GB2617322A - Systems and methods for storing and locating items - Google Patents

Abstract

A system 200, 300 for storing and locating items 240, 340 in receptacles 210, 310 with identifiers 220, 320 and indicators 230, 231, 330, such as a put-to-light or pick-to-light warehousing system. A terminal, such as a portable scanner, determines information about each of several items and identifiers for the receptacles into which the items have been stored, e.g. a shelf or box number. For example, a user storing an item may input a unique identifier for the item and scan a barcode or RFID tag associated with the receptacle. The terminal then transmits the item information and receptacle identifiers to a controller, such as a database server, which stores associations between items and receptacles. Separately, the controller determines a second plurality of items and a second plurality of receptacles in which those items are stored, and causes an indication to be output in association with each of the second receptacles. For example, the second plurality of items may correspond to items needed to fulfil a customer order. The controller may load the locations of those items from its database and cause a visual or audible indication at each of those locations, such as speech or a coloured light.

Description

Intellectual Property Office Application No G132204651.0 RTM Date:29 September 2022 The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document:

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Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk/ipo Systems and Methods for Storing and Locating items

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for storing and locating items.

Aspects of the invention relate to a system for storing and locating items and to a method for the same.

BACKGROUND

It is known to provide storage systems in warehouses, storerooms, manufacturing facilities, processing facilities and the like to store a plurality of items or objects in a plurality of locations. For example, such a system may comprise a plurality of shelves, receptacles, pallets or bins for storing one or more items. A database may be maintained containing information indicating a location of items stored in the system. For example, when a new item is stored in the system, a location of the stored item may be recorded so that when the item is required to be found, a user may access the database to identify a location of the stored item. Such systems may be used to process orders by instructing a user to pick, or retrieve, one or more items associated with an order. In another example, items may be grouped according to a user specification for more efficient storage or for transferring to a subsequent manufacturing step.

However, the efficiency of such systems may be reduced when the user is required to enter detailed information indicating a location of the stored item. In some systems, a controller may instruct a user to store an item in a determined location based on stored information indicating available space in the determined location or based on particular locations being assigned as storage locations for particular items, but if the user stores the item elsewhere, the database may contain incorrect information and it may be difficult for the user to find the item when it is next required. In addition, over time the database may accrue incorrect information about the availability of storage locations and instruct a user to store an item in a location which already contains an erroneous item. Further, developing such systems to determine suitable storage locations may require extensive information as to the size, shape and weight of items and the capacity of various locations in order to function effectively, thus requiring a tailored solution to each system. In addition, the system may instruct the user to store items in remote locations and may not effectively consider a pathway of a user who travels the system to store multiple items in a single pass, and a time taken for the user to traverse to the designated storage location may be increased.

Further, when picking items, it is known for a system to output a location and an identification of an item to the user, who may then travel to the location and identify the item to be picked by using the item identification. However, in some systems, a plurality of items may be stored at a single location, and it may be difficult for the user to quickly identify the correct item. In addition, when picking multiple items, the user must repeatedly refer to the location information of the multiple items, which may increase a time and difficulty of fulfilling an order.

It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated

with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a system for storing and locating items, and a method for storing and locating items as claimed in the appended independent claims.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for storing and locating items, the system comprising: a plurality of receptacles each arranged to receive a respective item, wherein each receptacle is associated with an output module and a receptacle identification means for providing a receptacle identification uniquely identifying the receptacle, and wherein each output module is configured to selectively output an indication to a user; a controller, wherein the controller is arranged to store data indicative of an association between item information and receptacle information; a terminal device for determining item information uniquely identifying an item and the receptacle identification, wherein the terminal device is communicably coupled with the controller; wherein in a first mode, the terminal device is arranged to: determine first item information corresponding to each of a first plurality of items and first receptacle identification of a first plurality of receptacles into which each of the first plurality of items are placed; and transmit the determined first item information and determined first receptable identification to the controller; and wherein the controller is further arranged to: determine a second plurality of items and a second plurality of receptacles into which each of the second plurality of items are placed; and control a second plurality of output modules associated with the second plurality of receptacles to output the indication to the user.

Advantageously, the controller may maintain a database containing information indicating the receptacles in which a plurality of items are stored with minimal user input. For example, the terminal may determine the item information and the receptacle information and transmit the item information and the receptacle information to the controller which may then store an association of the stored item and the related receptacle.

Advantageously, a user may easily find and identify items to be picked when collecting an order corresponding to the second plurality of items by observing the output of the output means associated with the relevant receptacles. Therefore, the user may quickly and easily navigate to the correct receptacle for a desired item as a result of the output of the output means.

Advantageously, a user may store items in any suitable receptacle and quickly inform the controller of where the item is stored by transmitting the identification information and the item information to the controller. Mistakes in location or item input are reduced due to the terminal determining unique information for the location and the item.

In some examples, in a second mode, the terminal device is arranged to: determine second item information corresponding to each of the second plurality of items; and transmit the second item information to the controller. Advantageously, the controller may update the stored information regarding the second plurality of items in response to receiving the second item information from the terminal, and confirm that the second plurality of items have been correctly picked by a user.

