Techniques for conveyance device control
US10649446B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 30, 2018 |
| Grant date | May 12, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 22, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05D2111/10
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Systems and methods are provided herein for operating a conveyance system (e.g., a conveyor belt, tilt plane, robotic arm) of a mobile drive unit (MDU) independent of the MDU's navigation system. The MDU may be configured to obtain, convey, and deliver items within the workspace. Navigation information related to navigating the MDU within a workspace may be obtained. Operations of a navigational system of the MDU may be performed to move the MDU to various locations within the workspace in accordance with the navigation information. Conveyance information related to physically obtaining and/or delivering an item within the workspace may be obtained by the MDU (e.g., via conveyance-related fiducial markers and/or sensors of the MDU). At least one operation of a conveyance system of the MDU may be executed which may cause the item to be physically relocated based at least in part on the conveyance information.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.