Patent · US Active

System and method for coordinating movement of mobile drive units

US9448560B2 · kind B2 · utility

15Cited by
54References
15Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 25, 2014
Grant dateSep 20, 2016
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 25, 2034

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02P90/60
  • WIPO fieldControl
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A method for moving one or more mobile drive units within a workspace includes receiving, from a first mobile drive unit, a reservation request requesting use of a first path segment to move in a first direction. The method further includes determining that a second mobile drive unit is currently located on the first path segment and determining whether the second mobile drive unit is moving in the first direction. Additionally, the method includes transmitting a reservation response indicating that the reservation request is denied, in response to determining that the second mobile drive unit is not moving in the first direction. The method also includes transmitting a reservation response indicating that the reservation request is granted, in response to determining that the second mobile drive unit is moving in the first direction.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.