In some examples, the controller is configured to control each of the second plurality of output modules to cease outputting the indication to the user in response to receiving the second item information corresponding to the respective item placed in the respective receptable associated with each of the second plurality of output modules. Advantageously, the user is able to clearly determine that the system has recorded that an item has been picked and that the user has picked the correct item. Thus, a user may identify instances of picking an incorrect item by observing whether the output means cease outputting the indication or not.

In some examples, the controller is arranged to output item selection information corresponding to the second plurality of items to the user; and the terminal device is arranged to determine the item selection information and transmit the item selection information together with the second item information to the controller to indicate that each of the second plurality of items are removed from the second plurality of receptacles.

Advantageously, the item selection information output by the controller and determined by the terminal may be compared to prevent incorrect picking of items.

In some examples, the controller is configured to transmit second receptacle identification of the second plurality of receptacles to the terminal device; and the terminal device is further configured to output an indication of a location of the second plurality of receptacles. Advantageously, a user may be informed of a location corresponding to the second plurality of items which are to be picked. Therefore, the user may navigate to the correct receptacles even if they are unable to observe an output of an associated output means, such as due to distance or due to the item being stored in a receptacle not associated with an output means.

In some examples, each of a first plurality of output means associated with the first plurality of receptacles are arranged to output a first indication to the user in response to the controller receiving the first item information. Advantageously, the first plurality of output means may output an indication to the user which indicates to the user that information indicating that the first plurality of items have been stored in the first plurality of receptacles has been received by the controller.

In some examples, the second plurality of output means are configured to output a second indication associated with the second plurality of items and a third plurality of output means are configured to output a third indication associated with a third plurality of items. Advantageously, a plurality of user may interact with the system simultaneously to pick a plurality of orders corresponding to the second plurality of items and the third plurality of items. For example, a first user may seek the second indication, and a second user may seek the third indication. As the second and third indications are different, the users may easily identify relevant receptacles and associated items to complete their order.

In some examples, the plurality of output means comprise a plurality of lighting modules arranged to output coloured light; and the output of the second indication and the third indication correspond to output of different coloured light.

In some examples, each receptacle comprises a receptacle adapted to receive a single planar item. Advantageously, each receptacle may be associated with a single item and a complexity of finding a particular item may be reduced.

In some examples, the planar item is one of a drawer front, a door, a shelf, or a panel.

In some examples, each receptacle identification means comprises a scannable code provided adjacent to the associated receptacle; and the terminal device comprises an imaging unit configured to capture the scannable code and to extract the receptacle identification information. Advantageously, the scannable codes may be simple to manufacture to uniquely identify each associated receptacle, and the user may quickly control the terminal device to capture the receptacle identification information by operating the imaging unit. Thus, information relating to a receptacle where an item is placed or removed is quickly obtainable.

In some examples, the scannable code comprises a OR code or an Aztec code. Advantageously, the QR or Aztec code may be resilient to damage through contact, and may be easily replaced or changed as necessary.

In some examples, the plurality of receptacles are provided in a substantially straight row, and the plurality of output means comprises a plurality of LED modules, each LED module being provided adjacent to an associated receptacle. Advantageously, the power draw of each output means is low, and the system may be easily scaled up. Advantageously, the LED modules may output a large number of easily distinguishable indications corresponding to a large number of different orders by varying a colour of the output light.

In some examples, the system further comprises a fourth plurality of receptacles associated with a fourth plurality of receptacle identification means; and the fourth plurality of receptacles are not associated with output means.

In some examples, the fourth plurality of receptacles are configured to receive at least one bulky or non-planar item. Advantageously, the system may stored unusual or damaged items which do not store in regular receptacles.

In some examples, the terminal device is configured to output a highlighted indication of a location of the fourth plurality of receptacles on a display. Advantageously, receptacles without output means may still be easily identifiable by the user.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for storing and locating items, the method associated with a system comprising a plurality of receptacles each arranged to receive a respective item, wherein each receptacle is associated with an output module and a receptacle identification means for providing a receptacle identification uniquely identifying the receptacle, wherein each output module is configured to selectively output an indication to a user, a terminal device, and a controller communicatively coupled to the terminal device, the method comprising: storing, by the controller, an association between item information and receptacle information; determining, by the terminal device, item information uniquely identifying an item and the receptacle identification; determining, by the terminal device, first item information corresponding to each of a first plurality of items and first receptacle identification of a first plurality of receptacles into which each of the first plurality of items are placed; and transmitting, by the terminal device, the determined first item information and determined first receptable identification to the controller; and determining, by the controller, a second plurality of items and a second plurality of receptacles into which each of the second plurality of items are placed; and controlling, by the controller, a second plurality of output modules associated with the second plurality of receptacles to output the indication to the user.

In some examples, the method further comprises determining, by the terminal device, second item information corresponding to each of the second plurality of items; and transmitting, by the terminal device, the second item information to the controller.

In some examples, the method further comprises controlling, by the controller, each of the second plurality of output modules to cease outputting the indication to the user in response to receiving the item information corresponding to the respective item placed in the respective receptable associated with each of the second plurality of output modules.

In some examples, the method further comprises outputting, by the controller, item selection information corresponding to the second plurality of items to the user; and determining, by the terminal device, the item selection information and transmitting the item selection information together with the second item information to the controller to indicate that each of the second plurality of items are removed from the second plurality of receptacles.

Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a block diagram illustrating a system according to an example of the present disclosure; Figure 2 shows a line drawing illustrating a plurality of receptacles according to an example

of the present disclosure;

Figure 3 shows a line drawing illustrating a plurality of receptacles according to another example of the present disclosure; Figure 4 shows a block diagram illustrating a system according to an example of the present

disclosure;

Figure 5 shows a flowchart illustrating a method for storing items according to an example of the present disclosure; Figure 6 shows a flowchart illustrating a method of a controller according to an example of the present disclosure; and Figure 7 shows a flowchart illustrating a method for storing and locating items according to

an example of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A system and method for storing and locating items is described below with reference to Figures 1 to 7. The system may be configured to store one or more items in one or more storage locations, and may manage information indicating where items are stored among the one or more storage locations. A user may interact with the system via one or more terminal devices to update information relating to a newly stored or newly removed item. It should be understood that although specific examples of storage locations and items are provided in the examples set out below, the present invention should not be limited thereto and may be applied to any size, shape or type of storage area for storing any type of item. The system and methods of the present invention may be particularly beneficial in environments where the storage of a plurality of items and efficient location of stored items for retrieval is required, such as a warehouse, stockroom, or manufacturing or processing facilities, although the present invention is not limited thereto.

With reference to Figure 1, there is illustrated a system 100 for storing and locating items according to an example of the present invention. The system 100 comprises a controller 110, one or more terminal devices 120, a plurality of receptacles 130, a plurality of output means 140 and a plurality of receptacle identification means 150. Each of the plurality of receptacles 130 may be associated with an output means 140 and a receptacle identification means 150. For example, a first receptacle 130a may be associated with a first output means 140a and a first receptacle identification means 150a, a second receptacle 130b may be associated with a second output means 140b and a second receptacle identification means 150b, and a third receptacle 130c may be associated with a third output means 140c and a third receptacle identification means 150c. Figure 1 illustrates an example where there are three receptacles 130 each with an associated output means 140 and receptacle identification means 150, but it should be understood that the system 100 may comprise any number of receptacles 130, output means 140 and receptacle identification means 150. The controller 110 may be communicatively coupled with the terminal device 120, and the plurality of output means 140. The terminal device 120 may be communicatively coupled to the controller 110 and may also be communicatively coupled to the one or more output means 140.

The receptacles 130 may be configured to receive one or more items. For example, a receptacle 130 may comprise a shelf, a box, a pallet, a bag, a slot, or the like, and may be arranged to receive one or more items. It should be understood that the receptacle 130 may take many forms depending on a type of item to be stored therein. The receptacles 130 may be shaped so as to effectively receive a specific item, or may be shaped to receive a variety of items. In some examples, the receptacles 130 may comprise racks configured to receive planar items such as doors, drawer fronts, shelves or panels. The plurality of receptacles 130 may be provided in rows or columns, or may be otherwise arranged. For example, a plurality of receptacles 130 may be provided in one or more grids, where each grid section corresponds to a receptacle 130. The receptacles 130 may be fixed in position, and for example may comprise shelves arranged in a warehouse, or may be moveable, and may for example comprise moveable storage bins.

The output means 140 may comprise means for outputting an indication to a user and each output means 140 may be associated with one or more receptacles 130. The output means 140 may be provided proximal to the associated receptacle 130, such as being provided adjacent to the receptacle 130, such that a user observing an output indication may easily identify the associated receptacle 130. In some examples, the indication may be a visual indication and the output means 140 may comprise means for outputting a visual indication, such as a light emitting device. In some examples, the plurality of receptacles 130 may be provided as a row of receptacles 130 and the output means 140 may be provided adjacent to the row of receptacles 130 and may comprise a row of LEDs or a continuous LED strip operable to output light in one or more colours, or at varying brightness or intensity. The output means 140 may be configured with several different outputs, such as different colours, patterns, intensity or frequency of indication output. In another example, the output means 140 may output an audible indication such as an output sound or an output voice signal, and may be configured to output sounds having varying pitch, patterns, frequency or may be configured to output speech. The output means 140 may be communicatively coupled to the controller 110 and may operate under the control of the controller 110. For example, the output means 140 may be connected via a wired or wireless network connection to the controller 110.

The receptacle identification means 150 may be configured to store receptacle identification information uniquely identifying the associated receptacle 130. In some examples, the receptacle identification means 150 comprise a visual code suitable for storing information such as a barcode, a OR code, an Aztec code, and the like. The visual code may be of a form readable by an imaging unit of the terminal device 120. For example, the receptacle identification means 150 may comprise an Aztec code which may be scanned by the imaging unit of the terminal device 120 to extract the information uniquely identifying an associated receptacle 130. It should be understood that there are many suitable formats for storing information to uniquely identify an entity such as a receptacle 130 and that any suitable format of such information storage means may be used as the receptacle identification means 150. Advantageously, certain code images such as QR codes or Aztec codes may be resilient to damage from contact such as being scuffed or resilient to wearing over time, and thus may be particularly beneficial for use in an environment such as a warehouse where there may be increased physical wear on the codes. Further, visual code images including the examples provided above may be simple and easy to manufacture to uniquely identify a large number of receptacles 130, and thus the system 100 of the present invention may be easily scaled, and receptacles 130 may be moved without requiring extensive modification to systems recording identification and location of the receptacles 130. In other examples, the receptacle identification means 150 may comprise a different format for storing the receptacle identification information, such as NFC or an RFID tags which may be read via a wireless radio frequency communication with the terminal device 120 when the terminal device 120 is placed proximal to the receptacle identification means 150. Advantageously, certain forms of receptacle identification means 150 including bumpy OR codes or NFC may be used in locations where environmental conditions are detrimental to visual codes, such as low light or high condensation environments. As with the output means 140, each receptacle 130 may be associated with a receptacle identification means 150 provided proximal to the associated receptacle 130.

