator of the scanner then places the item at the location corresponding to the illuminated light designator.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for optimizing cubic utilization when loading items into a loading space. A current loading configuration of the loading space can be determined according to image data obtained by 3D sensors. Item data (e.g., volume, mass, type, dimensions, etc.) can be determined for incoming items to be loaded into the loading space. The current loading configuration and the item data can be used to determine an item sequence and optimal placement location for the next item to be loaded such that a cubic efficiency of the loading space is maximized and amount of air gaps between items is minimized. The current loading configuration can further be used to determine if a sensing system or an item loading system needs to be repositioned. Whether the next item was placed in the optimal placement can also be verified based on subsequent image data obtained by the 3D sensors.

Abstract: A computing system includes a processor and memory coupled to the processor and storing instructions that, when executed by the processor provide a user interface module. The user interface module is configured to generate a tracker definition user interface having a threat parameter selection user interface element configured to receive a selection of at least one threat parameter, the tracker definition user interface also having a threat value user interface element configured to receive input specifying a threat value to match for the specified at least one threat parameter. The processor is configured to save a tracker based on the selection of at least one threat parameter and the threat value, and wherein the processor is configured to access a threat data store and execute the tracker against the threat data store to provide a tracker result.

Abstract: A logistics system for managing a network of independent delivery partners may include models to detect delivery defects. The models may generate defect scores for each onboarded delivery partner. The system may collect delivery data to continuously update the models. The updated models may score delivery partners for early detection of delivery defects and determine remediations steps. The system may train one or more models to determine the scores based on a terminating step of the delivery steps. The scores may indicate a likelihood the terminating step was caused by intentional action or by accident. The system may determine remediations steps based on the likelihood of intentional action.

Abstract: An information processing device is configured to perform an operation of a delivery service in which an inside of a vehicle, a building, or a facility used by a user is designated as a delivery destination of a package, or perform a support of the operation. The information processing device includes an information acquisition unit configured to acquire information on an accommodation situation of an object accommodated inside the vehicle, the building, or the facility, and an accommodation situation notification unit configured to notify the user of the accommodation situation based on the information acquired by the information acquisition unit.

Abstract: The method for asset routing can include: determining a digital asset, routing the digital asset to a print partner based on the mail parameters, optionally printing a physical version of each digital asset, and optionally drop-shipping the physical assets. However, the method can additionally or alternatively include any other suitable elements.

Abstract: Provided is a method of controlling a conveyor for item transportation and an electronic apparatus therefor, the method including acquiring information associated with a plurality of destinations, identifying a weight for each of the plurality of destinations based on the acquired information, determining, in response to an item being identified, a destination among the plurality of destinations based on the identified weight, wherein the item is placed in the determined destination, and controlling the conveyor to transport the item to the determined destination.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a substrate transfer apparatus. The substrate transfer apparatus includes a first transfer apparatus, a second transfer apparatus, a substrate carrier driver, a sensor, a swing apparatus, and a controller. The first transfer apparatus is configured to transfer a substrate in a first direction. The second transfer apparatus is configured to receive the substrate from the first transfer apparatus and transfer the substrate and comprising a substrate carrier on which the substrate transferred from the first transfer apparatus is seated. The substrate carrier driver is configured to move the substrate carrier. The sensor is configured to detect an abnormal transfer of the substrate from the first transfer apparatus to the second transfer apparatus and generate a detection signal corresponding to the abnormal transfer of the substrate. The swing apparatus is configured to swing the substrate carrier.

Abstract: Techniques to using distributed ledgers to confirm service levels in a network routing are disclosed. Communications networks are virtualized thereby enabling software-defined networking (SDN). An SDN scheduler or allocator makes use of routing techniques where the state of the network is persisted in a form of storage that all nodes are in consensus is accurate. In one example, the SDN scheduler may generate a temporal audit trail of service level agreements (SLAs) over a network path that includes different intermediate autonomous systems from a transmitting node to a destination node. The SDN scheduler may further perform temporal enhancements of the contract, and then combine the temporal enhancements with the temporal audit trail to confirm the actual service level against the service level as prescribed in the contract.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of accumulating order-goods, including: acquiring a collection order queue; acquiring a collection order from the collection order queue, assigning a first slide to the collection order, and sending goods in the collection order to the first slide in response to a presence of a first slide in an idle state, wherein the first slide only allows sending of goods in one collection order at one time; and activating a second slide in response to a predetermined condition being satisfied, wherein the second slide allows simultaneous sending of goods in a plurality of collection orders. The present disclosure further provides a system of accumulating order-goods, an electronic apparatus, a computer-readable storage medium, and a device of accumulating order-goods.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for address verification support. One embodiment includes a print server. The print server includes an interface that receives a print job comprising multiple mail pieces which each include an address of record from a client, and a controller that processes the print job according to a first workflow of the print server accessible by a first set of operators, detects address anomalies within the mail pieces by accessing an address verification system of a delivery entity, generates a second workflow that is for handling a mail piece having an address anomaly and is accessible only by a second set of operators distinct from the first set of operators, and confirms that the address of record for the mail piece in the second workflow has been updated based on input from the second set of operators.

