Inventory storage and retrieval system and method with guidance for load-handling vehicle
US8055554B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 3, 2008 |
| Grant date | Nov 8, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 8, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06Q50/40
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An inventory storage and retrieval system and method are provided for a shipping or storage facility. In an embodiment, the system includes: (a) a mobile computer and radio on a load-handing vehicle; (b) sensors on the vehicle to determine the ground location and orientation of the vehicle; (c) encoders that determine the position of a lifting mechanism relative to a chassis of the vehicle; and (d) a base computer and radio that communicates with the vehicle. The system maintains an inventory database of items and their respective storage locations in three dimensions as a result of the loading activity of the vehicle. The data can be used to guide the vehicle for ground movement generally to a storage location, appropriately orient the vehicle, and then to move the lifting mechanism of the vehicle to deposit or retrieve the item at a particular storage location.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.