Although it is described above that there are an equal number of receptacles 130, output means 140 and receptacle identification means 150, it should be understood that there may be an unequal number in some examples. For example, an output means 140 and/or a receptacle identification means 150 may be associated with a plurality of receptacles 130, or in the case of a large receptacle 130, the large receptacle may be associated with a plurality of output means 140. It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the exact examples provided above, however. In one example, there may be provided one or more receptacles 130 associated with one or more receptacle identification means 150 but not with an output means 140. Such receptacles 130 may for example be used to stored items which fail a visual quality check, and entry of items into said receptacles 130 may be recorded in the same database as other items and receptacles 130 by the controller 110 or may be recorded in a separate database.

The controller 110 may be configured to store data indicative of an association between item information and receptacle information. In some examples, the item information may include information uniquely identifying an item, such as a unique code, and the receptacle information may include information uniquely identifying a receptacle 130, such as receptacle identification information, which may comprise a unique code. The receptacle information may further include information relating to a location of the receptacle. For example, the receptacle 130 may comprise a shelf and the receptacle information may indicate one or more of an aisle number, a shelving unit number, and a shelf number. As discussed, it should be understood that the receptacle 130 and consequently the receptacle information may take other forms.

The controller 110 may comprise one or more device, such as a computer, server, laptop, mobile handheld device, and the like. The controller 110 may comprise a memory for storing data, processing means, communication means and may further comprise output means to output information directly to a user. It should be understood that the controller 110 may comprise multiple devices in a distributed system, and for example the memory of the controller 110 may be implemented on a physically separate server to the processing means or output. The controller 110 may be configured to identify one or more items to be retrieved from one or more receptacles 130. For example, the controller 110 may be configured to receive or identify an order relating to one or more items, and may determine one or more receptacles 130 storing the items based on stored information. The controller 110 may be configured to output information relating to the identified one or more items to the user via a display. The controller 110 may be further configured to output receptacle information including receptacle identification information or a location of a receptacle 130 containing one or more of the identified items to the user via the display.

The controller 110 may be communicatively coupled to the output means 140 and may control the output means 140 to output one or more indications. For example, the controller 110 may control the output means 140 to output an indication indicating that an item which is to be retrieved is present in the receptacle 130 associated with the output means 140. The controller 110 may control each of a first plurality of output means 140 to output an indication indicative of a first plurality of items corresponding to a first order, and may simultaneously control each of a second plurality of output means 140 to output a second indication indicative of a second plurality of items corresponding to a second order. For example, the first indication may comprise an output of light having a first colour, and the second indication may comprise an output of light having a second colour. Consequently, users of the system may efficiently and effectively identify receptacles 130 storing particular items associated with one or more orders by observing the indications output by the output means 140.

The controller 110 may be communicatively coupled to the terminal device 120. The terminal device 120 may comprise a portable device such as a laptop or mobile device, or may comprise a plurality of devices such as combination of a laptop and a portable scanning device. There may be provided a terminal device 120 for each user of the system 100. The terminal device 120 may comprise communication means for communicating with the controller 110, and means for extracting receptacle identification information from the receptacle identification means 150. In some examples, the terminal device 120 may comprise an imaging unit for capturing a visual code forming the receptacle identification means 150, or may comprise an RFID unit for extracting information from an RFID tag of the receptacle identification means 150.

The terminal device 120 may be configured to determine item information corresponding to an item. For example, the item information may be information uniquely identifying an item, and may be stored in a code present on the item. The terminal device 120 may image the code and extract the item information. In another example, the user may manually input item information indicative of a type of item to the terminal device 120, and the item information may comprise information indicative of the type of item. In some examples, the terminal device 120 may comprise an output such as a display or audio output, and may be configured to output information to a user. In some examples, the terminal device 120 may output information received from the controller 110 indicating a location of a receptacle 130 associated with an item determined for retrieval by the controller 110, or may output information indicating that a storing or removing of an item has been recorded.

The terminal device 120 may also interact with the receptacle identification means 150 to determine the receptacle identification information. The terminal device 120 may transmit the item information and the receptacle identification information to the controller 110 to indicate that an item corresponding to the item information has been placed in the receptacle 130 corresponding to the receptacle identification information. For example, a user may image a code present on an item using the terminal device 120 to obtain the item information, and then may image the receptacle identification means 150 of a nearby receptacle 130 to obtain the receptacle identification information. The user may then place the item in the receptacle 130 and control the terminal device 120 to inform the controller that the item is stored in the receptacle 130 by transmitting the item information and the receptacle identification information. In response, the controller 110 may update stored information to store an association between the item information and the receptacle identification information so that the item's location may be retrieved at a later time. In some examples, the controller 110 may control an associated output means 140 to output an indication confirming that the system is updated and the storing of the item has been recorded.