Abstract: A first signal is ready from a first machine-readable object, which may be part of a peg stored in a surgical asset tray. A first part number of a first surgical asset is identified based on the first signal. A label is printed to include a first machine-readable visual indicia representing the first part number. A second signal is optically read from the first machine-readable visual indicia. The first part number of the first surgical asset is identified based on the second signal. The first part number of the first surgical asset is stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. This method enables information about surgical assets used in the field to be transferred from machine-readable objects into electronic data stores efficiently, effectively, and semi-automatically.

Abstract: A system for determining a discrete number of flexible, non-rigid workpiece items loaded onto a robotic carrier. The system includes a robotic carrier capable of traveling to multiple workstations, at least one of which is a weigh station. A loading mechanism is functional to load one or more workpieces onto the robotic carrier which weighed by the weigh station. By comparing the weight of the loaded items with a predetermined weight range of a single workpiece, the number of discrete workpieces loaded onto the robotic carrier can be determined. In addition, a method can be provided for determine position error of a mobile robot based on a detected center of gravity of the mobile robot.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for sorting items to a plurality of sort destinations. The items are fed into the apparatus at an input station having a scanning station. The scanning station evaluates one or more characteristics of each item. The items are then loaded onto one of a plurality of independently controlled delivery vehicles. The delivery vehicles are individually driven to sort destinations. Once at the appropriate sort destination, the delivery vehicle ejects the item to the sort destination and returns to receive another item to be delivered. A re-induction conveyor may be provided for receiving select items from the vehicles and conveying the items back to the input station for re-processing. Additionally, a controller is provided to control the movement of the vehicles based on a characteristic each item being delivered by each vehicle.

Abstract: A robotic system for arranging packages at a destination according to a stacking sequence. The robotic system uses a storage area for temporarily storing packages that arrive out-of-sequence until they are next-in-sequence for placement at the destination. The robotic system processes an incoming package, determines if it is next-in-sequence for placement at the destination, and if it is, places the package at the destination. On the other hand, if it is not next-in-sequence for placement at the destination, it stores the package in the storage area. A package in the storage area is transferred to the destination when it is next-in-sequence for placement at the destination. By using the temporary storage for storing out of sequence packages, the robotic system eliminates the need for receiving the packages in a stacking sequence, which also eliminates the need for sequencing machines.

Abstract: A computer implemented method allows the storage of tracked data records in a blockchain in order to incentivize airlines, ground handlers, IT Suppliers and airports to invest in tracking points for tracking baggage. The usage of tracking data records is determined by a smart contract. The smart contract causes a specific entry in a wallet and each entry represents the usage of tracking data records.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gamification system for overlaying user-controlled graphical targeting elements over a real-time video feed of an instrument being inspected, and providing interactive controls for firing virtual weapons or other graphical indicators to designate and/or record the presence of contaminants, defects, and/or other issues at specific locations within or on the instrument. The system may receive and present images of the instrument under inspection in a graphical user interface (“GUI”). The system may receive user input that tags a particular region of a particular image with an issue identifier, and may generate a visualization that is presented in conjunction with the particular image in the GUI in response to receiving the input. The visualization corresponds to firing of a virtual weapon and other gaming visuals associated with tagging the particular region of the particular image with the issue identifier.

Abstract: Server for use in directing a mail element or package delivery is configured for determining if a mail element or package is destined for a location inside a local market or outside the local market, wherein the local market includes a plurality of post offices within a distance from a post office where the mail element or package initially arrives upon, and wherein a route determination is executed by sorting the mail element or package with an automated or robotic machine directed by the server. When the mail element or package is destined for a location inside the local market, the server directs transport of the mail element or package to a destination post office within the local market. When the mail element or package is destined for a location outside the local market, the server directs transport of the mail element or package to a regional center.

Abstract: An inventory tracking system includes an analytic device communicatively connected with a plurality of data sources and a field device. The analytic device includes a processor configured to, in response to determining based on input data from at least one of the plurality of data sources that a criteria for issuing a planogram (POG) void alert has been met, cause the field device to display a notification indicative of the POG void alert, and, in response to determining based on data indicating user input to the field device that the issued POG void alert was invalid, update the criteria for issuing the POG void alert, such that a subsequent POG void alert is issued according to the updated criteria.

Abstract: A method for picking orders (22a . . . 22e) in a storage and order-picking system (1a, 1b) is provided, which comprises an article storage (2), a loading station (3), a sorting unit (4), a packing station (5), an overhead conveyor system (7a . . . 7f) and a control system (8). At the loading station (3), articles (22a . . . 22e) are transferred from a loading aid (23, 24, 25a . . . 25c) into a transport means (28a, 28b) and at the packing station (5) from a transport means (28a, 28b) into a shipping loading aid (30). In this regard, transporting an article (22a . . . 22e) out of the article storage (2) to the loading station (3) takes place individually and independently of the other picking orders for each picking order. Furthermore, transporting the transport means (28a, 28b) from the loading station (3) into the sorting unit (4) also takes place individually and independently of the other picking order and directly for each picking order.

Abstract: A material composition identification assembly includes a unique metallic composition tag and a reader unit. The tag is associated with and coupled to a particular object, such as a pipe. The tag consists of a unique percent composition of a plurality of elements. The tag is placed within a portion of the pipe. The reader unit includes an input/output interface configured to detect the material composition tag. The reader unit is configured to process the material composition tag and identify the percent composition of the plurality of elements. The reader compares the percent composition to a database of numerical identifiers to isolate the historical data of the object.

Abstract: To provide a print control device, print control method, and storage medium with which, in a form where information related to the size of a sheet which is set in a printing apparatus is obtained and the size corresponding to the obtained information is displayed, the size corresponding to the obtained information is displayed more appropriately, in a case where the size corresponding to the information obtained by an obtaining unit matches any of multiple custom sizes corresponding to information stored by a storage unit before the information is obtained by the obtaining unit, all of the multiple custom sizes corresponding to the information stored by the storage unit before the information is obtained by the obtaining unit are displayed.

Abstract: A device can receive, from a client device, a request to modify a schedule that includes information identifying the set of deliveries that the fleet of vehicles is to perform. The device can generate a set of modified schedules using information included in the request and one or more routing techniques. The device can determine, for each modified schedule, of the set of modified schedules, one or more scores for ranking the set of modified schedules, such as a projected delivery time score, an operational cost score, and/or an overall score. The device can provide the set of modified schedules that have been scored to the client device. The device can receive a modified schedule that has been selected by the client device. The device can deploy the selected modified schedule to instruct the fleet of vehicles to perform an updated set of deliveries associated with the selected modified schedule.

Abstract: To increase a chance of meeting a user when visiting a place that is associated with the user while maintaining convenience, provided is a visit management system for managing visit information, which includes at least one of a time and an order at which a place associated with a user is to be visited, the visit management system including: request means for making a given response request to a user terminal if it is determined that a visit is approaching; obtaining means for obtaining a response to the given response request from the user terminal; and visit control means for determining whether or not the visit information is to be changed based on a positional relation between the place and the user that is obtained by the response from the user terminal, and controlling the visit information depending on the determination.

Abstract: A power storage device management system includes a storage device configured to store power storage devices that are removably mounted on an electric power device using electric power and a server device communicatively connected to the storage device. The server device includes a first storage unit storing identification information of a power storage device shared by a plurality of users among the power storage devices as storage identification information. The storage device includes a second storage unit storing the storage identification information received from the server device and a determiner configured to determine whether or not reception of the power storage device is possible on the basis of the storage identification information stored in the second storage unit when the power storage device has been received from a user.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems are provided for tracking freight. Embodiments include a tracking device for a trailer containing a load. The tracking device includes a support member, a connector, a housing and a GPS tracker configured to track the location of the load. The connector securely attaches to a container on the trailer and attaches to a seal such that the container cannot be opened without breaking the seal. The support member stabilizes the housing and protects the tracking device during transit of the load. A tracking system may implement to monitor, gather information and report on the tracking device and the load.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and associated systems for providing two energy storage devices positioned in a device-exchange station. The method includes, for example, (1) receiving a request for retrieving two energy storage devices in the device-exchange station; (2) selecting a first energy storage device from a plurality of energy storage devices positioned in the device-exchange station based on characteristic information of each of the energy storage devices; (3) selecting a second energy storage device from the rest of the plurality of energy storage devices positioned in the device-exchange station based on the characteristic information of the first energy storage device and the rest of the plurality of energy storage devices; and (4) releasing the first and second energy storage device.

