公开(公告)号：WO2018057315A2

公开(公告)日：2018-03-29

申请号：PCT/US2017/050671

申请日：2017-09-08

Applicant: WAL-MART STORES, INC.

Inventor： CANTRELL, Robert L. ,  THOMPSON, John P. ,  WINKLE, David C. ,  ATCHLEY, Michael D. ,  HIGH, Donald R. ,  MATTINGLY, Todd D. ,  MCHALE, Brian G. ,  O'BRIEN, John J. ,  SIMON, John F. ,  JONES, Nathan G. ,  TAYLOR, Robert C.

IPC: G05D1/10 ,  B64C39/02

Abstract: In some embodiments, unmanned aerial task systems are provided that comprise: multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) each comprising: a UAV control circuit; a motor; and a propulsion system; and wherein data acquired through a first set of at least one of the multiple UAVs while performing a first set of at least one task is caused to be distributed to a second set of at least two of the multiple UAVs, and cause cooperative computational processing of the data through the UAV control circuits of the second set of UAVs and cooperatively identify based on the cooperative computational processing a second set of at least one task to be performed, and identify a set of at least two tool systems to be utilized by a third set of at least two of the multiple UAVs in cooperatively performing the second set of at least one task.

Abstract translation: 在一些实施例中，提供了无人空中作业系统，其包括：多个无人驾驶飞行器（UAV），每个无人飞行器包括：UAV控制电路; 电机; 和推进系统; 并且其中使得通过所述多个UAV中的至少一个UAV的第一集合在执行第一组至少一个任务时获取的数据被分配给所述多个UAV中的至少两个的第二集合，并且导致协同计算处理 所述数据通过所述第二组UAV的所述UAV控制电路并且基于所述协作计算处理协作地识别待执行的至少一个任务的第二组，并且识别由第三组UAV控制电路使用的至少两个工具系统 所述多个UAV中的至少两个协同执行所述第二组至少一个任务

公开(公告)号：WO2018048689A1

公开(公告)日：2018-03-15

申请号：PCT/US2017/049259

申请日：2017-08-30

Applicant: WAL-MART STORES, INC.

Inventor： CANTRELL, Robert L. ,  THOMPSON, John P. ,  WINKLE, David C. ,  ATCHLEY, Michael D. ,  HIGH, Donald R. ,  MATTINGLY, Todd D. ,  MCHALE, Brian G. ,  O'BRIEN, John J. ,  SIMON, John F.

IPC: A01H1/02 ,  B64C39/02

Abstract: In some embodiments, methods and systems of pollinating crops include one or more unmanned vehicles including a pollen applicator configured to collect pollen from a flower of a first crop and to apply the pollen collected from the flower of the first crop onto a flower of a second crop and a sensor configured to detect presence of the pollen applied to the flower of the second crop by the pollen applicator to verify that the pollen collected from the flower of the first crop by the pollen applicator was successfully applied by the pollen applicator onto the flower of the second crop.

Abstract translation: 在一些实施方案中，授粉作物的方法和系统包括一种或多种无人运载工具，其包括配置为从第一作物的花中收集花粉并将从第一作物的花中收集的花粉施用的花粉施加器 第一作物投放到第二作物的花上，以及传感器，配置成检测通过花粉施用器施加到第二作物的花朵上的花粉的存在，以验证由花粉施用器从第一作物的花中收集的花粉是否成功 由花粉施用器施用到第二作物的花上。

公开(公告)号：WO2018048627A1

公开(公告)日：2018-03-15

申请号：PCT/US2017/048162

申请日：2017-08-23

Applicant: WAL-MART STORES, INC.

Inventor： THOMPSON, John P. ,  WINKLE, David C. ,  ATCHLEY, Michael D. ,  HIGH, Donald R. ,  MATTINGLY, Todd D. ,  MCHALE, Brian G. ,  O'BRIEN, John ,  SIMON, John F. ,  CANTRELL, Robert L. ,  JONES, Nathan G. ,  TAYLOR, Robert C.

IPC: B64C27/08 ,  B64C39/00 ,  B64C39/02 ,  B64D45/00 ,  B64D47/00

Abstract: Some embodiments provide an aerial monitoring system to monitor a geographic area, comprising: a unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) comprising: a plurality of lift motors to drive a propeller; a substructural support supporting the lift motors and propellers; a UAV control circuit configured to control the operation of the lift motors; a rechargeable electrical power source that supplies electrical power to the UAV control circuit and the plurality of lift motors; a recharge control circuit; and a modifiable support system cooperated with the substructural support and supporting a set of photovoltaic cells electrically coupled with the rechargeable power source and configured to supply electrical power to the rechargeable power source, wherein the recharge control circuit is configured to control a modification of the modifiable support system to cause a physical modification of at least an orientation of the modifiable support system relative to the substructural support.