The controller 110 may also determine a plurality of items to be retrieved and control a plurality of output means 140 associated with a plurality of receptacles 130 containing the determined plurality of items to output an indication. A user may then easily locate and identify the items to be retrieved. When the user retrieves the item, the user may use the terminal device 120 to determine the item information by imaging a code on the item, and the terminal device 120 may transmit the item information to the controller 110. The code on the item may take a similar form to the receptacle identification means 150 discussed above, and may for example include a barcode, a QR code or an Aztec code. The controller 110 may then control an output means 140 associated with the receptacle 130 storing the retrieved item to cease outputting the indication.

In some examples, the controller 110 may output item selection information indicating to the user which items are to be picked, and may output or transmit to the terminal device 120 location information of receptacles 130 storing the items. The item selection information may comprise information relating to an order and may include an order code, which may be a visual code readable by the imaging unit of the terminal device 120. Therefore, the terminal device 120 may determine the item information of a retrieved item, determine the item selection information from a display of the controller 110, and transmit the item information and the item selection information to the controller 110. The controller 110 may then compare the received information with the stored item selection information to confirm that a correct item has been retrieved. Thus, a user may retrieve items corresponding to a plurality of order simultaneously. In addition, the controller 110 may provide location information of a receptacle 130 storing an item to be retrieved to assist the user in finding the item.

Figure 2 illustrates a drawing representation of a system 200 according to the present invention. The system 200 of Figure 2 comprises a plurality of receptacles 210, a plurality of receptacle identification means 220 and a plurality of output means 230. Although not shown in Figure 2, the system 200 of Figure 2 may further comprise a controller and at least one terminal device similar to the controller 110 and the terminal device 120 of Figure 1. Figure 2 illustrates an example where the receptacles 210 are configured to receive planar objects 240 and are arranged in a row, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the example of Figure 2, the receptacles 210 are shaped to receive planar objects 240, and are arranged in a row. The planar objects 240 may be items such as doors, drawer fronts, panels or shelves. Each receptacle 210 is associated with a receptacle identification means 220 and an output means 230 provided adjacent to the receptacle 210.

In some examples, the system 200 may comprise a plurality of rows of receptacles 210 as shown in Figure 2, which may form aisles in a location where the system is installed. In some examples, one or more displays may be provided in locations such as at the ends of aisles of receptacles 210, and the one or more displays may display information including information relating to the presence of empty receptacles, an aisle reference number to identify the aisle, the presence of items determined to be retrieved, and the like. There may also be provided output means of the controller 110 for the user to interact with the controller 110.

Figure 2 shows an example where several objects 240 are stored in receptacles 210, and where a first object 241 is determined as an object to be retrieved. Figure 2 shows that the output means 231 associated with the receptacle 210 containing the determined object 241 outputs an indication, which in Figure 2 is represented by hashed lines filling the box of output means 231. However, the output modules 230 associated with other receptacles 210, including receptacles 210 containing other objects 240, do not output an indication. In this example, the output means 230, 231 may comprise light emitting modules configured to output light to indicate the presence of an item to be retrieved, but it should be understood that as discussed above, the output means 230, 231 are not limited thereto and may output an indication in any suitable form. In an example referred to above where one or more displays are also included in the system 200 of Figure 2, the one or more displays may also output an indication that the item 241 determined for retrieval is present in the aisle of receptacles 210.

Figure 2 illustrates an example where the plurality of receptacles 210 are arranged in a row and the associated receptacle identification means 220 and the output means 230 are provided below each respective receptacle 210. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to this arrangement, and the receptacles 210 may be arranged differently. Further, the receptacle identification means 220 and the output means 230 may be provided in different positions relative to the respective receptacles 210, but may still be provided proximal to the associated receptacle 210.

Figure 3 illustrates a drawing representation of a system 300 similar to the system 200 of Figure 2 but comprising a plurality of receptacles 210, 310 having a variety of design. In the example of Figure 3, the system comprises a first plurality of receptacles 210 similar to those of Figure 2, where each receptacle 210 is arranged to receive an item and the receptacles 210 are uniform, and each receptacle 210 is associated with a receptacle identification means 220 and an output means 230. The system 300 also comprises a second plurality of receptacles 310 which exemplify an alternative receptacle 310 arrangement. The second plurality of receptacles 310 include receptacles configured to contain more than one item 340, or to contain bulky or large items. Further, a plurality of the receptacles 310 are associated with a single receptacle identification means 320 and a single output means 330.

It should be understood that a system according to the present invention may comprise a plurality of identical receptacles as in Figure 2, or may comprise a mixture of differently sized, shaped and arranged receptacles as in Figure 3. Further, that a system according to the present invention may comprise a plurality of receptacles where each receptacle is associated with a single receptacle identification means and a single output means, or where a plurality of receptacles are associated with a single receptacle identification means and a single output means, or where a single receptacle is associated with a plurality of receptacle identification means and/or a plurality of output means. For example, an advantageous use of the larger receptacle 310 associated with a single receptacle identification means 320 and a single output means 330 may be as a receptacle 310 assigned as an area for storing a particular group of items, such as items which fail a quality check process, items which are returned, or a plurality of identical items stored in groups in a container, such as for example screws, nails, washers, and the like. In the case of a receptacle identification means 320 and/or an output means 330 being associated with a plurality of receptacles 310, the receptacle identification means 320 and/or the output means 330 may be provided proximal to a central location of the plurality of receptacles 310, as shown in Figure 3.

It should be understood that the system 300 of Figure 3 may also comprise one or more displays as explained in respect of Figure 2. Further, that the system 300 may comprise further receptacles 210, 310 and associated receptacle identification means 220, 320 and output means 230, 330 other than those shown in Figure 3. For example, there may be provided one or more aisles containing rows of receptacles 210, 310 similar to those shown in Figure 3.

Figure 4 illustrates an example system 400 according to the present invention. The system 400 of Figure 4 shows an example of the system 100, 200, 300 of Figures 1 to 3 in use and exemplifies how user interaction with the system 400 of the present invention results in a movement of items through the system 400. Although not shown in Figure 4, the system 400 of Figure 4 may further comprise the controller 110 and the terminal device 120 of Figure 1.

The system 400 of Figure 4 comprises an item input 410, unsorted item storage 430, a plurality of receptacles 450, and consolidated or retrieved items 470.

The item input 410 may comprise an area for receiving new items into the system 400. In some examples, the item input 410 may comprise an area where new items arrive into the system 400 via delivery vehicles, or may correspond to an end point of a manufacturing process. It should be understood that the nature of the item input 410 may take many varied forms and the present invention should not be limited to the examples provided above. Items may be unorganised in the item input 410 and/or may require processing before being moved to the unsorted item storage 430 via a first movement step 420. At the first movement step 420, a user or an automated system may transfer items from the item input 410 to the unsorted item storage 430.

The unsorted item storage 430 may be an area for temporarily storing items before they are stored in receptacles 450 and may for example be used as a staging area to direct particular items to particular areas of the system 400 or may be used as an area for performing a quality check on the newly arrived items. In some examples, the unsorted item storage 430 may comprise a type of container such as a crate, a tote, a pallet or the like. It should be understood that the unsorted item storage 430 may take many varied forms and the present invention should not be limited to the examples provided above.

Items are moved from the unsorted item storage 430 to one or more receptacles 450 via a second movement step 440. The second movement step 440 may correspond to the storing of items in receptacles 450 discussed above in respect of Figures 1 to 3. For example, a user may use a terminal device to determine item information corresponding to an item, place the item into a receptacle 450 and determine receptacle information uniquely identifying the receptacle 450 where the item is stored from a receptacle identification means associated with the receptacle 450. The terminal device may then transmit the item information and the receptacle identification information to a controller. The controller may store an association between the item information and the receptacle identification, which may be retrieved when the item is to be retrieved, as will be discussed. Optionally, an output means may output an indication confirming that the item information and the receptacle identification information are received by the controller, under the control of the controller, so that the user knows that the storage of the item has been received.

In this way, one or more users, each provided with a terminal device similar to those of Figures 1 to 3, may transfer items from the unsorted item storage 430 to the one or more receptacles 450. The location of each stored item may be stored by the controller based on the information received from the terminal. Advantageously, a user may store an item at any convenient location, and thus may efficiently process items in the unsorted item storage 430 without requiring to receive and process instructions as to where particular items should be stored.

The system 400 of Figure 4 shows a plurality of receptacles 450. The receptacles 450 may be similar to those of Figure 1 to 3. In the example of Figure 4, a plurality of aisles of receptacles 450 are provided in a series of back-to-back pairs of receptacles 450, but it should be understood that the invention is not limited thereto and any number of receptacles 450 may be used in any arrangement. In some examples, the system 400 may further comprise displays at the ends of the aisles of receptacles 450 which may be similar to the displays of Figure 1 to 3, and may be configured to output information from the controller or to output continuous information relating to the receptacles 450, such as receptacle 450 or aisle reference numbers.

In some examples, the system 400 of Figure 4 may comprise one or more second receptacles 455 which may differ from the other plurality of receptacles 450 although it should be understood that this is optional, and shown to exemplify that the system 400 may optionally comprise various different receptacles 450. For example, the second receptacles 455 may be receptacles provided for particular items such as items which fail a quality check process. In one example, the second receptacles 455 may be associated with receptacle identification means but may not be associated with output means. Entry of items into the second receptacles 455 may be recorded in the same way as with the other plurality of receptacles 450, or entry of items into the second receptacles 455 may be recorded in a separate system.

As discussed above, the controller may determine a plurality of items to be retrieved and a plurality of receptacles 450 containing the items to be retrieved. The controller may control output means associated with the identified receptacles 450 to output an indication indicating that the item to be retrieved it present in the associated receptacle 450. Therefore, a user may easily identify items to be retrieved from the receptacles 450 and move the identified items to the retrieved item areas 470 at a third movement step 460. The user may use a terminal device to determine item information of retrieved items, and in some examples may determine item selection information corresponding to a plurality of items and transmit the determined information to the controller to confirm that an item has been retrieved. The controller may then control an output means associated with the receptacle previously containing the retrieved item to cease outputting the indication.

