METHODS FOR SAMPLE PRESENTATION USING AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES

• US 20170154371A1
• Filed: 02/14/2017
• Published: 06/01/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 02/14/2017
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Thomas Danaher Harvey
• Original Assignee: Thomas Danaher Harvey
• Inventors: Harvey, Thomas Danaher
• Granted Patent: US 10,275,815 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/0088 characterized by the autonomous decision making process, e.g. artificial intelligence, predefined behaviours using knowledge based models G06N5/00
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0617 Representative agent
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 21/04 by land vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 27/00 Combined visual and audible advertising or displaying, e.g. for public address

Abstract

A method and a system to present samples of products to customers by transporting the samples to the customer'"'"'s location with an autonomous vehicle. The sample can be a product, a component of a product, a material or a device to gather information in defining the product. The autonomous vehicle is adapted for off road travel and may enter buildings, it can be carried to a nearby location by a street adapted vehicle. Information may be transmitted electronically but physical presence is essential. The customer or the customer'"'"'s agent receives a presentation of the product definer and a selection of a final product is made. In other cases the autonomous vehicle delivery separate or installed technical equipment to examine the presentation location and assist in the final product selection. For example, photographs from multiple locations can measure a room for installation of carpets or draperies, etc.

Claims

1. A method of selection a product comprising:

defining a class of products on the basis of a potential demand of a customer,

selecting a location where a physical product definer can be presented to the customer,

selecting the physical product definer to deliver information to distinguish between products in the class wherein the physical product definer is enabled to accomplish at least one of (a) transferring information unsuitable for virtual presentation to the customer and (b) acquiring information unsuitable for virtual acquisition from at least one of the customer and objects present at the location,

transporting the physical product definer to the location with an autonomous vehicle,

making a presentation of the physical product definer to the customer, and

selecting a product from the class of products at least partially on the basis of information acquired as a result of the presentation.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein:

The location is inside a building and the vehicle is adapted to travel inside the building to the location.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein:

the information is obtained by measuring an object at the location with the physical product definer.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein:

the information is obtained electronically at the location wherein access to the information is restricted to a limited area including the location.

5. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

allowing the customer to compare the product definer to an object at the selected location.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein:

the product definer autonomously performs at the location at least one of sensing conditions and measuring objects to gather the information.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein:

the product is selected from the class of products on the basis of the customer visually examining the product definer at the selected location.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein:

the product is selected from the class of products on the basis of the customer examining tactilely the product definer at the selected location.

9. A method of defining a product for sale comprising:

receiving a first communication from a customer defining a class of products and a location not accessible by a public road network,

selecting a physical product definer as a function of the class of products,

transporting the physical product definer with a first vehicle designed for operation on a public road network to a transfer point accessible by the public road network,

transporting the physical product definer from the transfer point to the location with a second vehicle wherein the second vehicle is autonomous, and

defining a product from the class of products where the product is determined by use of information obtained at the location by use of the physical product definer.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein:

the physical product definer is enabled to accomplish at least one of (a) transferring information unsuitable for virtual presentation to the customer and (b) acquiring information unsuitable for virtual acquisition from at least one of the customer and objects present at the location.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein:

The location is inside a building and the second vehicle is adapted to travel inside the building to the location.

12. The method of claim 9 wherein:

The location is inside a building and the second vehicle is adapted to travel inside the building to the location.

13. The method of claim 9 wherein:

the information is obtained by measuring an object at the location with the physical product definer.

14. The method of claim 9 wherein:

the information is obtained from the customer after the customer is informed by the product definer.

15. The method of claim 9 further comprising:

allowing the customer to compare the product definer to an object at the location.

16. A system comprising:

an autonomous vehicle adapted to travel to areas which exclude street vehicles and are located inside buildings, and

a physical product definer carried by the autonomous vehicle;

wherein

the product definer has been selected on the basis of a communication from a customer,

the autonomous vehicle has been programmed to travel to a location designated by the customer, and

the autonomous vehicle is adapted to allow the physical product definer to be presented to allow selection of a product from a set of products determined by the communication.

17. The system of claim 16 wherein:

the physical product definer is enabled to accomplish at least one of (a) transferring information unsuitable for virtual presentation to the customer and (b) acquiring information unsuitable for virtual acquisition from at least one of the customer and objects present at the location.

18. The system of claim 16 further comprising:

equipment to obtain information electronically at the location wherein access to the information is restricted to a limited area including the location.

19. The system of claim 16 wherein:

the presentation of the physical product definer comprises visual examination of the physical product definer.

20. The system of claim 16 wherein:

the presentation of the physical product definer comprises tactile examination of the physical product definer.