TARGETED PRODUCT DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM AND METHOD
First Claim
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1. A method of correcting errors associated with a pallet provided for carrying objects, to allow automatic conveyance of the pallet and objects throughout a distribution center, the method comprising the steps of:
- receiving an error signal at a central computer indicating that an error is associated with a pallet that will prevent the pallet from being automatically conveyed about the distribution center;
storing information related to the pallet and the error associated therewith in a database associated with the central computer;
transmitting from the central computer a first conveying signal for diverting the pallet from a normal workflow and conveying the pallet to a workstation for correction of the error;
receiving pallet identifier information originating from a pallet identifier located on the pallet from at least one of a bed scanner, a handheld scanner, a keyboard and a touch-screen monitor;
storing the object identifier information in the database associated with the central computer;
determining at the central computer a first set of instructions to transmit to the touch-screen monitor associated with the workstation and in communication with the central computer, the first set of instructions comprising a proper method of correcting the error associated with the pallet, based on information in the database;
transmitting the first set of instructions to the touch-screen monitor for displaying the first set of instructions on the touch-screen monitor;
receiving at the central computer a confirmation signal from a user that the instructions have been implemented;
updating the database with correction information including information relating to the correction of the error; and
transmitting from the central computer a second conveying signal for conveying the pallet back to the normal workflow within the distribution center.
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Abstract
A targeted product distribution system is described herein with respect to an exemplary management of product flow through a distribution center. Specifically, the system and method described herein is directed to the management and display of direct and easily-understood instructions, such that average individuals, as well as those with mental disabilities, will be able to contribute equally to the overall process.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A method of correcting errors associated with a pallet provided for carrying objects, to allow automatic conveyance of the pallet and objects throughout a distribution center, the method comprising the steps of:
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receiving an error signal at a central computer indicating that an error is associated with a pallet that will prevent the pallet from being automatically conveyed about the distribution center; storing information related to the pallet and the error associated therewith in a database associated with the central computer; transmitting from the central computer a first conveying signal for diverting the pallet from a normal workflow and conveying the pallet to a workstation for correction of the error; receiving pallet identifier information originating from a pallet identifier located on the pallet from at least one of a bed scanner, a handheld scanner, a keyboard and a touch-screen monitor; storing the object identifier information in the database associated with the central computer; determining at the central computer a first set of instructions to transmit to the touch-screen monitor associated with the workstation and in communication with the central computer, the first set of instructions comprising a proper method of correcting the error associated with the pallet, based on information in the database; transmitting the first set of instructions to the touch-screen monitor for displaying the first set of instructions on the touch-screen monitor; receiving at the central computer a confirmation signal from a user that the instructions have been implemented; updating the database with correction information including information relating to the correction of the error; and transmitting from the central computer a second conveying signal for conveying the pallet back to the normal workflow within the distribution center. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of correcting errors associated with a pallet provided for carrying objects, to allow automatic conveyance of the pallet and objects throughout a distribution center, the method comprising the steps of:
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receiving an error signal at a central computer indicating that an error is associated with a pallet that will prevent the pallet from being automatically conveyed about the distribution center; storing information related to the pallet and the error associated therewith in a database associated with the central computer; transmitting from the central computer a first conveying signal for diverting the pallet from a normal workflow and conveying the pallet to a workstation for correction of the error; receiving pallet identifier information originating from a pallet identifier located on the pallet from at least one of a bed scanner, a handheld scanner, a keyboard and a touch-screen monitor; confirming that the pallet identifier information accurately identifies and describes the pallet and the objects stacked thereon; storing the object identifier information in the database associated with the central computer; determining at the central computer a first set of instructions to transmit to the touch-screen monitor associated with the workstation and in communication with the central computer, the first set of instructions comprising a proper method of correcting the error associated with the pallet, based on information in the database; transmitting the first set of instructions to the touch-screen monitor for displaying the first set of instructions on the touch-screen monitor; correcting the error associated with the pallet based on the information contained in the first set of instructions; receiving at the central computer a confirmation signal from a user that the instructions have been implemented; updating the database with correction information including information relating to the correction of the error; and transmitting from the central computer a second conveying signal for conveying the pallet back to the normal workflow within the distribution center. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification