Check-in systems and methods for an automated tower that stores and dispenses customer orders

US12062010B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Walmart Apollo, LLC · US

Inventors

• David G. Tovey · Rogers, US
• Bruce W. Wilkinson · Rogers, US
• John F. Simon · Pembroke Pines, US
• Kurt William Robert Bessel · Mexico, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 24, 2023
• Grant date: Aug 13, 2024
• Expiry date: Mar 24, 2043

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H04W4/029
• WIPO field: IT methods for management
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A check-in system for an dispensing items includes a computing device having an application installed thereon. The computing device is configured to check in a customer to notify the kiosk of a time range during which an order of the customer is picked up. The kiosk is configured to receive a check-in message from the computing device, receive the location of the computing device, receive a message indicative of the arrival of the customer at the automated tower, retrieve information of the order from an order database stored on a remote server, assemble the order based on the check-in message and the information of the order, and move the assembled order close to a pick-up location of the automated tower to facilitate pick-up of the assembled order.