1. A method of delivering a package using a robotic delivery system, the method comprising:

obtaining information about a package from an online ordering platform application programming interface, the information about the package including at least a destination of the package;

transmitting the information about the package to a first robot;

directing the first robot to obtain the package or to retain the package; and

instructing the first robot to deliver the package to the destination using a delivery system.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

a first elevator call to a first elevator system of a first elevator group is transmitted to transport the first robot from a landing at which the robot is located to a landing at which the destination is located.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising:

determining that the first elevator system is eligible for the first elevator call; and

directing a first elevator car of the first elevator system to move to the landing at which the robot is located.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising:

directing the first robot to move to the first elevator group; and

directing the first robot to enter the first elevator car.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising:

detecting when the first robot is located within the first elevator car; and

directing the first elevator car to move to the landing at which the destination is located.

6. The method of claim 2, further comprising:

determining that the first elevator system is unable to accommodate the first elevator call;

transferring the first elevator call to a second elevator system;

determining that the second elevator system is adaptable to the first elevator call; and

directing the first robot to move to the second elevator system.

7. The method of claim 2, further comprising:

determining that the first elevator system is unable to accommodate the first elevator call; and

directing the first robot to move via a stair or escalator to the landing at which the destination is located.

8. The method of claim 2, further comprising:

determining an amount of traffic in the first elevator system; and

determining that the first elevator system is unable to accommodate the first elevator call in response to the amount of traffic.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

identifying a storage location of the package within a classification zone of a building; and

directing the first robot to obtain the package from the storage location within the classification zone.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising:

directing a second robot to accept a package being delivered to the building; and

directing the second robot to deliver the package to the sorting zone.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising:

transmitting a confirmation of delivery to the online ordering platform application programming interface when the second robot accepts the package.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising:

determining that the storage location is open within the classification zone; and

instructing the second robot to place the package in the storage location.

13. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

identifying a storage location of the package within a classification zone of a building, wherein the storage location is an automated storage case;

transmitting access information to the first robot to unlock the automated bin; and

instructing the first robot to obtain the package from the automated bin using the access information.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising:

reading a shipping label for the package using a camera of the first robot.

15. The method of claim 13, further comprising:

determining a weight of the package using a load carrying mechanism of the first robot.

16. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

obtaining information about the package by connecting to an online ordering platform application programming interface.

17. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

receiving a notification from an online ordering platform application programming interface that the package is to be delivered to a building;

directing a second robot to accept a package being delivered to the building; and

directing the second robot to deliver the package to a classification zone of the building.

18. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

receiving a request from an individual to adjust at least one of a time at which the first robot delivers the package to the destination and the destination; and

directing the first robot to deliver the package in accordance with the request from the individual to adjust at least one of the destination and a time at which the first robot delivers the package to the destination.

19. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

obtaining a weight of the package;

determining that an elevator system is transporting the first robot and the package to the destination; and

adjusting a maintenance schedule of the elevator system in response to the weight of the package.

20. A computer program product embodied on a non-transitory computer readable medium, the computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations comprising:

obtaining information about a package from an online ordering platform application programming interface, the information about the package including at least a destination of the package;

transmitting the information about the package to a first robot;

directing the first robot to obtain the package or to retain the package; and

instructing the first robot to deliver the package to the destination using a delivery system.

Background

Transport systems, such as e.g. elevator systems, escalator systems and moving walks, are usually only configured to interact with humans only. In addition, information for package delivery passed through the application programming interface is typically utilized only by people from the package delivery service.

Disclosure of Invention

According to an embodiment, a method of delivering a package using a robotic delivery system is provided. The method comprises the following steps: obtaining information about a package from an online ordering platform application programming interface, the information about the package including at least a destination of the package; transmitting the information about the package to a first robot; directing (instruct) the first robot to obtain the package or to retain (retain) the package; and directing the first robot to deliver the package to the destination using a delivery system.

In addition or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include: transmitting a first elevator call (elevator call) to a first elevator system of a first elevator bank to transport the first robot from a landing at which the robot is located to a landing at which the destination is located.

In addition or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include: determining that the first elevator system can accommodate (accommate) the first elevator call; and directing a first elevator car of the first elevator system to move to the landing at which the robot is located.

In addition or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include: directing the first robot to move to the first elevator group; and directing the first robot to enter the first elevator car.

In addition or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include: detecting when the first robot is located within the first elevator car; and directing the first elevator car to move to the landing at which the destination is located.

In addition or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include: determining that the first elevator system is unable to accommodate the first elevator call; transferring the first elevator call to a second elevator system; determining that the second elevator system is adaptable to the first elevator call; and directing the first robot to move to the second elevator system.

In addition or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include: determining that the first elevator system is unable to accommodate the first elevator call; and directing the first robot to move via a stair or escalator to the landing at which the destination is located.

In addition or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include: determining an amount of traffic (traffic) in the first elevator system; and determining that the first elevator system is unable to accommodate the first elevator call in response to the amount of traffic.

In addition or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include: identifying a storage location of the package within a classification zone of a building; and directing the first robot to obtain the package from the storage location within the classification zone.

