Patent Description:
Parcel sorting includes dispensing packages going to different destinations to different exits through a delivery device, so as to realize unified transport of packages going to the same destination. This is especially advantageous in a order fulfillment center or shipping facility. Generally, a parcel containing articles for shipment will have a UPC, barcode, SKU, or similar that allows for identification of the parcel identity and destination.

Article sorting includes dispensing articles that come from a plurality of warehouse locations to different exits through a delivery device, so as to realize unified consolidation at a single exit or destination point of all articles in a single order going to a destination in a single package or parcel. This is especially advantageous in any type of parcel fulfillment center.

The process is very labor intensive, which increases cost, errors in processing, and increases the time for packages to arrive, all lessening the end customer experience. Additionally, packages may be damaged, mispackaged, and the like, reducing efficiency for all involved parties.

Automated sorting equipment may be useful for addressing these issues, however, sorting equipment is expensive, requires significant capital investment, takes up large portions of warehouse space, is limited in the volume of packages that can be sorted, is significantly underutilized at less than peak periods, and has a long payback in most cases due to the above factors.

Accordingly, a need exists for a solution to these problems.

<CIT> discloses a parcel sorting method and control device.

<CIT> discloses a method and an apparatus for multi-destination item selection using motes.

The present invention provides a control system according to claim <NUM> and a system according to claim <NUM>.

According to one or more examples, the first and second transport vehicles, each has a first position in which an article is stowed about the vehicle and a second position in which the article is deposited into a proximal container.

According to one or more examples, the system includes an information acquisition device that is configured to interact with the articles.

According to one or more examples, the control system is further configured to determine a characteristic of the article by interacting with the article with the information acquisition device.

According to one or more examples, the control system is further configured to determine a characteristic of the article by interacting with an identifier of the article with the information acquisition device, wherein the identifier is a UPC or other product code associated with the article.

According to one or more examples, the system includes a platform elevated from a surface, wherein each of the first transport vehicle and second transport vehicle traverses the platform.

According to one or more examples, the destination container is positioned proximal an opening in the platform. The first transport vehicle traverses the platform proximal the opening in the platform, and then manipulates from the first position to the second position to deposit the article into the destination container.

According to one or more examples, each of the first transport vehicle and second transport vehicle carries a respective single selected article.

According to one or more examples, the system includes a plurality of additional transport vehicles.

According to one or more examples, the control system is configured to direct the first transport vehicle to return to a position proximal the article supply. The first transport vehicle is in the first position upon being positioned proximal the article supply.

According to one or more examples, the control system is configured to direct a plurality of additional transport vehicles. The control system is further configured to direct the plurality of additional transport vehicles such that the transport vehicles do not collide with one another.

In order to describe the technical solutions of the examples disclosed herein more clearly, the figures required to be used for the examples will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following figures only show some examples of the present disclosure, and thus shall not be construed as limiting the scope thereof.

Below, the technical solutions in the examples of the present disclosure are depicted clearly and comprehensively with reference to the figures. In general, the components in the examples depicted and shown in the figures herein can be arranged and designed according to different configurations. Thus, detailed description of the examples provided in the figures below are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention as claimed, but merely represent selected examples of the present disclosure.

In order to solve the problem existing in the prior art that the parcel sorting efficiency needs to be increased, as shown in <FIG>, there is an example of a parcel sorting system. The parcel sorting system includes a parcel sorting device <NUM> and a parcel collecting device <NUM>; the parcel sorting device <NUM> is provided thereon with a plurality of parcel checking inlets <NUM> and a plurality of parcel outlets <NUM>, and the parcel collecting device <NUM> is located just below the parcel sorting device <NUM>; the plurality of parcel outlets <NUM> on the parcel sorting device <NUM> are respectively in communication or connected with the parcel collecting device <NUM>, the plurality of parcel outlets <NUM> are respectively located at the middle or/and edges of the or throughout the parcel sorting device <NUM>, and the parcel collecting device <NUM> is provided thereon with storage devices <NUM>, with one storage device located at each of positions of the parcel outlets, and an opening diameter of the storage device <NUM> is greater than a diameter of the parcel outlet <NUM>.

The parcel sorting device <NUM> and the parcel collecting device <NUM> are embodied in many structures, e.g. quadrangle, circle, polygon and so on, and the parcel collecting device <NUM> and the parcel sorting device <NUM> preferably have substantially the same area.

In order to improve the parcel sorting efficiency, preferably, each of the parcel checking inlets <NUM> is provided with one parcel information acquisition device <NUM>. The parcel checking inlets <NUM> are in one-to-one correspondence with the parcel information acquisition devices <NUM>, the parcel information acquisition devices <NUM> are configured to acquire parcel information of the parcels to be sorted that enter the parcel checking inlets <NUM> corresponding to the parcel information acquisition devices <NUM>, and the parcel information contains destinations of the parcels to be sorted.

A plurality of parcel checking inlets <NUM> are provided, with each parcel checking inlet <NUM> being provided with a parcel information acquisition device <NUM>, such that the information acquisition and sorting of the plurality of parcels to be sorted may be performed simultaneously at the plurality of parcel checking inlets <NUM>, so as to significantly increase the parcel information acquisition efficiency, thereby improving the parcel sorting efficiency.

In the above, there are many manners for the parcel information acquisition devices <NUM> to acquire the parcel information of the parcels to be sorted. Preferably, the destination information is carried in a destination address information code, the destination address information code is provided on the parcel to be sorted, each of the parcel information acquisition devices <NUM> includes a scanner, and the scanner is configured to scan the information code for obtaining the destination of the parcel to be sorted. For example, the parcels to be sorted are provided thereon with information codes containing destination information of the parcels to be sorted, and the parcel information acquisition devices <NUM> obtain the destinations of the parcels to be sorted by scanning the information codes on the parcels to be sorted, wherein the information code may be a bar code, a two-dimensional code, a radio frequency tag etc., and correspondingly, the parcel information acquisition device <NUM> may be a bar code scanner, a two-dimensional code scanner, a radio frequency identifier, etc., and the mobile transport device <NUM> may be an auto-navigating small vehicle.

According to actual demands, in addition to the destination, the parcel information may further contain information about the parcel volume, weight etc., and correspondingly, the parcel information acquisition device <NUM> may further include a weighing device, a volume scanner, etc..

While the parcel information is highly-efficiently obtained, in order to improve the efficiency of subsequent sorting, preferably, after the plurality of parcel information acquisition devices <NUM> simultaneously acquire the parcel information of the respective parcels to be sorted, the control device <NUM> is used to complete the analytical processing of the obtained parcel information of all the parcels to be sorted, thereby obtaining the destination information of the respective parcels to be sorted. For example, the system further includes a control device <NUM>, the control device <NUM> is in connection with all the parcel information acquisition devices <NUM> so as to obtain the parcel information acquired by all the parcel information acquisition devices <NUM>, to obtain the destinations of the respective parcels to be sorted.

After obtaining the parcel information, in order to improve the efficiency of the subsequent sorting processes, the system further includes a plurality of mobile transport devices <NUM>, wherein the plurality of mobile transport devices <NUM> are in connection with the control device <NUM>, the control device <NUM> is pre-provided with parcel outlets <NUM> respectively corresponding to different destinations, the control device <NUM> is further configured to control, according to the obtained destinations of the parcels to be sorted, at least two of the mobile transport devices <NUM> to transport the parcels to be sorted to the parcel outlets <NUM> corresponding to the destinations of the parcels to be sorted, as shown in <FIG>.

In the above, the control device <NUM> has already obtained the destinations of the respective parcels to be sorted at the respective parcel checking inlets <NUM>, and the parcel sorting can be completed just by obtaining the transport paths of the respective parcels to be sorted through analysis according to the positions of the parcel outlets <NUM> corresponding to the destinations of the respective parcels to be sorted, and then controlling at least two of the mobile transport devices <NUM> to transport, according to the transport paths, each of the parcels to be sorted to the parcel outlets <NUM> corresponding to the destinations of the parcels to be sorted.

The analysis by the control device <NUM> on the transport paths of the respective parcels to be sorted is performed simultaneously. After the path analysis is completed, the plurality of mobile transport devices <NUM> may be simultaneously controlled, to simultaneously complete transporting of the individual parcels to be sorted, thereby significantly improving the parcel sorting efficiency.

Each of the mobile transport devices <NUM> is configured to load one parcel to be sorted or a plurality of parcels to be sorted that go to the same destination. Preferably, the mobile transport device <NUM> is configured to transport one parcel to be sorted one time, and the control device <NUM> sends a control instruction to the mobile transport device <NUM> after obtaining the destination of the parcel to be sorted that is going to be transported by the mobile transport device <NUM>, such that the mobile transport device <NUM> travels to the position of the parcel outlet <NUM> corresponding to the destination of the parcel to be sorted.

In the above, the parcels to be sorted may be manually loaded onto the mobile transport devices <NUM>, and the parcels to be sorted may also be automatically loaded onto the mobile transport devices <NUM> by intelligently controlling parcel gripping devices or the like through the control device <NUM>. Similarly, the transport of the parcels to be sorted from the parcel outlets <NUM> to the parcel collecting device <NUM> can be performed manually, and may also be completed by intelligently controlling parcel gripping devices or the like through the control device <NUM>.

In order to assure that the respective parcels to be sorted that are transported into the parcel collecting device <NUM> can be delivered in time, the system preferably further includes a detection device <NUM> and a transfer device <NUM>, wherein the detection device <NUM> is configured to detect whether a storage device <NUM> is full or not and to transmit to the control device <NUM> the obtained information regarding whether the storage device <NUM> is full or not, and the transfer device <NUM> is configured to transfer the storage device <NUM> which is full according to an instruction from the control device <NUM>. There are many options for the transfer device <NUM>, e.g. an intelligent robot; and for another example, the storage device <NUM> is mounted on the transfer device <NUM>, and the transfer device <NUM> is a large-scale auto-navigating vehicle and may move to a position and load and unload the parcels according to the control instruction of the control device <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

Based on the above-mentioned system architecture, the examples of the present disclosure are implemented as follows:
the respective mobile transport devices, such as a forklift, transport the parcels to be sorted to the respective parcel checking inlets <NUM>, and the parcel information acquisition devices <NUM> at the respective parcel checking inlets <NUM> acquire the parcel information of the respective parcels and transmit the acquired parcel information to the control device <NUM>. The control device <NUM> performs simultaneous analysis on the parcel information of the plurality of parcels to be sorted to obtain the destinations of the respective parcels to be sorted and the parcel outlets <NUM> corresponding to the respective destinations, and controls the plurality of mobile transport devices <NUM> to simultaneously transport the respective parcels to be sorted to the corresponding parcel outlets <NUM>. The parcels to be sorted are delivered from the parcel outlets <NUM> into the storage devices <NUM> on the parcel collecting device <NUM> located below, and then they are moved away from the parcel outlets <NUM> according to a control instruction of the control device <NUM> and wait for further instructions. The processes above are repeated till all the parcels to be sorted are delivered into the storage devices <NUM>. In the meantime, the detection device <NUM> constantly detects whether there is a storage device <NUM> which is full of parcels, and when there is a storage device <NUM> full of parcels, the control device <NUM> controls the transfer device <NUM> to transfer the storage device <NUM> and placing an empty storage device <NUM> at the position where the transferred storage device <NUM> was, till sorting of all the parcels to be sorted is completed. This could also be performed by a person.

The parcel sorting system provided in an example of the present disclosure can make full use of the area of the parcel sorting device <NUM>, increasing a plurality of effective parcel outlets <NUM> and solving the traditional problem of goods accumulation and thereby greatly increasing checking efficiency, so as to make the whole operation flow of the parcel sorting more systematized and intelligentized. And a "double" structure is creatively adopted, with the parcel sorting device <NUM> and the parcel collecting device <NUM> being arranged one above the other for sorting parcels, wherein the parcel outlets <NUM> on the parcel sorting device <NUM> are in communication or positioning with the parcel collecting device <NUM>, and during parcel sorting, the parcels to be sorted can enter the parcel collecting device <NUM> arranged below just by passing through the parcel outlets <NUM>, thereby completing the sorting. Such a structural design enables that the parcel outlets <NUM> can be flexibly arranged on the edges of the parcel sorting device <NUM> or at middle positions of the edges, rather than only being provided at the edges of the parcel sorting device <NUM> as those in the prior art, where the middle position in the examples of the present invention refers to positions on the parcel sorting device <NUM> other than the edges. The utilization ratio of the parcel sorting device <NUM> is efficiently improved, the transport path for parcel sorting is shortened, the parcel sorting efficiency is increased, and the design is very ingenious.

