Inventory storage and retrieval system and method with guidance for load-handling vehicle
First Claim
1. A storage and retrieval system comprising:
- a load-handling vehicle including a chassis supported on the ground and a lifting device configured to lift an item, the vehicle maneuverable on the ground, from an initial vehicle position to a desired vehicle position, along a path that includes a curved portion;
the lifting device mounted for movement with respect to the chassis and operable to selectively latch and unlatch from the item;
a database storing storage location information for the item, the storage location information defined by three-dimensional coordinates that represent a physical storage location of the item;
a plurality of sensors mounted to the vehicle, the sensors communicating data to a mobile computer;
the mobile computer disposed on the vehicle, the mobile computer determining a ground position of the chassis of the vehicle and an orientation of the vehicle based on the data received from the sensors;
at least one encoder measuring a position of the lifting device relative to the chassis of the vehicle, the encoder communicating the position of the lifting device to the mobile computer; and
a base computer located at a base station, the base computer communicating with the mobile computer and the database, wherein when the lifting device is unlatched from the item, the base computer updates the storage location information for the item in the database with a current position of the item.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
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.
18 Citations
8 Claims
-
1. A storage and retrieval system comprising:
-
a load-handling vehicle including a chassis supported on the ground and a lifting device configured to lift an item, the vehicle maneuverable on the ground, from an initial vehicle position to a desired vehicle position, along a path that includes a curved portion; the lifting device mounted for movement with respect to the chassis and operable to selectively latch and unlatch from the item; a database storing storage location information for the item, the storage location information defined by three-dimensional coordinates that represent a physical storage location of the item; a plurality of sensors mounted to the vehicle, the sensors communicating data to a mobile computer; the mobile computer disposed on the vehicle, the mobile computer determining a ground position of the chassis of the vehicle and an orientation of the vehicle based on the data received from the sensors; at least one encoder measuring a position of the lifting device relative to the chassis of the vehicle, the encoder communicating the position of the lifting device to the mobile computer; and a base computer located at a base station, the base computer communicating with the mobile computer and the database, wherein when the lifting device is unlatched from the item, the base computer updates the storage location information for the item in the database with a current position of the item. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
-
Specification