In addition or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include: directing a second robot to accept a package being delivered to the building; and directing the second robot to deliver the package to the sorting zone.

In addition or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include: transmitting a confirmation of delivery to the online ordering platform application programming interface when the second robot accepts the package.

In addition or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include: determining that the storage location is open within the classification zone; and directing the second robot to place the package in the storage location.

In addition or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include: identifying a storage location of the package within a classification zone of a building, wherein the storage location is an automated storage bin (locker); transmitting access information to the first robot to unlock the automated bin; and directing the first robot to obtain the package from the automated bin using the access information.

In addition or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include: reading a shipping label (shipping label) of the package using a camera of the first robot.

In addition or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include: determining a weight of the package using a load carrying mechanism of the first robot.

In addition or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include: obtaining information about the package by connecting to an online ordering platform application programming interface.

In addition or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include: receiving a notification from an online ordering platform application programming interface that the package is to be delivered to a building; directing a second robot to accept the package being delivered to the building; and directing the second robot to deliver the package to a classification zone of the building.

In addition or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include: receiving a request from a person (individual) to adjust at least one of a time at which the first robot delivers the package to the destination and the destination; and

directing the first robot to deliver the package in accordance with the request from the individual to adjust at least one of the destination and a time at which the first robot delivers the package to the destination.

In addition or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include: obtaining a weight of the package; determining that an elevator system is transporting the first robot and the package to the destination; and adjusting a maintenance schedule (schedule) of the elevator system in response to the weight of the package.

According to another embodiment, a computer program product embodied on a non-transitory computer readable medium is provided. The computer program product includes instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations comprising: obtaining information about a package from an online ordering platform application programming interface, the information about the package including at least a destination of the package; transmitting the information about the package to a first robot; directing the first robot to obtain the package or to retain the package; and directing the first robot to deliver the package to the destination using a delivery system.

Technical effects of embodiments of the present disclosure include interconnecting robots, application programming interfaces, and transport systems to accomplish package delivery.

The features and elements described above may be combined in various combinations, which are not exclusive, unless expressly indicated otherwise. These features and elements, as well as their operation, will become more apparent in view of the description and drawings that follow. It is to be understood, however, that the description and drawings are intended to be illustrative and explanatory in nature, and not restrictive.

Drawings

The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example and is not limited by the accompanying figures, in which like references indicate similar elements.

Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of an elevator system that can employ various embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of a robotic delivery system for assisting a person, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

fig. 3 is a flow diagram of a method of delivering a package using the robotic delivery system of fig. 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an elevator system 101, the elevator system 101 including an elevator car 103, a counterweight 105, a tension member 107, a guide rail 109, a machine 111, a position reference system 113, and a controller 115. The elevator car 103 and counterweight 105 are connected to each other by a tension member 107. Tension members 107 may include or be configured as, for example, ropes, cables, and/or coated steel belts. The counterweight 105 is configured to balance the load of the elevator car 103 and to facilitate movement of the elevator car 103 within the hoistway 117 and along the guide rails 109 simultaneously and in opposite directions relative to the counterweight 105.

The tension member 107 engages a machine 111, the machine 111 being part of an overhead structure of the elevator system 101. The machine 111 is configured to control movement between the elevator car 103 and the counterweight 105. The position reference system 113 may be mounted on a fixed part of the top of the hoistway 117, e.g. on a support (support) or guide rail, and may be configured to provide a position signal related to the position of the elevator car 103 within the hoistway 117. In other embodiments, position reference system 113 may be mounted directly to a moving component of machine 111, or may be located in other positions and/or configurations as known in the art. The position reference system 113 can be any device or mechanism for monitoring the position of an elevator car and/or counterweight as is known in the art. For example, but not limiting of, the position reference system 113 may be an encoder, sensor, or other system, and may include speed sensing, absolute position sensing, and the like, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

The controller 115 is positioned in a controller room 121 of the hoistway 117 as illustrated and is configured to control operation of the elevator system 101 and, in particular, the elevator car 103. For example, the controller 115 may provide drive signals to the machine 111 to control acceleration, deceleration, leveling (leveling), stopping, etc. of the elevator car 103. The controller 115 may also be configured to receive position signals from the position reference system 113 or any other desired position reference device. The elevator car 103 can stop at one or more landings 125 as controlled by the controller 115 as it moves up or down along guide rails 109 within the hoistway 117. Although illustrated in the controller room 121, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the controller 115 may be located and/or configured in other locations (positions) within the elevator system 101. In one embodiment, the controller may be remotely located or located in the cloud.

The machine 111 may include a motor or similar drive mechanism. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the machine 111 is configured to include an electrically driven motor. The power supply for the motor may be any power source (including a power grid) that is supplied to the motor in combination with other components. The machine 111 may include a traction sheave that imparts (impart) force to the tension member 107 to move the elevator car 103 within the hoistway 117.

Although illustrated and described with a roping system that includes tension members 107, elevator systems that employ other methods and mechanisms of moving an elevator car within a hoistway can employ embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, embodiments may be employed in a ropeless elevator system that uses a linear motor to impart motion to an elevator car. Embodiments may also be employed in ropeless elevator systems that use a hydraulic hoist to impart motion to an elevator car. FIG. 1 is a non-limiting example presented for purposes of illustration and explanation only.

In other embodiments, the system includes a transport system that moves passengers between floors and/or along a single floor. Such transport systems may include escalators, people mover (passenger mover), and the like. Thus, the embodiments described herein are not limited to elevator systems, such as the elevator system illustrated in fig. 1. In one example, the embodiments disclosed herein can be applicable transport systems (such as the elevator system 101) and transport equipment of the transport system (such as the elevator car 103 of the elevator system 101). In another example, the embodiments disclosed herein may be applicable transport systems (such as escalator systems) and transport devices of transport systems (such as moving stairs of escalator systems).

Elevator system 101 also includes one or more elevator doors 104. Elevator doors 104 may be integrally attached to elevator car 103 and/or elevator doors 104 may be located on landings 125 of elevator system 101. Embodiments disclosed herein may be applicable to both elevator doors 104 integrally attached to elevator car 103 and/or elevator doors 104 located on landings 125 of elevator system 101. Elevator doors 104 open to allow passengers to enter and exit elevator cab 103.

With continued reference to fig. 1 and now to fig. 2, a robotic delivery system 200 is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be appreciated that although particular systems are defined separately in the schematic block diagrams, each or any of the systems may be otherwise combined or separated via hardware and/or software. The robotic delivery system 200 includes a robot 202 and/or is in wireless communication with the robot 202. It is understood that one robot 202 is illustrated, and embodiments disclosed herein may be applicable to a robotic delivery system 200 having one or more robots 202. The robot 202 may desire to utilize the elevator system 101, and the robotic delivery system 200 may coordinate use of the elevator system 101 by the robot 202 and the individual 190. It is understood that one robot 202 is illustrated, and embodiments disclosed herein may be applicable to a robotic delivery system 200 having one or more robots 202.

It is understood that although the elevator system 101 is used for exemplary illustration, the embodiments disclosed herein are applicable to other transport systems that use transport devices for transportation, such as, for example, escalators, moving walkways, and the like.

As illustrated in fig. 2, a building elevator system 100 within a building 102 can include a plurality of different individual elevator systems 101 organized in an elevator bank 112. Each elevator system 101 includes an elevator car 103 (not shown in fig. 2 for simplicity). It is understood that although two elevator systems 101 are used for exemplary illustration, the embodiments disclosed herein are applicable to a building elevator system 100 having one or more elevator systems 101. In addition, the elevator system 101 illustrated in fig. 2 is organized into elevator groups 112 for ease of illustration, but it is understood that the elevator system 101 can be organized into one or more elevator groups 112. Each of the elevator banks 112 may contain one or more elevator systems 101. Each of the elevator groups 112 can also be located on a different landing 125.

A landing 125 in the building 102 of fig. 2 can have an elevator call device 89 located near the elevator system 101. The elevator call device 89 communicates an elevator call 380 to a dispatcher (dispatcher) 350 of the building elevator system 100. It should be appreciated that although the dispatcher is defined separately in the schematic block diagram, the dispatcher 350 may be combined in any controller 115 or other device via hardware and/or software. Elevator call 380 may include a source of elevator call 380. The elevator call device 89 may include destination entry options including the destination of the elevator call 380. The elevator call device 89 may be a button and/or touch screen and may be activated manually or automatically. For example, an elevator call 380 may be transmitted by a person 190 or robot 202 that enters the elevator call 380 via elevator call device 89. As shown in fig. 2, the robot 202 can utilize the communication module 280 to communicate directly with the building elevator system 100 and indirectly with the building elevator system 100 through the computing network 232.

The mobile device 192 may also be configured to transmit an elevator call 380. The robot 202 or the individual 190 may own a mobile device 192 to deliver an elevator call 380. Mobile device 192 may be a smart phone, a smart watch, a laptop computer, or any other mobile device known to those skilled in the art. The mobile device 192 is configured to transmit an elevator call 380 to the dispatcher 350 through the computing network 232. The mobile device 192 may communicate with the computer network 232 through a wireless access protocol device (WAP) 234 using a short-range wireless protocol. Short-range wireless protocols may include, but are not limited to: bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HaLow (801.11 ah), zWave, ZigBee, or wireless M-Bus. Alternatively, the mobile device 192 may communicate directly with the computer network 232 using a long range wireless protocol. Remote wireless protocols may include, but are not limited to: cellular, LTE (NB-IoT, CAT M1), LoRa, satellite, Ingeniu, or SigFox.

The controller 115 may be combined, local, remote, cloud, etc. Dispatcher 350 can be local, remote, cloud, and the like. The dispatcher 350 communicates with the controller 115 of each elevator system 101. Alternatively, there may be a single controller common to all elevator systems 101 and controlling all elevator systems 101, rather than two separate controllers 115 as illustrated in fig. 2. The dispatcher 350 can be 'group' software configured to select the best elevator car 103 to assign to an elevator call 380. The dispatcher 350 manages elevator call devices 89 associated with the elevator group 112.