As shown in <FIG>, there is shown a parcel sorting method, which is applied to a parcel sorting system, wherein the parcel sorting system comprises a parcel sorting device and a parcel collecting device; the parcel sorting device is provided with a plurality of parcel checking inlets and a plurality of parcel outlets, and the parcel collecting device is located just below the parcel sorting device; the plurality of parcel outlets on the parcel sorting device are respectively in communication with the parcel collecting device, the plurality of parcel outlets are respectively located at the middle or/and edges of the parcel sorting device, and the parcel collecting device is respectively provided thereon with storage devices, with one storage device located at each of positions the parcel outlets, and an opening diameter of the storage device is greater than a diameter of the parcel outlet; and the method includes:
step S300: presetting correspondence relationships between the parcel outlets and the parcels to be sorted that go to different destinations; step S301: obtaining the destinations of the parcels to be sorted; step S302: transporting the parcels to be sorted to the parcel outlets corresponding to the destinations of the parcels to be sorted; and step S303: delivering, through the parcel outlets, the parcels to be sorted into the storage devices under the parcel outlets.

In order to improve the parcel sorting efficiency, preferably, each of the parcel checking inlets is provided with one parcel information acquisition device, the parcel checking inlets are in one-to-one correspondence with the parcel information acquisition devices, and obtaining the destinations of the parcels to be sorted includes: acquiring, by the respective parcel information acquisition devices, the parcel information of the parcels to be sorted that enter the parcel checking inlets corresponding to the parcel information acquisition devices, with the parcel information containing the destinations of the parcels to be sorted.

There are many manners for the parcel information acquisition devices to acquire the parcel information on the parcels to be sorted. Preferably, the destination information is carried in a destination address information code, the destination address information code is provided on the parcel to be sorted, each of the parcel information acquisition devices includes a scanner, and the scanner is configured to scan the information code for obtaining the destination of the parcel to be sorted. For example, the parcels to be sorted are provided thereon with information codes containing destination information of the parcels to be sorted, and the parcel information acquisition devices obtain the destinations of the parcels to be sorted by scanning the information codes on the parcels to be sorted, wherein the information code may be a bar code, a QR code, an RF Tag etc., and correspondingly, the parcel information acquisition device may be a bar code scanner, a two-dimensional code scanner, a radio frequency identifier, etc., and the mobile transport device may be an auto-navigating small vehicle.

According to actual demands, in addition to the destination, the parcel information may further contain information about the parcel volume, weight etc., and correspondingly, the parcel information acquisition device may further include a weighing device, a volume scanner, etc..

While the parcel information is highly-efficiently obtained, in order to improve the efficiency of subsequent sorting, preferably, after the plurality of parcel information acquisition devices simultaneously acquire the parcel information of the respective parcels to be sorted, the control device is used to complete the analytical processing of the obtained parcel information of all the parcels to be sorted, thereby obtaining the destination information of the respective parcels to be sorted. For example, the system further includes a control device and a plurality of mobile transport devices, wherein the correspondence relationships between the parcel outlets and the parcels to be sorted that go to different destinations are preset in the control device, and transporting the parcels to be sorted to the parcel outlets corresponding to the destinations of the parcels to be sorted includes: obtaining, by the control device, the parcel information acquired by all the parcel information acquisition devices to obtain the destinations of the respective parcels to be sorted; and controlling at least one of the mobile transport devices, according to the obtained destinations of the parcels to be sorted, to transport the parcels to be sorted to the parcel outlets corresponding to the destinations of the parcels to be sorted.

After obtaining the parcel information, in order to improve the efficiency of the subsequent sorting processes, the system preferably further includes a detection device and a transfer device, and the method further includes: obtaining, by the control device, the information detected by the detection device about whether the storage device is full or not, and when obtaining information indicating that the storage device is full, transmitting to the transfer device an instruction for transferring the storage device which is full.

In the above, the control device has already obtained the destinations of the respective parcels to be sorted at the respective parcel checking inlets, and the parcel sorting can be completed just by obtaining the transport paths of the respective parcels to be sorted through analysis according to the positions of the parcel outlets corresponding to the destinations of the respective parcels to be sorted, and then controlling at least one of the mobile transport devices to transport, according to the transport paths, each of the parcels to be sorted to the parcel outlets corresponding to the destinations of the parcels to be sorted.

The analysis by the control device on the transport paths of the respective parcels to be sorted is performed simultaneously. After completing the path analysis, the plurality of mobile transport devices may be simultaneously controlled to simultaneously complete transporting of the respective parcels to be sorted, thereby significantly improving the parcel sorting efficiency.

Each of the mobile transport devices is configured to load one parcel to be sorted or a plurality of parcels to be sorted that go to the same destination. Preferably, the mobile transport device is configured to transport one parcel to be sorted one time, and the control device sends a control instruction to the mobile transport device after obtaining the destination of the parcel to be sorted that is going to be transported by the mobile transport device, such that the mobile transport device travels to the position of the parcel outlet corresponding to the destination of the parcel to be sorted.

