Abstract:
Described herein are a robotic distribution apparatus, system and method. The robotic distribution system may include a Package Delivery Kiosk (PDK), associated front end and back end package delivery management systems, portals for the consumer and the retailer, portals for the common carrier, sender, and recipient, a package inventory management system, integrated retailer access, a real and automated retailer bidding system and a kiosk for distribution. The PDK includes a distribution kiosk and shelving system. The kiosk and shelving system includes configurable shelves and dividers to enable access to the packages. The shelving system handles packages from a robotic placement mechanism and includes shelves that have receiving apertures. The shelving system further includes dividers that fit into the receiving apertures. Each of the dividers has a receiving slot that allows a robotic gripper arm to grab or handle a package with respect to a slot between a pair of dividers.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is related to co-pending application entitled “ROBOTIC PACKAGE LIFTING ASSEMBLY AND METHOD” having an attorney docket number FLEX-PT046, filed concurrently herewith; co-pending application entitled “AUTOMATIC PACKAGE DELIVERY AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEM” having an attorney docket number FLEX-PT048, filed concurrently herewith; co-pending application entitled “ON DEMAND KIOSK COMMERCE SYSTEM AND METHOD” having an attorney docket number FLEX-PT049, filed concurrently herewith; and co-pending application entitled “PACKAGE DELIVERY KIOSK INCLUDING INTEGRATED ROBOTIC PACKAGE LIFTING ASSEMBLY WITH SHELVING SYSTEM” having an attorney docket number FLEX-PT050, filed concurrently herewith; the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The cost associated with operating a physical store front or delivering packages via mail or other package delivery common carriers is a significant expense of doing business. The last mile of delivery of packages is many times a large percentage of the expense of delivery, especially as compared to the total distance a package travels. In some cases, individuals living in apartment type dwellings can only receive packages if they are there to physically sign for them. Considering the hours of delivery and the hours most people work, home delivery is therefore impossible. In this case the resident must go to a post office or other depot during business hours. This provides for similar difficulty. 
         [0003]    Increasingly consumers desire immediate satisfaction of orders and purchases. In order to do so they request express shipping, (at some cost), or go to a physical store front. When going to a physical store front, the consumer may not feel as though they are getting the best prices so they may be reluctant to purchase. Consumers may return home and search on Internet shopping sites in order to obtain the best price. Also, the store may not be open or may be far away. In such case they delay acquisition of the item of interest. 
         [0004]    Therefore the ability to store packages in a protected kiosk from which they may be retrieved using a robotic apparatus is needed. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0005]    Described herein are a robotic distribution apparatus, system and method. The robotic distribution system may include a Package Delivery Kiosk (PDK), associated front end and back end package delivery management systems, portals for the consumer and the retailer, portals for the common carrier, sender, and recipient, a package inventory management system, integrated retailer access, a real and automated retailer bidding system and a kiosk for distribution. The PDK includes a distribution kiosk and shelving system. The kiosk and shelving system includes configurable shelves and dividers to enable access to the packages. The shelving system handles packages from a robotic placement mechanism and includes shelves that have receiving apertures. The shelving system further includes dividers that fit into the receiving apertures. Each of the dividers has a receiving slot that allows a robotic gripper arm to grab or handle a package with respect to a slot between a pair of dividers. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0006]    A more detailed understanding may be had from the following description, given by way of example in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
           [0007]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a kiosk for remotely distributing packages; 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  shows a front view of the kiosk of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  shows the kiosk of  FIG. 1  with a front panel removed; 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  shows the kiosk of  FIG. 1  with the major panels removed; 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  shows all of the panels removed from the kiosk of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  shows one embodiment of a shelf for use in the kiosk of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 8  shows a front view of the shelf of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 9  shows the shelf of  FIG. 7  with some of the dividers removed; 
           [0016]      FIG. 10  shows the shelf of  FIG. 7  with additional dividers and shelves removed; 
           [0017]      FIG. 11  shows the shelf of  FIG. 7  with additional dividers and shelves removed; 
           [0018]      FIG. 12  shows the shelf of  FIG. 7  with additional dividers and shelves removed; 
           [0019]      FIG. 13  shows the shelf of  FIG. 7  with additional dividers and shelves removed; 
           [0020]      FIG. 14  shows the shelf of  FIG. 7  with additional dividers and shelves removed; 
           [0021]      FIG. 15  shows a detailed view of the bottom shelf of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 16  shows another detailed view of the bottom shelf of  FIG. 7 ; and 
           [0023]      FIG. 17  shows an interior shot of the kiosk showing the delivery slot. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0024]    Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the embodiments of a Robotic Package Lifting Assembly. In the drawings, the same reference letters are employed for designating the same elements throughout the several figures. 