The dispatcher 350 is configured to control and coordinate the operation of the plurality of elevator systems 101. The dispatcher 350 may be an electronic controller that includes a processor 352 and associated memory 354, the memory 354 including computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor 352, cause the processor 352 to perform various operations. The processor 352 may be, but is not limited to, a single processor or multiprocessor system including Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) hardware, Digital Signal Processor (DSP), Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), Central Processing Unit (CPU), or Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) arranged either homogeneously (homogenously) or heterogeneously (heterogenously). The memory 354 may be, but is not limited to, a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read Only Memory (ROM), or other electronic, optical, magnetic, or any other computer readable medium.

The dispatcher 350 communicates with the elevator call devices 89 of the building elevator system 100. The dispatcher 350 is configured to receive elevator calls 380 transmitted from the elevator call devices 89, the mobile devices 192, and/or the robot 202. The dispatcher 350 is configured to manage elevator calls 380 entering from elevator call devices 89, mobile devices 192, and/or robots 202 and then command one or more elevator systems 101 to respond to the elevator calls 380. The mobile device 192 may include a mobile computing application configured to allow the individual 190 to communicate an elevator call 380. The mobile computing application may additionally allow the individual 190 to communicate with the staging area controller 420 to identify when and/or where the individual 190 would like to have the package 490 delivered.

The robot 202 may be configured to operate entirely autonomously using a controller 250 that controls operation of the robot 202. The controller 250 may be an electronic controller that includes a processor 252 and associated memory 254, the memory 254 including computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor 252, cause the processor 252 to perform various operations. The processor 252 may be, but is not limited to, a single processor or a multi-processor system of any of a wide variety of possible architectures including Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) hardware, Digital Signal Processor (DSP), Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), Central Processing Unit (CPU), or Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), either arranged homogeneously or heterogeneously. The memory 254 may be a storage device such as, for example, a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read Only Memory (ROM), or any other electronic, optical, magnetic, or any other computer readable medium.

The robot 202 includes a power supply 260 configured to provide power to the robot 202. The power supply 260 may include an energy harvesting device and/or an energy storage device. In an embodiment, the energy storage device may be an on-board (onboard) battery system. The battery system may include, but is not limited to, a lithium ion battery system. The robot 202 may be configured to move to an external power source (e.g., an electrical outlet) to charge the power source 260.

The robot 202 includes a speaker 292, the speaker 292 configured to communicate audible words, music, and/or sounds to the individual 190 located near the robot 202. The robot 202 also includes a display device 240, the display device 240 configured to visually display information to the individual 190 located in proximity to the robot 202. For example, the display device 240 may be a flat screen monitor, a computer tablet, or a smart phone device. In embodiments, the display device 240 may be located on the head of the robot 202 or may replace the head of the robot 202. In an embodiment, the display device 240 is a computer tablet or similar display device carried by the robot 202. The display device 240 may illustrate package information and may provide a means for authentication of package delivery including, but not limited to, SMS text messaging, QR codes, or a designated PIN number.

The robot 202 may be permanently or temporarily positioned (i.e., located) within an elevator lobby 310 that is located on a landing 125 near the elevator system 101. The robot 202 may also be permanently or temporarily located within the classification zone 400. The robot 202 may include a propulsion system 210 for moving the robot 202. The robot 202 may move throughout the elevator lobby 310, move away from the elevator lobby 310 throughout the landing 125, and/or may move to other landings via the elevator system 101 and/or stairs (not shown). The propulsion system 210 may be a leg system simulating a human leg as illustrated in fig. 2. As illustrated in fig. 2, the propulsion system 210 may include two or more legs 212 to move the robot 202. It is understood that although a leg system is used for exemplary illustration, embodiments disclosed herein may be applied to robots having other propulsion systems for transportation, such as, for example, wheel systems, rotor systems, air cushion systems, tread systems, or any propulsion system known to one skilled in the art may be utilized. It is also understood that the robot 202 having a humanoid appearance is used for illustrative purposes, and that the embodiments disclosed herein are applicable to robots that do not have a humanoid appearance.

The robot 202 includes a sensor system 270 for collecting sensor data. The sensor system 270 may include, but is not limited to, an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensor 276, a camera 272, a microphone 274, a position sensor system 290, and a load detection system 278. The IMU sensor 276 is configured to detect acceleration of the robot 202. The IMU sensor 276 may be a sensor such as, for example, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or similar sensors known to those skilled in the art. The IMU sensors 276 may detect acceleration as well as derivatives or integrals of acceleration, such as, for example, velocity, jerk (jerk), jerk (jounce), jerk (snap) … …, and the like.

The camera 272 may be configured to capture images of a region around the robot 202. The camera 272 may be a still image camera, a video camera, an infrared camera, a depth sensor, a thermal camera, and/or any other type of imaging device known to those skilled in the art. In one embodiment, the controller 250 may be configured to analyze images captured by the camera 272 using image recognition to identify the individual 190. In another embodiment, the controller 250 may be configured to transmit the image as raw data for processing by the building system manager 320. Image recognition may use facial recognition to identify the individual 190. Image recognition may also be used to identify the package 490 and read the shipping label 492. Shipping label 492 may display information about the package 490. The information may include identifying the source of the package 490, the destination of the package 490, the weight of the package 490, whether the package 490 contains a hazardous substance, whether the package 490 needs to be frozen, the size of the package 490, and/or the weight of the package 490. The information may be displayed on the shipping label 492 using text, bar code, QR code, or similar methods known to those skilled in the art. For example, the shipping label 492 or the package 490 may further include a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag 494 or any other communication device capable of being detected by the communication device 280 of the robot 202, and information about the package 490 may be communicated to the robot 202 via the RFID tag 494.