In one example, the controller may determine a plurality of items to be retrieved as a plurality of items corresponding to a customer order. The controller may identify receptacles 450 containing the determined plurality of items and control associated output means to output an indication. The controller may also output or transmit to the terminal device item selection information indicating the plurality of items to be retrieved. The controller may also output or transmit to the terminal device location information relating to one or more items to be retrieved indicating a location of one or more receptacles 450 containing the items to be retrieved. Once an item to be retrieved has been located by a user, the user may obtain item information of the item as discussed above in respect of Figures 1 to 3. In some examples, obtaining item information may comprise scanning a code image provided on the item using the terminal device. In some examples, the user may then use the terminal device to obtain item selection information. In one example, the item selection information may be determined by the terminal device by scanning an image output on a display of the controller, or may be compared with item selection information received via a communications network from the controller. If the item selection information determined by the controller and the terminal device match, the item has been correctly retrieved and the controller may update the item selection information to reflect that the item is retrieved. The controller may also control the output means to cease outputting the indication. If the item selection information determined by the controller and the terminal device do not match, the terminal device may output an indication to the user that an incorrect item has been retrieved. The incorrect item may then be re-stored in a receptacle 450 in the same manner as in second movement step 440. The user may place correctly retrieved items in the retrieved item areas 470.

The system 400 may comprise one or more retrieved item areas 470. The retrieved item areas 470 may be areas provided for consolidating a plurality of items determined to be retrieved by the controller. In some examples, the plurality of items may correspond to a customer order, or to a plurality of items required for a subsequent manufacturing or processing step.

The system 400 of Figure 4 therefore enables efficient processing and storing of newly received items from the item input 410 into the receptacles 450 where the user may store an item in any convenient receptacle 450 and then easily and quickly provide information to the controller to update a stored association indicating where items are stored. In addition, system 400 enables efficient retrieval of a plurality of items to be consolidated in to consolidated storage. Thus, items may be dynamically stored or removed by multiple users at the same time. It should be understood that multiple users may store items in the receptacles 450 simultaneously, as there will not be any conflicts in multiple users attempting to store items in the same receptacles 450 as the choice of receptacle 450 is left to the user, who may in some examples easily identify empty receptacles using one or more displays. Further, a plurality of users may retrieve items corresponding to one or more orders simultaneously. In some examples, output means associated with receptacles 450 containing items associated with a first output may output a first indication, and output means associated with receptacles 450 containing items associated with a second output may output a second indication. Users may easily differentiate between items associated with their assigned order based on the different indications output by the output means and may therefore work simultaneously, with items being easily identifiable by the output of the output means.

Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart of a method 500 of storing items. The method 500 of Figure 5 may be performed by the terminal device of any of Figures 1 to 4. The method 500 may begin with a user storing an item in a receptacle. At step 510, the method 500 comprises determining item information and receptacle identification. For example, the method may comprise determining item information by imaging a visual code image present on the item and determining receptacle identification from the receptacle identification means. In one example, determining receptacle identification from the receptacle identification means comprises imaging a visual code image of the receptacle identification means or extracting the receptacle identification via RFID or NFC. As discussed above, the item information may be information uniquely identifying an item, or may be information identifying a type of item.

The receptacle identification may comprise information uniquely identifying a receptacle.

At step 520, the method comprises transmitting the determined item information and the determined receptacle identification. The method may comprise the terminal device transmitting the determined item information and the determined receptacle identification to a controller device. The controller may then store an association between the received item information and receptacle identification.

In some examples, the method 500 may further comprise, upon receiving the item information and receptacle identification at the controller and storing the association, controlling an output means associated with the receptacle to output an indication that the information is received and the association is stored.

Figure 6 illustrates a flowchart of a method 600 of retrieving items. The method 600 of Figure 6 may be performed by the controller of any of Figures 1 to 4. The method 600 may be performed after one or more items have been stored in one or more receptacles according to the method 500 of Figure 5.

At step 610, the method comprises determining a plurality of items and a plurality of receptacles storing the plurality of items. For example, the method may comprise determining a plurality of items corresponding to a new customer order for the plurality of items, or determining a plurality of items corresponding to an upcoming or planned manufacturing or processing step. The plurality of items may be stored in a plurality of receptacles. Determining the plurality of receptacles storing the plurality of items may comprise, for each determined item, loading an association of item information and receptacle identification previously stored in a memory of the controller, and identifying the receptacles based on the receptacle identification.

At step 620, the method comprises controlling a plurality of output means associated with the plurality of determined receptacles to output an indication. As discussed above in respect of Figures 1 to 4, the output means may in some examples comprise means for outputting a visual indication in the form of coloured light, and the indication may comprise an output of light having a particular colour associated with the determined plurality of items.

The method of Figure 6 may further comprise determining a second plurality of items corresponding to a second order, and determining a second plurality of receptacles storing the second plurality of items. The method may then further comprise controlling a second plurality of output means associated with the second plurality of receptacles to output a second indication.

The method of Figure 6 may further comprise receiving at least one of item information, item selection information and receptacle identification corresponding to the determined plurality of items, and controlling an associated output means to cease outputting the indication.

Figure 7 illustrates a flowchart of a method 700 of retrieving items. The method 700 of Figure 7 may be performed by the controller of any of Figures 1 to 4. The method 700 may be performed after one or more items have been stored in one or more receptacles according to the method 500 of Figure 5.

Steps 710 and 720 of Figure 7 are the same as steps 610 and 620 of Figure 2, and a description of these steps is therefore omitted.