Abstract: A system includes is provided to include an air conditioner in each zone of a painting process line supplying heated air according to temperature/humidity stabilization conditions for a painting process of each zone of a spray booth. A controller transmits operation information of the air conditioner including temperatures and humidities of outdoor air flowing into the air conditioner and indoor air inside each zone of the booth and temperature/humidity stabilization condition values for each zone of the booth. A server extracts stabilization time of the operation information equal to current operation information in a database in which the stabilization time required for temperature and humidity of each both zone to reach the condition values is stored and applies operation command for the air conditioner to the controller at operation schedule time derived by calculating the stabilization time backward from a time when a vehicle arrives at each booth zone.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reminding a user or a group of users about one or more items related to an upcoming event. The upcoming event is identified based on user data and a context for determining a list of items useful for the upcoming event is obtained. The list of items for the identified upcoming event is determined, using the context, and item reminder enhancement factors are determined in response to the upcoming event and the determined list of items. Content selection models are determined based on the context, the user data, and the item reminder enhancement factors. Conversational content for engaging the user or group of users is generated by applying the content selection models to a plurality of potential content. A conversation trigger signal is determined, and the conversational content is presented to the user via a computing device in response to receiving the conversation trigger signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for monitoring inventory transfer in real-time, comprising a memory storing instructions and a processor configured to execute the instructions to receive a tote identifier associated with a tote configured to store one or more products and receive a container identifier associated with a container configured to store the tote. The processor is configured to receive, from a user device in the first fulfillment center, a code associated with a vehicle for transferring the container from a first to a second fulfillment center, receive, from a user device in the second fulfillment center, the code associated with the vehicle, receive, from the user device in the second fulfillment center, at least one of the container identifier or the tote identifier, and validate the transfer of the first product, based on the code and at least one of the container identifier or the tote identifier.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention involve systems, methods, and computer program products utilized in facilitating alternative delivery options for customers. In certain embodiments, a consignee may meet a driver and receive an item at a location different from the delivery address associated with the item. The receipt of the item may be prior to the driver attempting to deliver the item to the designated shipping location or after an unsuccessful delivery attempt. The carrier, the driver, the carrier system, the mobile station, and/or the sensors located on the item may communicate with the consignee to arrange a mutually acceptable time and location to accomplish the delivery. In certain embodiments, the consignee may be responsible for arriving at a dynamic delivery location to retrieve the item while the driver is at the location performing other tasks.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve a data audit system to generate and cause display of a tracking interface at a client device, wherein the tracking interface is configured to facilitate the visualization of tracking data retrieved from multiple sources. The audit system is configured to access a data source to retrieve tracking data that includes an associated asset identifier that identifies a subject of the tracking data, to link the retrieved tracking data to a data object at a database of the audit system based on the asset identifier, and to generate and cause display of a visualization of the tracking data within a tracking interface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a processing station (10) for registering a passenger's luggage for a trip. The processing station (10) comprises an injector (14) for receiving a piece of luggage associated with the passenger. A plurality of sensors (16a-16i) are associated with the injector. A weighing machine (18) is also associated with the injector (14) for weighing the piece of luggage whilst in the injector (14). The luggage processing (station 10) also comprises a user interface (20) for receiving various inputs for confirming that a passenger has checked-in and to display information to the passenger during processing of the piece of luggage. A controller (28) is associated with the sensors (16a-16i) and weighing machine (18) and the user interface (20).

Abstract: Improved methods and systems for position acquisition and/or monitoring are disclosed. The position acquisition and/or monitoring can be performed with improved intelligence so that data acquisition, transmission and/or processing is reduced. As a result, the position acquisition and/or monitoring is able to be performed in a power efficient manner.

Abstract: A vehicle allocation management device that can wirelessly communicate with a first reader device installed correspondingly to a stop area of a vehicle, including a receiver that receives, from the first reader device, radio field intensity information indicating the intensity of a radio field when the first reader device has received information from an electronic tag attached to the vehicle, a vehicle determiner that determines, based on the radio field intensity information, whether the vehicle is present in the stop area, and a vehicle allocation determiner that determines whether the vehicle is ready for allocation based on whether the vehicle is continuously present in the stop area for a predetermined time or more.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, a method determines a container containing one or more items associated with one or more item types, the container located at a current position in a storage facility; determines one or more order likelihoods of the one or more item types contained in the container; determines a container utilization likelihood of the container based on the one or more order likelihoods of the one or more item types contained in the container; determines an optimal position for the container in the storage facility based on the container utilization likelihood of the container, the optimal position being different from the current position of the container; and instructing an automated guided vehicle (AGV) to transport the container from the current position of the container to the optimal position of the container in the storage facility.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a vibratory feeder are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods and systems include the following: a controller module including a graphical user interface for selecting operating parameters to be communicated to a bowl drive that causes a feeder bowl to move, monitoring algorithms stored in non-transitory memory for processing motion data to monitor motion of the feeder bowl, and adjustment algorithms stored in non-transitory memory for determining and automatically adjusting the operating parameters, and a motion sensor module configured to mount with and sense motion of the bowl drive, the motion sensor module including an accelerometer, a digital signal processor (DSP) microcontroller, and a transmitter. The DSP microcontroller samples output data from the accelerometer, determines motion data of the motion of the bowl drive, and transmits the motion data via the transmitter to the controller module.

Abstract: A computing system includes a processor and memory coupled to the processor and storing instructions that, when executed by the processor provide a user interface module. The user interface module is configured to generate a tracker definition user interface having a threat parameter selection user interface element configured to receive a selection of at least one threat parameter, the tracker definition user interface also having a threat value user interface element configured to receive input specifying a threat value to match for the specified at least one threat parameter. The processor is configured to save a tracker based on the selection of at least one threat parameter and the threat value, and wherein the processor is configured to access a threat data store and execute the tracker against the threat data store to provide a tracker result.

Abstract: Methods of allowing a customer to access information related to an order of a commodity include gathering inspection information from a commodity lot, collecting grower, field, and packing information associated with the commodity lot, recording purchase orders associated with the commodity lot, assigning a trace code to each of the purchase orders, entering the inspection information; the grower, field, and packing information; the purchase orders; and the trace codes into a database maintained through online accounts. Many members of a supply chain are entitled to accounts that are linked, each account being given limited access to other accounts, thereby allowing the customer to access the inspection information, and the grower, field, and packing information, by entering one of the trace codes into the web-based application. According to one exemplary embodiment, each of the purchase orders associated with the commodity lot is linked within the web-based application.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems are provided for tracking freight. Embodiments include a tracking device for a trailer containing a load. The tracking device may include a housing including a connector, a main body, and a GPS tracker located within the main body and configured to track the location of the load. Tracking device may include a support member linking the connector and main body. Connector may securely attach to a container on the trailer and attach to a seal such that the container cannot be opened without breaking the seal. Support member may stabilize the housing and protect the tracking device during transit of the load. A tracking system may implement to monitor, gather information and report on the tracking device and the load.

Abstract: Dual-camera audio/video (A/V) recording and communication devices in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure are provided. In one embodiment, a dual-camera A/V recording and communication device comprises a first camera, a second camera configured to capture image data of a drop-off zone, a communication module, and a processing module, the processing module comprising: a processor, and a zone monitoring application, wherein the zone monitoring application configures the processor to: determine when a parcel has been placed in the drop-off zone using the image data of the drop-off zone captured by the second camera, determine when the parcel has been removed from the drop-off zone using the image data of the drop-off zone captured by the second camera, and transmit a notification to a user's client device, using the communication module, when the parcel has been placed in the drop-off zone.

Abstract: Provided herein are various apparatuses, systems, and methods for improving the efficiency of medication distribution within a healthcare facility. In particular, embodiments may provide for dispensing medications needed and medications anticipated to be needed to an authorized medical person for administration to a patient in a healthcare facility. Methods may include receiving an indication of one or more unit dose medications anticipated to be needed by a patient; retrieving the one or more unit dose medications from a unit storage device; loading the one or more unit dose medications onto a transport device; transporting the one or more unit dose medications from the unit storage device to a location proximate the patient; and transferring the one or more unit dose medications from the transport device to a staging area at the location proximate the patient.

Abstract: A stacker crane includes a transferring device, a first camera, a second camera, and a system controller. The transferring device transfers the article W to and from the shelf. The first camera and the second camera are provided on the transferring device and are fixed at positions where the first and second cameras can capture images of end parts of the article placed on the transferring device in a front-rear direction which is at least a transferring direction of the article and a transfer destination shelf on the end part side in the front-rear direction. Based on detection results of the first camera and the second camera, the system controller identifies the presence or absence of an article on the transfer destination shelf and determines the article-state abnormality of the article placed on the transferring device.