The microphone 274 is configured to detect sound. The microphone 274 is configured to detect audible sounds in the vicinity of the robot 202, such as, for example, speech spoken by the individual 190 in the vicinity of the robot 202. In one embodiment, the controller 250 may be configured to use speech recognition software to analyze the sound captured by the microphone 274 and respond accordingly. In another embodiment, the controller 250 may be configured to transmit the sound as raw data for processing by the building system manager 320. The sound (i.e., speech) from the person 190 may be analyzed to identify the person 190 using speech recognition.

In one embodiment, the controller 250 may be configured to analyze the sound captured by the microphone 274 using speech recognition to identify the individual 190. In another embodiment, the controller 250 may be configured to transmit the sound as raw data for processing by the building system manager 320 for speech recognition. In one embodiment, the controller 250 may be configured to analyze the sound captured by the microphone 274 using speech recognition to identify what the individual 190 may be saying. In another embodiment, the controller 250 may be configured to transmit the sound as raw data for processing by the building system manager 320 for speech recognition. For example, the individual 190 may bring the package 490 to the robot 202 and ask the robot 202 to take the package 490 to the destination. The individual 190 may require the robot 202 itself to hand (hand) the package 490 to the destination or to deliver the package 490 to a mail delivery service (e.g., the U.S. postal service) to deliver the package 490 to the destination. The individual 190 requesting delivery of the package 490 may be identified by visual recognition (e.g., facial recognition), voice recognition, mobile communication (such as notification by a designated mobile application, SMS text message), or the robot 202 may request that the individual 190 provide their name or some other identifier, such as, for example, a key card (keycard), RFID card, or secure pin/number/password.

If the robot 202 is delivering a package to a destination at the same landing 125 or an approaching landing 125, the dispatcher 350 can coordinate one or more robots 202 all riding together on a single elevator car 103. If the traffic from the individual 190 is high at a given time and/or the delivery of the package 490 is not urgent, the dispatcher 350 can cancel the elevator call 380 received from the robot 202 and/or instruct the robot 202 to wait. The dispatcher 350 can direct the robot 202 to walk stairs or escalators. If one particular elevator bank is busy, the dispatcher 350 can direct the robot 202 to move to another elevator bank.

The robot 202 may utilize the load carrying mechanism 220 to deliver the package 490. In fig. 2, the load carrying mechanism is an arm of the robot 202. It is understood that the arm of the robot 202 is an example, and that the robot 202 may utilize other load carrying mechanisms, such as, for example, a pallet, a crane (crane), a flat bed (flat bed), a safety cabin rack (secure component), or other load mechanisms known to those skilled in the art. In addition, the robot 202 may be utilized to pull or drag an item, such as, for example, a hospital bed or wheelchair. In other embodiments, the robot 202 may be an automated hospital bed or an automated wheelchair. In an embodiment, the package 490 may be an individual 190, such as in the case of a hospital bed or wheelchair, for example. Further, the label 492 may be a hospital admission identification wristband.

The load detection system 278 may be configured to detect the weight of a load carried or propelled by the load carrying mechanism 220. The robot 202 may be directed to certain elevator cars 103 based on the weight detected by the load detection system 278. For example, the robot 202 carrying the overweight package 490 may be directed to ride a freight elevator configured to handle the overload. Additionally, if the package 490 carried by both robots 202 exceeds the weight limit of the elevator car 103, the robots 202 may be instructed to ride alone.

Each elevator call 380 transmitted by the robot 202 may include a call code that may indicate a type of elevator call 380, including the parcel 490 being transported by the robot 202 and/or the urgency of the elevator call 380. In one example, the summons code may indicate that the robot 202 is transporting clothing, which may not be considered urgent. In another example, the summoning code may indicate that the robot 202 is transporting a transplanted organ that may be considered urgent. When dispatcher 350 receives an elevator call 380, dispatcher 350 will analyze the code and determine its urgency as compared to other elevator calls 380 received. The most urgent elevator calls 380 will be assigned first, while those that are not urgent may be downgraded to wait. The call code may also be included and/or applied to elevator calls 380 received from individuals. In one example, each elevator call 380 transmitted may receive the same call code, meaning that each elevator call 380 from the individual 190 will be treated with the same priority, and robots 202 with emergency call codes may take a higher priority than the call code of the individual 190, while robots 202 with non-emergency call codes may take a lower priority than the call code of the individual 190. In another example, different individuals 190 may be assigned different summons codes based on VIP status or based on job role. In addition, emergency room physicians may have a summoning code that gives them the highest priority over other summoning codes.