         [0025]    The words “right”, “left”, “front”, and “back” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the case with flexible body portion and designated parts thereof. The terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. The drawings are proportional. 
         [0026]    Like reference numerals designate like or corresponding parts throughout the various views and with particular reference to each of the figures as delineated below. 
         [0027]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a kiosk  200  for distributing packages. Kiosk  200  is secure and surrounded by a number of panels. The kiosk  200  may be secured internally using a locking system controlled by a code accessible security system, may be secured using an external lock, or any number of security means. The kiosk  200  may have, for example, two panels  210  and  220 . However, the kiosk  200  may include any number of panels. A package distribution slot  240  in kiosk  200  provides for distribution of packages. An interface  230  may be a touch screen interface or may include a separate interface such as a keyboard or mouse. These kiosks are built to be secure by providing limited access to the kiosk through the usage of secured cabinet doors. These kiosks may be provided in a variety of locations including, stores, malls, post offices, apartment buildings, and any other areas that provide for significant public access. 
         [0028]      FIG. 2  shows a landscape view of the kiosk  200 . In the embodiment shown, a locking mechanism is shown in each panel  210  and  220 . In alternative embodiments, one panel may have an externally accessible locking mechanism. The other panels may be releasable only via an external latch. 
         [0029]      FIGS. 3 and 4  show the interior of kiosk  200 . In this instance, panel  220  is removed from kiosk  200 . Inside the kiosk  200  there may a shelving system  310 . Various packages may be stored on the shelving system  310 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 5  shows the interior of the kiosk  200  by having all of the panels removed. Four sets of shelves  310  may be seen inside. These shelves  310  are specially adapted for storing packages of various sizes including, for example, standard package shipping sizes. The shelves  310  may be adapted to work with an interior robotic retrieval system or Robotic Package Lifting Assembly (RPLA).  FIG. 6  shows the entirety of the outer frame of the kiosk  200  removed. 
         [0031]      FIG. 7  shows one embodiment of a shelf  310  for use with the kiosk  200 . In general, the shelves  310  have a number of features that make them specially adapted for usage in kiosk  200 . First they have a variety of heights that are configurable between the slots. These heights may be configured to accommodate standard mailing packages and the like. Second, the shelves  310  have a number of apertures for receiving dividers. Therefore, different shelves  310  may be easily configured for different width items. Third, the dividers themselves have specially designed shapes and configurations. They are specially designed to accommodate gripper arms from a robotic retrieval device. For example, the dividers have to wider than the gripper arms or bars and may also include additional clearance for machine x-y clearance. There are also dividers designed to accommodate certain types of packages, such as the envelopes that serve as standard overnight packages and special roller packages for heavier packages. The dividers are mounted to the shelves using a variety of methods. 
         [0032]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , the kiosk  200  may include dividers  410 . These dividers  410  may be configured for the standard rate boxes that are used, for example, by post offices. The size of the box is generally in the 11″×8½″×5½″ range. Dividers  420  are designed to accommodate lower profile boxes. The size of a box is generally in the 8⅝″×5⅜″×1⅝″. Dividers  430  may be provided for envelopes that are specially designed to ensure that the envelopes remain as upright and square to all surfaces as possible to prevent jamming. These envelopes will generally be in the 12.5″×9.5″ range. Dividers  440  may be provided for another sized box. The size of box is generally in the 13⅝″×11⅞″×3⅜″. Dividers  450  with wheels  490  and accompanying rollers  460  may be provided for heavy boxes that may require reduced friction for removal. The size of box is generally in the Large 12″×12″×5½″.  FIG. 8  shows a front view of the shelf  310  including dividers  410 ,  420 ,  430 ,  440  and  450 . Also shown are the relationships between dividers  460  and rollers  460  and wheels  490 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 9  shows shelving unit having a number of dividers  410  removed to reveal the spacing of apertures  510  for receiving the dividers  410 . The apertures  510  shown on the left of the shelf are narrower than the mounted dividers, showing that various widths may be configured. 