In the above, the parcels to be sorted may be manually loaded onto the mobile transport device, and the parcels to be sorted may also be automatically loaded onto the mobile transport devices by intelligently controlling parcel gripping devices or the like through the control device. Similarly, the transport of the parcels to be sorted from the parcel outlets to the parcel collecting device can be performed manually, and may also be completed by intelligently controlling parcel gripping devices or the like through the control device.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a system for use in an order fulfillment center or any other facility that receives orders or listings of articles for an order. The system provides an improvement for sorting orders and packaging the same for fulfillment. The system includes a platform that is elevated proximal to a lower level, which in some embodiments may be a second platform. The platform provides a surface for transport vehicles <NUM> to traverse to deposit an article to a destination container <NUM>. In operation, a device or conveyor delivers a container of articles proximal a chute <NUM> or other material handling system. The material handling system delivers the container of articles to an article supply location. The container may contain product that is identical or may be disparate product.

An operator may select an article from the container and image an identifier <NUM> positioned on the article via the acquisition device <NUM>. Optionally, the acquisition device <NUM> may automatically interact with identifier <NUM> for article recognition. The operator may place the article on the vehicle <NUM>, or the system and process may be set up so that such deposition of article onto vehicle <NUM> is automated. The acquisition device <NUM> may then communicate the article identifier information to the control device <NUM>.

The article supply, namely the articles shown in the containers, may be a supply of articles that has identifier <NUM> on each article. The information acquisition devices <NUM> obtain the information contained in the identifier <NUM> of the articles to be sorted by identifying the information codes on the articles to be sorted, wherein the information code may be a bar code, a two-dimensional code, a radio frequency tag etc., and correspondingly, the parcel information acquisition device <NUM> may be a bar code scanner, a two-dimensional code scanner, a radio frequency identifier, etc..

The transport vehicle <NUM> may have a first position in which an article is stowed about the vehicle and a second position in which the article is deposited into a proximal destination container.

Additionally, the information acquisition device may be configured to image the article and compare against a database of known articles to determine a characteristic, SKU or identity of the article.

In one or more cases, the mobile transport device <NUM> may be an auto-navigating small vehicle.

The control system <NUM> is configured to determine one destination container <NUM> of a plurality of destination containers to deposit, with the transport vehicle <NUM>, a selected article based on the interaction with the identifier <NUM>. The control system <NUM> is further configured to direct the transport vehicle to transport the selected article to the destination container and deposit the article by manipulation of the transport car from the first position to the second position for deposit of the selected article in the destination container.

The system may be implemented in a multiple level arrangement. The multiple level arrangement may include an elevated platform above a lower level, which may be the floor or a second platform. In operation, the control system determines that a destination container needs an article deposited therein. In the multiple level arrangement, the destination container is positioned proximal an opening in the elevated platform. The transport vehicle traverses the elevated platform to the destination container and deposits the article by manipulation of the transport vehicle from the first position to the second position for deposit of the selected article in the destination container.

As an example, consider a situation at an order fulfillment facility where an order calls for <NUM> red shirts, <NUM> blue shirts, and <NUM> pair of blue jeans to be transported to an end destination retailer. The control system <NUM> may know that at article supply #<NUM> are the red shirts, article supply #<NUM> has blue shirts, and article supply #<NUM> has blue jeans. The control system <NUM> directs a respective transport vehicle <NUM> to each of article supply #<NUM>, article supply #<NUM>, and article supply #<NUM>. The control system <NUM> also determines or otherwise knows that the destination container for delivery of the order is located at a certain location on the platform. The control system <NUM> then directs each respective transport vehicle <NUM> to deposit articles into the destination container until the entire order is filled. At that time, the control system <NUM> knows that the order is filled and can direct or otherwise instruct removal of the destination container.

The control system may be further configured to direct the transport vehicle to return to be proximally located at any article supply. The transport vehicle is in the first position upon being proximal at an article supply. The control system may be further configured to direct a plurality of transport vehicles such that the transport vehicles do not collide with one another.

Disclosed herein is thus a system. The system includes an article supply. The article supply includes a plurality of articles at an order fulfillment center. In operation, the system has a method or material handling system to move and transport containers of articles. The method or material handling system delivers a container of articles to an article supply location. The container may contain product that is identical or may be disparate product. A control system <NUM> communicates over a network. The network may be a wired or wireless network. The wireless network may be Bluetooth®, WIFI, a specific Radio Frequency, cellular, and the like. The control system <NUM> may be embodied as a server with a processor and a memory, where the processor executes many instructions provided herein. The control system <NUM> is configured to receive an order for a plurality of disparate articles to fulfill an order. The disparate articles may be a plurality of similar articles having different sizes, colors, and the like, such as apparel, or the disparate articles may be largely unrelated. The control system <NUM> is configured to determine one destination container of a plurality of destination containers to deposit, with the transport vehicle, a selected article. The control system <NUM> is configured to direct the transport vehicle to transport the selected article which is stowed about the vehicle to the destination container and deposit the article by manipulation of the transport vehicle from the first position to the second position for deposit of the selected article in the destination container. The control system <NUM> may be configured to direct the transport vehicle to transport a disparate article to the destination container and deposit the disparate article by manipulation of the transport vehicle from the first position to the second position for deposit of the selected disparate article in the destination container. The control system <NUM> is configured to determine when the order is complete.

The system may include an information acquisition device <NUM> that is configured to image the selected article. The control system may then be further configured to determine a characteristic of the selected article by interacting with the selected article with the information acquisition device. This interaction may include optical recognition to determine one or more characteristic of an article, including size, color, deformation or other defect, UPC or other identifying code, and the like.

The control system may be further configured to determine a characteristic of the selected article by interacting with an identifier <NUM> of the selected article with the information acquisition device. The identifier may be a UPC or other product code associated with the article.

The system may further include an elevated platform above a lower level. The transport vehicle traverses the platform. The destination container is positioned proximal a recess in the platform. The transport vehicle traverses the platform, positions the vehicle proximal the recess and then manipulates from the first position to the second position to deposit the article. Each transport vehicle may carry a respective single selected article, and multiple transport vehicles may be traversing the platform at any given time. The control system may be configured to direct the transport vehicle to return to a position proximal an article supply. The transport vehicle is in the first position upon being proximal an article supply. The control system may be configured to direct a plurality of transport vehicles. The control system is further configured to direct the plurality of transport vehicles such that the transport vehicles do not collide with one another.

A method may also be provided. The method may include receiving an order for a plurality of disparate articles, determining one destination container of a plurality of destination containers to direct the transport vehicle to deposit a selected article, directing the first transport vehicle to transport the selected article to the destination container and deposit the article by manipulation of the first transport vehicle from the first position to the second position for deposit of the selected article in the destination container, directing the second transport vehicle to transport a disparate article to the destination container and deposit the disparate article by manipulation of the second transport vehicle from the first position to the second position for deposit of the selected disparate article in the destination container, and determining when the order has been completed.

In another example utilizing the same or many of the components discussed in regard to Example <NUM>, a control system receives an order for fulfillment. The order, in this example, includes articles from various portions of a warehouse or fulfillment center. The control system batches orders, thus allowing for multiple orders to be fulfilled at once in a time efficient manner.

The control system may then determine that a plurality of articles to be sorted are located within a first portion of the fulfillment center, and a second plurality of articles to be sorted are located within a second portion of the fulfillment center, and the like. The plurality of articles span the batched orders.

The control system may then direct a person or an automated machine to pull the plurality of articles associated with the batched orders where the articles are in the first portion of the fulfillment center. Those pulled articles in the first location may then be positioned in a case, bin or other container. Similarly, the pulled articles in the second location may then be positioned into a separate case, bin or other container. The bin or other container is then taken to a conveyor, chute, or the like to transport the pulled articles to a location of article supply. A person may then position an article onto a transport vehicle, or an automated machine may then position the article onto the transport vehicle.

The information acquisition device may then image the UPC or other identifying code on the article to determine the article identity. The information acquisition device then communicates the article identity to the control system, which is then able to compare the article identity to the database of orders that have been batched, and assign a destination container for depositing the article based on the orders. The control system then does this for each item until the orders are filled.

The destination container may be positioned below the platform, where a chute may extend from the elevated platform to the destination container in order to guide the article into the destination container.

In another example utilizing the same or many of the components discussed in regard to Example <NUM>, a control system receives an order for store fulfillment. The order, in this example, includes articles from various portions of a warehouse or fulfillment center. The control system batches orders for stores, thus allowing for multiple store orders to be fulfilled at once in a time efficient manner.