The robot 202 also includes a position sensor system 290, the position sensor system 290 configured to detect the position 302 of the robot 202. The position 302 of the robot 202 may also include the position 302 of the robot 202 relative to other objects (objects) in order to allow the robot 202 to navigate through the hallways of the building 102 and prevent the robot 202 from hitting an object or person 190. The location sensing system 290 may use one or a combination of sensing devices including, but not limited to, GPS, wireless signal triangulation, SONAR, RADAR, LIDAR, image recognition, or any other location detection or collision avoidance system known to those skilled in the art. The position sensor system 290 may utilize GPS in order to detect the position 302 of the robot 202. The position sensor system 290 may utilize triangulation of wireless signals within the building 102 in order to determine the position 302 of the robot 202 within the building 102. For example, the position sensor system 290 may utilize the signal strength (e.g., RSSI) of wireless signals received from the WAPs 234 in known locations throughout the building 102 to triangulate the position of the robot 202 within the building 102. To avoid collisions with objects, the position sensor system 290 may additionally use SONAR, RADAR, LIDAR or image recognition (convolutional neural networks). Upon initial deployment or position reset, the robot 202 may execute a learning mode such that the robot 202 may become familiar with the environment.

The location 302 of the robot 202 may also be communicated to the dispatcher 350. In one example, when the robot 202 desires to use the elevator system 101, the location 302 of the robot 202 can be communicated to the dispatcher 350. By knowing the location 302 of the robot 202, the distance from the elevator bank 112 (e.g., elevator system 101) along the possible path 304, and the speed of movement of the robot 202, the dispatcher 350 can then call the elevator car 103 to the elevator bank 112 at or before the time the robot 202 arrives at the elevator bank 112. The use of the elevator system 101 may be limited to low traffic learning periods of the individual 190.

The robot 202 includes a communication module 280 configured to allow the controller 250 of the robot 202 to communicate with the building system manager 320 and the dispatcher 350. The communication module 280 can transmit data to the dispatcher 350 and receive data from the dispatcher 350 over the computer network 232. The computer network 232 may be a cloud computing network. The communication module 280 is capable of transmitting data to and receiving data from the building system manager 320 via the computer network 232. In another embodiment, communication module 280 is capable of transmitting data to dispatcher 350 and receiving data from dispatcher 350 by communicating directly with dispatcher 350.

The communication module 280 may communicate with the computer network 232 via a wireless access protocol device (WAP) 234 using a short-range wireless protocol. Alternatively, the communication module 280 may communicate directly with the computer network 232 using a long range wireless protocol. Alternatively, the communication module 280 may communicate with the dispatcher 350 through the building system manager 320. The communication module 280 may communicate directly with the building system manager 320 using a short-range wireless protocol.

Communication module 280 may communicate with dispatcher 350 via WAP 234 using a short-range wireless protocol. Alternatively, communication module 280 may communicate directly with dispatcher 350 using a short-range wireless protocol.

The building system manager 320 may communicate with the computer network 232 through the WAP 234 using a short-range wireless protocol. The building system manager 320 may communicate directly with the computer network 232 using a long range wireless protocol.

The building system manager 320 is an electronic controller that includes a processor 322 and associated memory 324, the memory 324 including computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor 322, cause the processor 322 to perform various operations. Processor 322 may be, but is not limited to, a single processor or a multi-processor system of any of a wide variety of possible architectures including Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) hardware, Digital Signal Processor (DSP), Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), Central Processing Unit (CPU), or Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), either arranged homogeneously or heterogeneously. The memory 324 may be a storage device such as, for example, a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read Only Memory (ROM), or other electronic, optical, magnetic, or any other computer readable medium.

The building system manager 320 may be configured to obtain, store, and provide information to the robots 202 that may be useful to them. The information may include a directory (directory) of the building 102 processors that includes images of the person 190 that may be used for facial recognition or voice signatures of the person 190 that may be used for voice recognition of the person 190. The information may also include directory information for people or locations within the building 102 and/or in areas surrounding the building 102. The building system manager 320 can also include historical data regarding the performance of the elevator system 101 within the building 102 as well as the current status and load of the elevator system 101. The building system manager 320 may also perform climate control within the building 102 and/or building access control for the building 102.

The robotic delivery system 200 may also include a classification zone controller 420 that monitors and controls the classification zone 400. The classification zone controller 420 may be an electronic controller that includes a processor 422 and associated memory 424, the memory 424 including computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor 422, cause the processor 422 to perform various operations. The processor 422 may be, but is not limited to, a single processor or a multi-processor system of any of a wide variety of possible architectures including Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) hardware, Digital Signal Processor (DSP), Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), Central Processing Unit (CPU), or Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), either arranged homogeneously or heterogeneously. The memory 424 may be a storage device such as, for example, a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read Only Memory (ROM), or any other electronic, optical, magnetic, or any other computer-readable medium.

The classification zone 400 may be a location inside or outside the building 102, a room, a loading dock, or any other location for coordinating delivery of the package 490 to the building and/or shipment of the package 490 outside the building 102. The package 490 may be stored within the classification region 400. The package 490 may be stored within the classification area 400 on the shelf (shelf) 402 or in any other work area (manor). The package 490 may be stored in such a way that the shipping label 492 may be visible to the camera 272 of the robot 202. Alternatively, if the package includes an RFID tag 494 or similar device, the package 490 may not be required to be stored in such a way as to make the shipping label 492 visible.

The sorting zone controller 420 is configured to control or send commands to one or more robots 202 that may bring a parcel 490 into the sorting zone 400 or take a parcel 490 out of the sorting zone 400. The classification zone controller 420 may track each package 490 being brought into the classification zone 400 and maintain a database of where each package 490 is located within the classification zone 400. For example, the classification zone controller 420 may maintain a package database of all storage locations 404 within the classification zone 400 in real-time and may indicate whether a storage location 404 is occupied by a package 490. If storage location 404 is occupied, the package database will identify the package 490 located in that storage location 404 and information associated with that package 490, such as, for example, the origin of package 490, the destination of package 490, the weight of package 490, whether package 490 contains a hazardous substance, whether package 490 needs to be frozen, the size of package 490, and/or the weight of package 490. In one example, the storage location 404 may be identified in the package database by the shelf 402 and the location on the shelf 402. For example, location 404 may be a bin (bin), an automated bin 405, or a locked bin.

The robot 202 may also be programmed to autonomously interact with the automated depository 405, the automated depository 405 utilizing information about the package 490 created by the package delivery service and communicated to the staging controller 420 through the online ordering platform API 330. The robot 202 may be provided with access information to open the automated storage container 405 from the staging area controller 420. The access information may be a credential, a key code, a pin, a password, or any similar type of access information known to those skilled in the art. The information about the package 490 may include potential content, sender, and recipient, which allows the sorting zone controller to place a specified package 490 with a particular robot 202 and to dispatch the correct robot 202 appropriately. The zone controller 420 acts as a robot fleet management system (robot fleet management system).

The classifier controller 420 may communicate with an online subscription platform Application Programming Interface (API) 330 via a computing network 232. The online platform API 330 may be a website from which the package 490 is ordered or a website for delivery services contracted (contact) to deliver the package 490. Advantageously, by communicating with the online platform API 330, the staging controller 420 can predict the arrival of a parcel 490, assign a storage location 404 to the parcel 490 prior to the arrival of the parcel 490, and adjust the availability of the robot 202 to receive and/or deliver the parcel 490. Also advantageously, by communicating with the online platform API 330, the staging controller 420 can predict the arrival of a package 490 and determine whether additional individuals 190 (i.e., human), robots 202, or tools (e.g., forklifts) may be required to receive the delivery of the package 490. Once the package 490 is delivered to the building 102 and received by the robot 202, the robot 202 is configured to transmit a confirmation of delivery back to the online platform API 330. The confirmation may include the delivery time and signature for the delivery. The online ordering platform 330 may then be able to notify the individual 190 who is expecting the package 490: the package 490 has been received at the classification zone 400. Additionally, once the robot 202 removes the package 490 from the classification zone 400 for delivery to the destination of the package 490, the robot 202 may be configured to transmit a notification back to the online platform API 330 that the package 490 is attempting (be out for) to be delivered to the destination of the package 490. The online ordering platform 330 may then be able to notify the individual 190 who is expecting the package 490: the package 490 seeks delivery to the destination of the package 490.

The online ordering platform 330 may also be queried by the robot 202 of the staging area controller 420 to obtain more information about the package 490, such as, for example, the source of the package 490, the destination of the package 490, the weight of the package 490, whether the package 490 contains hazardous substances, whether the package 490 needs to be frozen, the size of the package 490, and/or the weight of the package 490. Alternatively, the size and/or weight of the package 490 may be determined using a tool (e.g., a scale) in the sorting area 400 or using the robot 202. For example, the load detection system 278 may be used to determine the weight of the package 490. Additionally, the load carrying mechanism 220 and/or camera 272 of the robot 202 may be used to determine the size (e.g., dimension) of the package 490 via tools such as, for example, image recognition, weight, and via captured point-to-point measurements sensed with its robot arm.

Before, after, and during the delivery of the package 490 from the classification zone 400 to the destination of the package 490, continuous real-time communication may be maintained between the robot 202, the classification zone controller 420, the building system manager 320, and the dispatcher 350. Advantageously, this continuous real-time communication allows the robot 202 to be continuously tracked throughout the delivery process, maximizing utilization of the robot 202, the elevator car 103 can be called before the robot 202 reaches the elevator bank 112, high traffic times or elevator systems 101 with high traffic can be avoided to shorten the waiting time of the individual 190, the delivery of the package 490 with hazardous substances can be closely monitored, when the package 490 should reach the destination, a prediction can be made, and the delivery time of the package 490 to the individual 190 as a whole is shortened. Additionally, knowing the weight of each package 490 to be delivered may allow for prediction of data regarding wear (wear and tear) on the elevator car 103, and the maintenance schedule may be adjusted accordingly.

With continued reference to fig. 1-2, referring now to fig. 3, a flow chart of a method 500 of delivering a package 290 using the robotic delivery system 200 of fig. 2 is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

At block 504, information about the package 490 is obtained from the online ordering platform API 330. The information about the package may include at least the destination of the package 490.

At block 506, information about the package 490 is being transmitted to the first robot 202.

At block 508, the first robot 202 is instructed to obtain the package 508 or to retain the package 508 (if already obtained). A storage location 404 of the package 490 within the classification zone 400 of the building 102 may be identified and the first robot 202 may be directed to obtain the package 490 from the storage location 404 within the classification zone 400. In an embodiment, the storage location 404 may be an automated storage container 405 and the staging area controller 420 may transmit access information to unlock the automated storage container 405. The access information may be a credential, a key code, a pin, a password, or any similar type of access information known to those skilled in the art. The first robot 202 may be instructed to obtain the package 490 from the automated storage container 405 using the access information.

At block 510, the first robot 202 is directed to deliver the package 490 to the destination using the delivery system. To reach the destination, the robot 202 may need to travel to another landing 125, thus requiring the robot 202 to use the elevator system 101. The method can include communicating a first elevator call 380 for a first elevator system 101 of a first elevator group 112 to transport the robot 202 from a landing 125 at which the robot 202 is located to a landing 125 at which the destination is located.

Once received by the dispatcher 350, it can be determined that the first elevator system 101 can accommodate the first elevator call 380 and then direct the first elevator car 103 of the first elevator system 101 to move to the landing 125 where the robot 202 is located. When the first elevator car 103 reaches the landing 125 where the robot 202 is located, the first robot 202 is directed to move to the first elevator bank 112 to enter the first elevator car 103. Once the first robot 202 is detected as being located within the first elevator car 103, the first elevator car 103 can then be directed to move to the landing 125 where the destination is located.

Once received by the dispatcher 350, it can be determined that the first elevator system 101 is unable to accommodate the first elevator call 380, and then the first elevator call 380 can be transferred to the second elevator system 101. It can be determined that the second elevator system 101 can accommodate the first elevator call 380 and then, the first robot 202 can be directed to move to the second elevator system 101. The second elevator system 101 can be in the same or a different elevator bank than the first elevator system 101. Alternatively, it may be determined that the first elevator system 101 is unable to accommodate the first elevator call 380 and then direct the first robot 202 to move via stairs or an escalator to the landing 125 where the destination is located. In response to the amount of traffic in the first elevator system 101 that can be predicted or measured in real time, it can be determined that the first elevator system 101 cannot accommodate the first elevator call 380.

Prior to block 504, the method 500 may further include: the second robot 202 is directed to accept the package 490 being delivered to the building 102 and then the second robot 202 may be directed to deliver the package 490 to the classification zone 400. When the second robot 202 accepts the package 490, the robot 202 may transmit a confirmation of delivery to the online platform API.

The staging area controller 420 would have to determine where to place the package 490 when the package 490 is delivered to the building 102. Accordingly, the classification zone controller 420 determines that the storage location 404 is open within the classification zone 400 and directs the second robot 202 to place the package 490 in the storage location 404.

The method 500 may further include: a notification is received from the online ordering platform API 330 that the package 490 is to be delivered to the building 102. The second robot 202 may then be directed to accept the package 490 being delivered to the building 102 and deliver the package 490 to the classification zone 400. The second robot 202 may be identical to the first robot 202.

The method 500 may further include: a request from the individual 190 to adjust at least one of a time and a destination at which the first robot 202 delivers the package 490 to the destination is received, and then the first robot 202 may be directed to deliver the package 490 in accordance with the request from the individual 190 to adjust at least one of the destination and a time at which the first robot 202 delivers the package 490 to the destination. The individual 190 may submit the request using the mobile device 192.

The method 500 may additionally include: the weight of the package 490 is obtained, and once it is determined to transport the first robot 202 and the package 490 to the destination's elevator system 101, the maintenance schedule of the elevator system 101 may then be adjusted in response to the weight of the package 490 to account for (account for) additional wear that will be caused by the delivery of the package 490.

While the above description has described the flow process of fig. 3 in a particular order, it should be appreciated that the ordering of the steps may be varied unless otherwise specifically required in the appended claims.

The present invention may be a system, method and/or computer program product at any possible level of technical detail for integration. The computer program product may include computer-readable storage medium(s) having thereon computer-readable program instructions for causing a processor to carry out aspects of the invention.

The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by the instruction execution device. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic memory device, a magnetic memory device, an optical memory device, an electromagnetic memory device, a semiconductor memory device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of the computer readable storage medium includes the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a Random Access Memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), a Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk (floppy disk), a mechanically encoded device such as a bump structure or punch card (punch-card) in a groove (groove) having instructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. A computer-readable storage medium as used herein is not to be interpreted as a transitory signal per se, such as a radio wave or other freely propagating electromagnetic wave, an electromagnetic wave propagating through a waveguide or other transmission medium (e.g., optical pulses delivered through a fiber optic cable), or an electrical signal transmitted through a wire.

The term "about" is intended to include the degree of error associated with measuring results based on manufacturing tolerances and/or a specified amount of equipment available at the time of filing this application.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and/or groups thereof.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that various example embodiments are shown and described herein, each having certain features in particular embodiments, but the disclosure is not so limited. Rather, the disclosure can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions, combinations, sub-combinations or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, while various embodiments of the disclosure have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the disclosure may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.