Multi-level fulfillment center for unmanned aerial vehicles
First Claim
1. A multi-level fulfillment center configured to support distribution of items by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the multi-level fulfillment center comprising:
- an exterior shell to secure internal operations of the multi-level fulfillment center;
UAV platforms to support landings and takeoffs of the UAVs, the UAV platforms coupled to the exterior shell;
apertures located in the exterior shell at different altitudes to provide at least access to the UAVs located on the UAV platforms, wherein a first aperture provides access to an authenticated UAV on a first UAV platform located proximate to the first aperture, the authenticated UAV to be readied for a next flight while on the first UAV platform to deliver an item from the multi-level fulfillment center to a destination associated with a customer;
aperture doors to selectively close the apertures, wherein a first door is configured to secure the first aperture in a closed position at least when the first UAV platform is not occupied by the authenticated UAV;
a controller to authenticate the UAVs and control the aperture doors, wherein the controller causes a second door to open based at least in part on a determination that an incoming UAV being received at a second UAV platform is authorized to access the multi-level fulfillment center;
a receiving area within the exterior shell to receive freight that includes the item and other items available for consumption by customers; and
a storage area within the exterior shell to organize and store the item and the other items prior to distribution to customers by the UAVs.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A multi-level (ML) fulfillment center is designed to accommodate landing and takeoff of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), possibly in an urban setting, such as in a densely populated area. Unlike traditional fulfillment centers, the ML fulfillment centers may include many levels (i.e., stories, floors, etc.) as permitted under zoning regulations for respective areas. The fulfillment center may have one or more landing locations and one or more deployment locations to accommodate UAVs, which may delivery at least some of the items from the fulfillment center to locations associated with customers.
87 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A multi-level fulfillment center configured to support distribution of items by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the multi-level fulfillment center comprising:
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an exterior shell to secure internal operations of the multi-level fulfillment center; UAV platforms to support landings and takeoffs of the UAVs, the UAV platforms coupled to the exterior shell; apertures located in the exterior shell at different altitudes to provide at least access to the UAVs located on the UAV platforms, wherein a first aperture provides access to an authenticated UAV on a first UAV platform located proximate to the first aperture, the authenticated UAV to be readied for a next flight while on the first UAV platform to deliver an item from the multi-level fulfillment center to a destination associated with a customer; aperture doors to selectively close the apertures, wherein a first door is configured to secure the first aperture in a closed position at least when the first UAV platform is not occupied by the authenticated UAV; a controller to authenticate the UAVs and control the aperture doors, wherein the controller causes a second door to open based at least in part on a determination that an incoming UAV being received at a second UAV platform is authorized to access the multi-level fulfillment center; a receiving area within the exterior shell to receive freight that includes the item and other items available for consumption by customers; and a storage area within the exterior shell to organize and store the item and the other items prior to distribution to customers by the UAVs. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A multi-level structure comprising:
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an exterior shell to secure an interior of the multi-level structure; a receiving area within the exterior shell to receive freight that includes items available for consumption by customers; a storage area within the exterior shell to organize and store the items prior to distribution to customers by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs); a plurality of apertures in the exterior shell to enable access by the UAVs to different levels within the interior of the multi-level structure; a controller to authenticate UAVs based at least in part on a determination that the UAVs are authorized to access the multi-level structure; and UAV service sites located proximate to the plurality of apertures, the UAV service sites configured for at least landing and takeoff of the UAVs. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A multi-level unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) landing structure comprising:
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an exterior shell that includes coupling features extending outward from the exterior shell; and a UAV platform to support landings and takeoffs of the UAVs, the a UAV platform coupled to the exterior shell, and the a UAV platform including a plurality of arms that selectively engage at least some of the coupling features and wherein the UAV platform includes a controller to move the UAV platform about the exterior shell. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification