Distribution and retrieval of inventory and materials using autonomous vehicles

    公开(公告)号:US10308430B1

    公开(公告)日:2019-06-04

    申请号:US15389920

    申请日:2016-12-23

    Abstract: Autonomous vehicles may be deployed to areas where an item is in demand, and configured to fulfill orders for the item received from the areas. The autonomous vehicles are loaded with the item and dispatched to the area under their own power or in a carrier. When an order for the item is received, an autonomous vehicle delivers the item to a location in the area. Autonomous vehicles may also be equipped with a 3D printer or other equipment and loaded with materials for manufacturing the item. When an order for the item is received, the autonomous vehicle manufactures the item from such materials, and delivers the item. Autonomous vehicles may be configured for collaboration, such as to deliver or manufacture items in multiple stages and to transfer the items between vehicles. Autonomous vehicles may also be configured to automatically access locations in the area, e.g., using wireless access codes.

    Image processing system
    12.
    发明授权

    公开(公告)号:US10044987B1

    公开(公告)日:2018-08-07

    申请号:US14566280

    申请日:2014-12-10

    Abstract: A surveillance system including a number of image capturing devices is described. A processing device may receive an image from one of the image capturing devices and determine a device identifier of the image capturing device. The processing device may further detect a machine-readable target in the image and generate data based on the detection. The processing device may store the data in association with the device identifier in a data structure.

    Smart earphones
    13.
    发明授权

    公开(公告)号:US09961435B1

    公开(公告)日:2018-05-01

    申请号:US14965656

    申请日:2015-12-10

    Abstract: A set of earphones or other wearable or portable audio equipment may be configured to play relevant sound signals from a speaker provided within a cavity mounted about an ear of a user. The earphones may include one or more microphones for capturing acoustic energy within a vicinity of the earphones, or may be in communication with one or more external microphones. Where one or more of the microphones captures acoustic energy that includes a plurality of sound signals, the signals may be processed to identify one of the signals that is relevant to the user. The relevant signal may be reconstructed and amplified from the speaker, and all other signals may be ignored or attenuated. The signals may be further processed to determine any additional information regarding sources of the signals, including whether such signals are within a vicinity of the user, or may pose a risk to the user.

    Performing automated tasks based on visual cues

    公开(公告)号:US09846806B2

    公开(公告)日:2017-12-19

    申请号:US14315717

    申请日:2014-06-26

    Abstract: Visual cues may be provided for the purpose of triggering the performance of one or more actions associated with a given task. A visual cue may include one or more characters or other markings on any relevant surfaces, as well as naturally appearing edges, contours or outlines within an environment in which the visual cue is provided. When one or more visual cues appear within a field of view of an imaging device, and the visual cues are recognized as such, a task relating to the visual cues may be identified, and instructions for performing the task may be provided. The task may be dependent upon a context in which the visual cues are provided, such that a single visual cue may be associated with multiple tasks in different contexts, and the performance of the task may be confirmed based on imaging data or other relevant information.

    Inventory confirmation
    16.
    发明授权
    Inventory confirmation 有权
    库存确认

    公开(公告)号:US09595038B1

    公开(公告)日:2017-03-14

    申请号:US14715505

    申请日:2015-05-18

    Abstract: Images of items may be evaluated to identify one or more attributes of the items, including points, contours or shapes corresponding to such items or their packaging, in order to determine whether such items are authentic or counterfeit. Such attributes may be compared to corresponding attributes of items that are known to be authentic. If the attributes identified in an image of an item arriving at a fulfillment center are determined to be consistent with attributes identified in an image of an authentic item, then the item arriving at the fulfillment center may be deemed authentic. If, however, the attributes identified in the image of the item arriving at the fulfillment center are not determined to be consistent with any attributes identified in images of any authentic items, then the item arriving at the fulfillment center may be deemed counterfeit.

    Abstract translation: 可以评估项目的图像以识别项目的一个或多个属性,包括与这些项目或其包装相对应的点,轮廓或形状,以便确定这些项目是真实的还是假的。 可以将这样的属性与已知为可信的项目的相应属性进行比较。 如果在到达履行中心的物品的图像中识别的属性被确定为与在真实物品的图像中识别的属性一致,则到达履行中心的物品可以被认为是真实的。 然而,如果在到达履行中心的物品的图像中识别的属性未被确定为与任何真实物品的图像中识别的任何属性一致,则到达履行中心的物品可以被认为是假的。

    Sensing conveyor for object characteristic determination

    公开(公告)号:US09233799B1

    公开(公告)日:2016-01-12

    申请号:US14304561

    申请日:2014-06-13

    CPC classification number: B65G43/08 B07C5/00 B65G47/00 G06Q10/08

    Abstract: Methods and devices for measuring attributes of objects such as containers and container content without opening the containers are disclosed. Measurements of containers are obtained during conveyance via conveyor. For example, a sensor, such as a pressure sensing system, may measure pressure or contact between the container and the conveyor conveying the container. The measurements may be analyzed to determine characteristics of the container such as the weight, weight distribution and/or dimensions of the container. The conveyor may be configured to jostle the container such that an inertial property of the container and/or container content may be measured and analyzed. The measurements obtained may be used to ascertain a problem or characteristic of the container and/or container content without opening the container, such as damage, packing condition, number of units, presence of liquids, and the like. The method and device may be used through a materials handling facility.

    Passive brushes for cleaning surfaces in the presence of acoustic excitation

    公开(公告)号:US11794222B1

    公开(公告)日:2023-10-24

    申请号:US16698091

    申请日:2019-11-27

    CPC classification number: B08B7/04 B08B1/002 B64F5/30 G01P5/165 B08B2209/027

    Abstract: Passive brushes formed from plastics, rubbers or other suitable materials may be inserted into openings of aerial vehicles or other machines and subjected to excitation at natural frequencies of vibration of the passive brushes. Where surfaces of the passive brushes are in contact with surfaces of components that are fouled by dust, dirt, grime, or other substances, the vibration of the passive brushes resulting from the excitation causes the dust, dirt, grime or other substances to be released from such surfaces. The passive brushes may have dimensions or shapes that are selected to correspond to internal dimensions of the aerial vehicles or specific components, and may be formed by 3D printing, nanolithography, or in any other suitable manner.

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