         [0034]      FIG. 10  shows a configuration of dividers  420  and apertures  610 . Similar to that shown in  FIG. 9 , the dividers  420  may be substituted in and out and the height of the shelf may be configured as can the widths between the shelves. In particular,  FIG. 11  shows multiple slots  710  for height configuration of the shelves  720 , which may have dividers  430 . Referring back to  FIG. 10 , the dividers  420  may have a cutout portion  411  that provides for the engagement/disengagement of the gripper arms of a robotic package retrieval system. 
         [0035]      FIG. 12  shows a configuration of dividers  430  and apertures  410 . This provides a better cross-sectional view of the cut-out portion  411  that provides for the engagement of the gripper arms of a robotic package retrieval system. These dividers  430  my also include a lower base portion  412  that extends under the cut-out portion  411 . This extension of the base prevents an envelope positioned in the slot from becoming twisted and jammed. The corner of the envelope may become awkwardly positioned in the slot and jammed in the aperture or cut-out portion  411  that provides access to the robotic arms without this base portion. The bottom portion provides for a bottom surface that most of the edge of an envelope may rest against. This provides for keeping the envelope straight, in that the edge is parallel to the divider as it rests against it. 
         [0036]      FIG. 13  shows a bottom shelf that is configured to receive larger and heavier packages. The roller bases  460  and the dividers  450  that include top mounted wheels  490  provide for reduced friction and easier sliding for boxes that include heavier loads. By mounting the wheels or rollers  490  on top of dividers  450  as opposed to on their sides a space savings is achieved since only a single wheel is mounted as opposed to having two wheels mounted when in a side configuration.  FIG. 14  shows a front view for a configuration of dividers  450 , and rollers  460  and wheels  490 .  FIG. 15  shows a shelf removed from the shelving system that shows rollers  460  and  490 .  FIG. 16  shows a view where some roller bases  460  and wheels  490  have been removed to reveal apertures  910  in which the dividers  450  and the rollers  460  fit. The shelf itself may be the same as the other shelves as the apertures may be configured to fit the variety of dividers and rollers. 
         [0037]      FIG. 17  shows the interior of a kiosk system including package slots  1000  through which a package may be delivered to a user. This slot  1000  and the accompanying interface  1010  are located between a set of shelves. The shelves are located along a track for a picker robot that may retrieve packages and deliver them to the slot  1000 . Shelves may be located on either side of the picker robot track. 
         [0038]    Referring further to the aperture for providing access to the robotic arms, this aperture provides for space savings in the shelving system. Additional space would be needed between the slots without these apertures. Each one of the dividers in the embodiment shown has such an aperture. 
         [0039]      FIGS. 14-16  show rollers  460  and wheels  490  mounted on dividers  450 . The wheels are mounted at the top of the dividers in order to take up minimum space and provider for little interference with the apertures that may receive the robotic grippers. 
         [0040]    In general, a shelving system receives objects or packages from a robotic placement mechanism. The shelving system may include a plurality of shelves having a plurality of receiving apertures. The plurality of shelves may be parallel to the ground. The shelving system further includes a plurality of dividers configured to fit into the plurality of receiving apertures. Each of the plurality of apertures may have a substantially rectangular shape. Each of the plurality of dividers may have a receiving slot configured to allow for a robotic gripper arm to grab an object located in a first slot between a first divider and a second divider of the plurality of dividers or between a pair of dividers of the plurality of dividers. The receiving slot may be a rectangular cut-out in a corner of each of the plurality of dividers. 
         [0041]    The plurality of dividers may include a first plurality of dividers of a first height and a second plurality of dividers of a second height. The first plurality of dividers of a first height are configured to provide a first height slot and second plurality of dividers of a second height is configured to provide a second height slot. In one alternative, the plurality of dividers may include a third plurality of dividers. Each of the third plurality of dividers may further include a base portion that may run along a bottom portion of each of the third plurality of dividers. The bottom portion being the portion that interfaces with the plurality of shelves. The base portion having a first thickness thicker than a second thickness of the plurality of dividers and having a low profile as compared to the size of the receiving slot. The base portion may provide a narrower opening such that the edge of a thin rectangular object stands in an alignment closer to perpendicular to the plurality of shelves as compared to without the base portion. 
         [0042]    In another alternative, the plurality of dividers includes a fourth plurality of dividers and a plurality of rollers attached is attached to the fourth plurality of dividers. In one configuration, a plurality of roller bases is included between the fourth plurality of dividers. In another configuration, a portion of the plurality of rollers is attached to each of the fourth plurality of dividers along a top portion of each of the fourth plurality of dividers. The plurality of rollers may be disc shaped wheels attached with a single axle point. Alternatively, a height between the plurality of shelves is adjustable. 
         [0043]    In one embodiment, a kiosk system for storing and distributing packages includes a kiosk body having a package delivery slot and an interface slot. The kiosk system may further include a first and second shelving system in the kiosk body. The first and second shelving system located on either side of the package delivery slot. The first and second shelving system may each include a plurality of shelves that may be parallel to the ground and have a plurality of receiving apertures. It may also have a plurality of dividers configured to fit into the plurality of receiving apertures. Each of the plurality of apertures may have a substantially rectangular shape. Each of the plurality of dividers may have a receiving slot configured to allow a robotic gripper arm to handle an object with respect to a slot between a first divider and a second divider or a pair of dividers of the plurality of dividers. For example, the receiving slot may allow the grabbing arm to grab an object located in the slot or may allows a grabbing arm to place an object in the slot. 
         [0044]    In another embodiment, a kiosk system may include a package retrieving system located in the kiosk that is configured to receive commands from an interface located in the interface slot and control the package retrieving system to retrieve packages located in the shelving system. In one configuration, the receiving slot is a rectangular cut-out in a corner of each of the plurality of dividers. In another configuration, the plurality of dividers includes a first plurality of dividers of a first height and a second plurality of dividers of a second height, where the first plurality of dividers of a first height are configured to provide a first height slot and second plurality of dividers of a second height is configured to provide a second height slot. 
         [0045]    In another configuration, the plurality of dividers may include a third plurality of dividers, where each of the third plurality of dividers may further include a base portion. The base portion may run along a bottom portion of each of the third plurality of dividers, where the bottom portion may be the portion that interfaces with the plurality of shelves. The base portion may have a first thickness thicker than a second thickness of the plurality of dividers and a low profile as compared to the size of the receiving slot. The base portion may provide a narrower opening such that the edge of a thin rectangular object stands in an alignment closer to perpendicular to the plurality of shelves as compared to without the base portion. The plurality of dividers may include a fourth plurality of dividers that may have a plurality of rollers. 
         [0046]    In another embodiment, a kiosk may include a kiosk body that includes a package slot and an interface slot. The kiosk may further include at least one shelving system that includes shelves and a plurality of dividers. The shelves may be configured to accept the plurality of dividers and may be height adjustable. Each of the plurality of dividers may include a slot configured to allow for a mechanical gripper to handle an object with respect to a slot between a pair of dividers of the plurality of dividers. The slot may be a rectangular cut-out in a corner of each of the plurality of dividers. The plurality of dividers may include dividers having rollers. The rollers may be attached along a top portion of the dividers. 
         [0047]    While specific embodiments have been described in detail in the foregoing detailed description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure and the broad inventive concepts thereof. It is understood, therefore, that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the particular examples and implementations disclosed herein, but is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope thereof as defined by the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof. Note that, although particular embodiments are shown, features of each attachment may be interchanged between embodiments.