Abstract translation: 一些实施例提供了一种用于监视地理区域的空中监视系统，包括：无人驾驶飞行器（UAV），其包括：多个升降马达以驱动螺旋桨; 支撑升降马达和螺旋桨的子结构支撑; 无人飞行器控制电路，被配置为控制所述升降马达的操作; 向UAV控制电路和多个升降电机供应电力的可再充电电源; 再充电控制电路; 以及可修改的支撑系统，与所述子结构支撑件协作并且支撑与所述可再充电电源电耦合并被配置为向所述可再充电电源供应电力的一组光伏电池，其中所述再充电控制电路被配置为控制所述可修改 支撑系统以引起可修改支撑系统相对于子结构支撑的至少一个取向的物理修改。

公开(公告)号：WO2017205240A1

公开(公告)日：2017-11-30

申请号：PCT/US2017/033742

申请日：2017-05-22

Applicant: WAL-MART STORES, INC.

Inventor： HIGH, Donald R. ,  ATCHLEY, Michael D.

IPC: B65G1/04 ,  B25J15/00 ,  G06Q20/20

Abstract: In some embodiments, methods and systems for fulfilling consumer orders are provided. A stocking station includes at least one robotic stocking arm configured to unload a product from a first receptacle and to place the unloaded product onto a storage shelf, and a first picking station includes a first robotic picking arm configured to pick a first product from the storage shelf and to load the first product picked from the storage shelf into a second receptacle for delivery to a consumer. An empty receptacle placement station includes at least one robotic placing arm configured to place an empty second receptacle onto a packing conveyor configured to transport the empty second receptacle toward the first picking station for loading of the first product into the empty second receptacle. An electronic inventory management device transmits a signal the empty receptacle placement station and the first robotic picking arm.

Abstract translation: 在一些实施例中，提供了用于实现消费者订单的方法和系统。 库存站包括至少一个机器人库存臂，其被配置为从第一容器卸载产品并将未载卸产品放置到储存架上，并且第一采摘站包括第一机器人采摘臂，该第一机器人采摘臂被配置为从存储器中采集第一产品 并且将从储存架取出的第一产品装载到第二容器中以递送给消费者。 空的容器放置站包括至少一个机器人放置臂，其被配置为将空的第二容器放置到包装传送机上，该传送机构造成将空的第二容器朝向第​​一拾取工位输送，以将第一产品装载到空的第二容器中。 电子库存管理设备向空的容器放置站和第一机器人采摘臂发送信号。

公开(公告)号：WO2017180416A1

公开(公告)日：2017-10-19

申请号：PCT/US2017/026277

申请日：2017-04-06

Applicant: WAL-MART STORES, INC.

Inventor： ATCHLEY, Michael D. ,  HIGH, Donald R. ,  THOMPSON, John P. ,  JONES, Nathan G.

IPC: G06F19/00

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to transporting containers using an autonomous dolly. Some of these embodiments include systems for transporting containers along delivery paths comprising: an autonomous dolly having a microcontroller and a support portion configured to carry a plurality of containers; a mobile device with a microcontroller in communication with the microcontroller of the dolly; and one or more sensors in communication with the mobile device, the one or more sensors and mobile device configured to triangulate the location of the mobile device; wherein the dolly's microcontroller is configured to receive tracking information from the mobile device's microcontroller and to cause the dolly to follow the mobile device along a delivery path defined by movement of the mobile device from a starting point to an ending point.

Abstract translation: 在一些实施例中，本文提供了用于使用自主小车来运输集装箱的设备和方法。 这些实施例中的一些包括用于沿着输送路径输送容器的系统，包括：具有微控制器和被配置为承载多个容器的支撑部分的自主小车; 具有与微型计算机的微控制器通信的微控制器的移动设备; 以及与所述移动设备通信的一个或多个传感器，所述一个或多个传感器和移动设备被配置为对所述移动设备的位置进行三角测量; 其中所述台车的微控制器被配置为从所述移动设备的微控制器接收跟踪信息并且使所述台车沿着由所述移动设备从起点到终点的移动所限定的递送路径跟随所述移动设备。

公开(公告)号：WO2017120416A1

公开(公告)日：2017-07-13

申请号：PCT/US2017/012451

申请日：2017-01-06

Applicant: WAL-MART STORES, INC.