The control system may then determine that a plurality of articles to be sorted are located within a first portion of the fulfillment center, and a second plurality of articles to be sorted are located within a second portion of the fulfillment center, and the like. The plurality of articles span the store orders.

The control system may then direct a person or an automated machine to pull the plurality of articles associated with the stores orders where the articles are in the first portion of the fulfillment center. Those pulled articles in the first location may then be positioned in a case, bin or other container. Similarly, the pulled articles in the second location may then be positioned into a separate case, bin or other container. The bin or other container is then taken to a conveyor, chute, small vehicle, or the like to transport the pulled articles to a location of article supply. A person may then place an article onto a transport vehicle, or an automated machine may then place the article onto the transport vehicle.

The information acquisition device may then image the UPC or other identifying code on the article to determine the article identity. The information acquisition device then communicates the article identity to the control system which is then able to compare the article identity to the database of store orders that have been batched, and assign a destination container for depositing the article based on the individual store. The control system then does this for each article until a store order is filled.

The control system may be further configured to segregate a store order into departments such that all articles for a given store department are assigned to a single destination container. Store departments may include or be defined as women's, men's, shoes, etc..

In another example utilizing the same or many of the components discussed in regard to Example <NUM>, an operation receives returns of articles from a customer. The returns arrive at a returns processing area and are received into the facility. In operation, a method, device or conveyor delivers a container of returned articles proximal a chute or other material handling system or method. The material handling system or method delivers the container of returned articles to an article supply location.

An operator may then place a single returned article onto a transport vehicle, or an automated machine may then place the article onto the transport vehicle.

The information acquisition device may then image the UPC or other identifying code on the article to determine the article identity. The information acquisition device then communicates the article identity to the control system is then able to compare the article identity to the database of the articles in the article master database, and assign a destination container for depositing the article based on the article identity or SKU. The control system then does this for each article until all returned articles have been transported and deposited into destination containers. The control system can be configured to transport and deposit identical or similar articles into a single destination container.

The destination container may be positioned below the platform, where a chute may extend from the the elevated platform to the destination container in order to guide the article into the destination container.

The destination container may be positioned on the same platform or surface as the transport vehicle and the transport vehicle may deposit directly into the destination container.

Thus a system includes a first article supply location. The first article supply location includes a plurality of articles to be sorted that have been pulled from batched orders from a first location in a distribution center. A second article supply location includes a plurality of articles to be sorted that have been pulled from batched orders from a second location in the distribution center. A product type of each article is determined by interacting with an information acquisition device at the respective first article supply location and second article supply location. First and second computer controlled transport vehicles include a first position in which a selected article is stowed about the vehicle and a second position in which the selected article is deposited into a proximal container by manipulating a support of the vehicle that carries the selected article and deposits the selected article when in the second position. A first platform is elevated from a first surface. The first computer controlled transport vehicle traverses the first platform and the selected articles are deposited into a destination container positioned about the first surface. A control system is configured to receive an order for a plurality of disparate articles. The disparate articles are found within the first or second article supply location after the articles have been pulled from the distribution center. The control system is configured to determine a first destination container of a plurality of destination containers to direct the first transport vehicle to deposit a selected article from the first or second article supply location based on the determined product type. The destination container corresponds with an order for a first business. The control system is configured to direct the first transport vehicle to transport the selected article to the destination container and deposit the selected article by manipulation of the first transport vehicle from the first position to the second position for deposit of the selected article in the destination container. The control system is configured to determine a second destination container of a plurality of destination containers to direct the second transport vehicle to deposit another article from the first or second article supply location based on the determined product type. The second destination container corresponds with an order for a second business. The control system is configured to direct the second transport vehicle to transport a disparate article to the destination container and deposit the disparate article by manipulation of the second transport vehicle from the first position to the second position for deposit of the disparate article in the destination container. The control system is configured to determine when at least one of the orders has been completed.

According to one or more examples, the destination container is positioned proximal an opening in the first platform. The first transport vehicle traverses the first platform proximal the opening, then manipulates from the first position to the second position to deposit the article into the destination container through the opening in the first platform.

According to one or more examples, the control system is configured to direct the first transport vehicle to return to a position proximal the first article supply location. The first transport vehicle is in the first position upon being positioned proximal the first article supply location.

According to one or more examples, a control system is configured for use with material handling of a plurality of articles. The control system includes a memory and a processor. The control system is configured to receive a plurality of orders for a plurality of disparate articles, batch the plurality of orders over a period of time, wherein the plurality of disparate articles are received from a first article supply location that has been pulled from batched orders from a first location in a distribution center and a second article supply location that has been pulled from batched orders from a second location in the distribution center, interact with an identifier affixed to an article or packaging associated with the article in order to determine a product type of a respective article at the first article supply location or the second article supply location, and determine one destination container of a plurality of destination containers to deposit, with a transport vehicle, a selected article. The destination container is determined based on at least one of the orders and the determined product type of the selected article. The control system is further configured to direct a first transport vehicle to transport the selected article to the determined one destination container and deposit the selected article by manipulation of the first transport vehicle from a first position to a second position for deposit of the selected article in the destination container. The control system is further configured to determine another one destination container of a plurality of destination containers to deposit, with a transport vehicle, a disparate selected article. The another destination container is determined based on at least one of the orders and the determined product type of the disparate selected article. The control system is configured to direct a second transport vehicle to transport the disparate selected article to the another determined destination container and deposit the disparate selected article by manipulation of the second transport vehicle from the first position to the second position for deposit of the disparate selected article in the another determined destination container and determine when at least one order has been completed.

According to one or more examples, a system includes a first article supply location, wherein the first article supply location includes a plurality of articles to be sorted that have been pulled from batched orders from a first location in a distribution center and a second article supply location, wherein the second article supply location includes a plurality of articles to be sorted that have been pulled from batched orders from a second location in the distribution center. A product type of each article is determined by interacting with an information acquisition device with an identifier at the respective first article supply location and second article supply location. A platform assembly includes a platform elevated from a proximal surface. The platform defines an opening and a destination container that is positioned proximal the opening in the platform. The first and second computer controlled transport vehicles, each vehicle having a first position in which a selected article is stowed about the transport vehicle and a second position in which the selected article is deposited into a proximal container by manipulating a support of the vehicle that carried the selected article and deposits the selected article when in the second position. The first transport vehicle traverses the platform and positions proximal the opening to deposit the selected article in the destination container by manipulation from the first position to the second position. A control system is configured to receive an order for a plurality of disparate articles. The disparate articles are found within the first and second article supply location after the articles have been sorted and pulled at the distribution center. The control system is configured to determine a first destination container of a plurality of receiving destination containers to direct the first transport vehicle to deposit the selected article. The first destination container corresponds with an order for a first business. The control system is configured to direct the first transport vehicle to transport a selected article to the first destination container and deposit the article by manipulation of the support of the first transport vehicle from the first position to the second position for deposit of the selected article in the destination container and determine a second destination container of a plurality of destination containers to direct the second transport vehicle to deposit a disparate selected article from the first or second article supply location based on the determined product type. The second destination container corresponds with an order for a second business. The control system is configured to direct the second transport vehicle to transport the disparate selected article to the destination container and deposit the disparate selected article by manipulation of the support of the second transport vehicle from the first position to the second position for deposit of the disparate selected article in the destination container and determine when the order for purchase has been completed.

Claim 1:
A control system configured for use with material handling of a plurality of articles, the control system comprising a memory and a processor, the control system configured to:
receive a plurality of orders for a plurality of disparate articles;
batch the plurality of orders over a period of time, wherein the plurality of disparate articles are received from a first article supply location that has been pulled from batched orders from a first location in a distribution center and a second article supply location that has been pulled from batched orders from a second location in the distribution center;
interact with an identifier (<NUM>) affixed to an article at the first or second article supply location in order to determine a product type of the article;
determine a first destination container (<NUM>) positioned about a proximal surface (<NUM>) to direct a first transport vehicle (<NUM>) to deposit a first article from the first or second article supply location based on the product type determined for the first article, wherein the first destination container (<NUM>) corresponds with a first order for a first business;
direct the first transport vehicle (<NUM>) to transport the first article to the first destination container (<NUM>) and deposit the first article by manipulation of the first transport vehicle (<NUM>) from a first position to a second position for deposit of the first article in the first destination container (<NUM>);
determine a second destination container (<NUM>) positioned about a proximal surface (<NUM>) to direct a second transport vehicle (<NUM>) to deposit a second article from the first or second article supply location based on the product type determined for the second article, wherein the second destination container (<NUM>) corresponds with a second order for a second business;
direct the second transport vehicle (<NUM>) to transport the second article to the second destination container (<NUM>) and deposit the second article by manipulation of the second transport vehicle (<NUM>) from the first position to the second position for deposit of the second article in the second destination container (<NUM>); and
determine when at least one of the orders has been completed.