Inventor： HIGH, Donald R. ,  ANTEL, Nicholas R. ,  ATCHLEY, Michael D.

IPC: G06Q30/02 ,  G06Q30/00 ,  G06F15/16 ,  G06F17/30

CPC classification number: G06Q10/087 ,  G02B27/017 ,  G02B27/0172 ,  G02B2027/0138 ,  G02B2027/014 ,  G06F3/1423

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to fulfill product orders. In some embodiments, a product order fulfillment system, comprises: a plurality of Optical Head-Mounted Display (OHMD) systems; and a customer order fulfillment system associated with a retail store and configured to wireless communicate with each of the plurality of OHMD systems, and comprising a fulfillment management circuit configured to: receive multiple different product orders; determine separate product collection routes through the retail store that are each to be respectively followed by one of one or more workers; and wirelessly communicate route information and product identifier information to the OHMD systems and cause the route information and the product identifier information to be visually displayed through the OHMD systems.

Abstract translation: 在一些实施例中，本文提供了用于实现产品订单的装置和方法。 在一些实施例中，产品订单履行系统包括：多个光学头戴式显示器（OHMD）系统; 以及与零售店相关联并被配置为与所述多个OHMD系统中的每一个进行无线通信的客户订单履行系统，并且包括履行管理电路，所述履行管理电路被配置为：接收多个不同的产品订单; 通过零售商店确定分别由一个或多个工作人员中的一个人员分别跟随的单独的产品收集路线; 并且将路线信息和产品标识符信息无线传达给OHMD系统，并且使得路线信息和产品标识符信息通过OHMD系统可视地显示。

公开(公告)号：WO2017120047A1

公开(公告)日：2017-07-13

申请号：PCT/US2016/067945

申请日：2016-12-21

Applicant: WAL-MART STORES, INC.

Inventor： HIGH, Donald R. ,  KAY, Karl ,  ATCHLEY, Michael D.

IPC: G06Q10/00

CPC classification number: G06Q10/06315 ,  B25J11/00 ,  G06Q10/083

Abstract: Upon receiving a standard unit of items at a distribution center these teachings provide for automatically determining whether to retain that standard unit of items as staple stock at the district center or to forward that unit to a retail shopping facility without first retaining that unit as staple stock at the distribution center. Such a determination can include determining whether there is a present need at the retail shopping facility for at least the standard unit of items. By one approach, these teachings will support forwarding the standard unit of items to a particular retail shopping facility that may have a present need for some of the items but less than the complete standard unit of items.

Abstract translation: 一旦在分配中心接收到标准单位的物品，这些教导提供了自动确定是否将该标准单位物品保留为区域中心的主要库存或将该单元转发到零售购物设施 而不是先将该单元保留在配送中心的主要库存。 这种确定可以包括确定在零售购物设施处是否存在至少标准单位物品的当前需求。 通过一种方法，这些教导将支持将物品的标准单位转移到特定的零售购物设施，所述零售购物设施可能当前需要一些物品但小于完整标准单位的物品。

公开(公告)号：WO2018049148A1

公开(公告)日：2018-03-15

申请号：PCT/US2017/050664

申请日：2017-09-08

Applicant: WAL-MART STORES, INC.

Inventor： CANTRELL, Robert L. ,  THOMPSON, John P. ,  WINKLE, David C. ,  ATCHLEY, Michael D. ,  HIGH, Donald R. ,  MATTINGLY, Todd D. ,  MCHALE, Brian G. ,  O'BRIEN, John J. ,  SIMON, John F. ,  JONES, Nathan G. ,  TAYLOR, Robert C.

IPC: G05D1/00 ,  G08G5/00

Abstract: In some embodiments, unmanned aerial task systems are provided that comprise multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) each comprising: a UAV control circuit; a motor; and a propulsion system coupled with the motor and configured to enable the respective UAVs to move themselves; and wherein a first UAV control circuit of a first UAV of the multiple UAVs is configured to access power level data corresponding to each of the multiple UAVs, and select a second UAV of the multiple UAVs based at least in part on a power level of the second UAV relative to a threshold power level corresponding to a first task to be performed and a predicted power usage by the second UAV while utilizing a first tool system temporarily cooperated with the second UAV in performing the first task.

Abstract translation: 在一些实施例中，提供了包括多个无人驾驶飞行器（UAV）的无人空中作业系统，每个无人飞行器包括：无人飞行器控制电路; 电机; 以及推进系统，所述推进系统与所述马达耦合并且被配置成使得所述相应的UAV能够自身移动; 并且其中所述多个UAV中的第一UAV的第一UAV控制电路被配置为访问与所述多个UAV中的每个UAV相对应的功率水平数据，并且至少部分地基于所述多个UAV中的第二UAV的功率水平来选择所述多个UAV中的第二UAV。 第二UAV相对于与要执行的第一任务相对应的阈值功率水平以及第二UAV在利用与第二UAV临时合作执行第一任务的第一工具系统时的预测功率使用。

公开(公告)号：WO2018048741A1

公开(公告)日：2018-03-15

申请号：PCT/US2017/049844

申请日：2017-09-01

Applicant: WAL-MART STORES, INC.

Inventor： CANTRELL, Robert L. ,  THOMPSON, John P. ,  WINKLE, David C. ,  ATCHLEY, Michael D. ,  HIGH, Donald R. ,  MATTINGLY, Todd D. ,  MCHALE, Brian G. ,  O'BRIEN, John ,  SIMON, John F.

IPC: B64C39/02 ,  G01N33/00 ,  G05D1/00 ,  G06Q50/02

Abstract: In some embodiments, methods and systems of identifying at least one pest based on crop damage detection in a crop-containing area include an unmanned vehicle including at least one sensor configured to detect at least one type of pest damage on at least one crop in the crop-containing area and to capture pest damage data. An electronic database includes pest damage identity data associated with one or more crop-damaging pests, and a computing device communicates with the unmanned vehicle and the electronic database via a network. The unmanned vehicle transmits the captured pest damage data via the network to the computing device and, in response to receipt of the captured pest damage data from the unmanned vehicle, the computing device accesses the pest damage identity data on the electronic database to determine an identity of one or more pests responsible for the detected type of pest crop damage.

Abstract translation: 在一些实施例中，基于作物含有区域中的作物损害检测来识别至少一种有害生物的方法和系统包括无人驾驶车辆，其包括至少一个传感器，所述至少一个传感器被配置为检测至少一种类型的有害生物 对作物含有地区的至少一种作物造成损害，并捕获有害生物损害数据。 电子数据库包括与一种或多种作物破坏害虫相关的害虫损害身份数据，并且计算设备经由网络与无人驾驶车辆和电子数据库通信。 无人驾驶车辆通过网络将捕获的有害生物损害数据传输到计算设备，并且响应于从无人驾驶车辆接收到捕获的有害生物损害数据，计算设备访问电子数据库上的有害生物损害识别数据以确定身份 的一种或多种有害生物对检测到的害虫作物损害类型负责。

公开(公告)号：WO2018034886A1

公开(公告)日：2018-02-22

申请号：PCT/US2017/045891

申请日：2017-08-08

Applicant: WAL-MART STORES, INC.

Inventor： HIGH, Donald R. ,  MCHALE, Brian G. ,  ATCHLEY, Michael D.

IPC: G07F9/02

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided herein for mobile vending. A system for mobile vending comprises a mobile vending machine comprising: an item dispenser configured to display a plurality of items for purchase, a set of motorized wheels, a navigation sensor device, a communication device, and, a control circuit configured to navigate the mobile vending machine based on navigation instructions; and a central computer system configured to communicate with the mobile vending machine via the communication device, the central computer system being configured to: determine a destination for the mobile vending machine, provide the navigation instructions to the mobile vending machine to cause the mobile vending machine to travel to the destination using the set of motorized wheels and the navigation sensor device.

Abstract translation: 这里提供了用于移动售货的系统，设备和方法。 一种用于移动售货机的系统包括移动售货机，该移动售货机包括：物品分配器，被配置为显示用于购买的多个物品，一组机动轮，导航传感器装置，通信装置，以及控制电路，被配置为导航移动装置 基于导航指令的自动售货机; 以及中央计算机系统，所述中央计算机系统被配置为经由所述通信设备与所述移动自动售货机通信，所述中央计算机系统被配置为：确定所述移动售货机的目的地，向所述移动售货机提供所述导航指令，以使所述移动售货机 使用一组电动车轮和导航传感器设备前往目的地。