At step 730, the method comprises outputting item selection information associated with the plurality of items and location information of the plurality of receptacles. The item selection information may comprise a list of the determined plurality of items containing information uniquely identifying each of the determined plurality of items. The item selection information may be provided in an easily readable format such as a visual code image including a OR code, a barcode, or an Aztec code, or may be transmitted via a communications network to the terminal device. The location information may comprise information indicating a location of the receptacles. The location information may be output by a display of the controller or may be transmitted to the terminal device to be output by the terminal device.

At step 740, the method comprises receiving item information and item selection information corresponding to the plurality of items from the terminal device. In some examples, the terminal device may determine the item information by imaging a code image provided on the item, and may transmit the item information to the controller. In some examples, the terminal device may determine the item selection information by reading the item selection information output by the controller and may transmit the determined item selection information to the controller. The method may comprise comparing, by the controller, the received item information and item selection information to the output item selection information to confirm that a correct item corresponding to the determined plurality of items has been retrieved.

At step 750, the method comprises controlling the plurality of output means associated with the plurality of receptacles to cease outputting the indication. It should be understood that steps 740 and 750 may occur simultaneously, or may occur repeatedly in series as each of the determined plurality of items is retrieved by a user. That is, at step 740, the method may comprise receiving the item information and optionally receiving the item selection information corresponding to a first item of the plurality of items to be retrieved. The controller may then, at step 750, control the output means associated with the receptacle previously storing the first item to cease outputting the indication. Subsequently, or simultaneously in the case of multiple users retrieving the plurality of items collaboratively, a second item of the plurality of determined items may be retrieved by a user and item information corresponding to the second item may be received at step 740. The method may then proceed to step 750 in respect of the second item and control the output means associated with the second receptacle storing the second item to cease outputting the indication.

It should also be understood that the method of Figure 7 may be performed simultaneously for multiple pluralities of items, and that different indications corresponding to different pluralities of items may be output by the output means as explained above.

The present invention therefore provides methods and systems to efficiently stored and locate items for retrieval. Advantageously, users may store items in convenient locations and then information relating to the storage location of the items may be stored by a controller in response to simple and quick interaction of the user with a terminal device which may scan information uniquely identifying the item and the receptacle where the item is stored. Further, output means may be used to assist a user in easily locating items which are to be retrieved, and the output means may output a variety of indications to enable simultaneous retrieval of a plurality of different orders of items by various users.

It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present application.

Claims (17)

1. CLAIMS1. A system (100) for storing and locating items, the system (100) comprising: a plurality of receptacles (130) each arranged to receive a respective item, wherein each receptacle (130) is associated with an output module (140) and a receptacle identification means (150) for providing a receptacle identification uniquely identifying the receptacle (130), and wherein each output module (140) is configured to selectively output an indication to a user; a controller (110), wherein the controller (110) is arranged to store data indicative of an association between item information and receptacle information; a terminal device (120) for determining item information uniquely identifying an item and the receptacle identification, wherein the terminal device (120) is communicably coupled with the controller (110); wherein in a first mode, the terminal device (120) is arranged to: determine first item information corresponding to each of a first plurality of items and first receptacle identification of a first plurality of receptacles (130) into which each of the first plurality of items are placed; and transmit the determined first item information and determined first receptable identification to the controller (110); and wherein the controller (110) is further arranged to: determine a second plurality of items and a second plurality of receptacles (130) into which each of the second plurality of items are placed; and control a second plurality of output modules (140) associated with the second plurality of receptacles (130) to output the indication to the user.
2. 2. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein in a second mode, the terminal device (120) is arranged to: determine second item information corresponding to each of the second plurality of items; and transmit the second item information to the controller (110).
3. 3. The system (100) of claim 2, wherein the controller (110) is configured to control each of the second plurality of output modules (140) to cease outputting the indication to the user in response to receiving the second item information corresponding to the respective item placed in the respective receptable (130) associated with each of the second plurality of output modules (140).
4. 4. The system (100) of claim 2 or 3, wherein the controller (110) is arranged to output item selection information corresponding to the second plurality of items to the user; and wherein the terminal device (120) is arranged to determine the item selection information and transmit the item selection information together with the second item information to the controller (110) to indicate that each of the second plurality of items are removed from the second plurality of receptacles (130).
5. 5. The system (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the controller (110) is configured to transmit second receptacle identification of the second plurality of receptacles (130) to the terminal device (120); and wherein the terminal device (120) is further configured to output an indication of a location of the second plurality of receptacles (130).
6. 6. The system (100) of any preceding claim, wherein each of a first plurality of output means (140) associated with the first plurality of receptacles (130) are arranged to output a first indication to the user in response to the controller (110) receiving the first item information.
7. 7. The system (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the second plurality of output means (140) are configured to output a second indication associated with the second plurality of items and a third plurality of output means (140) are configured to output a third indication associated with a third plurality of items.
8. 8. The system (100) of claim 7, wherein the plurality of output means (140) comprise a plurality of lighting modules arranged to output coloured light; and wherein the output of the second indication and the third indication correspond to output of different coloured light.
9. 9. The system (100) of any preceding claim, wherein each receptacle (130) comprises a receptacle (130) adapted to receive a single planar item.
10. 10. The system (100) of claim 9, wherein the planar item is one of a drawer front, a door, a shelf, or a panel.
11. 11. The system (100) of any preceding claim, wherein each receptacle identification means (150) comprises a scannable code provided adjacent to the associated receptacle (130); and the terminal device (120) comprises an imaging unit configured to capture the scannable code and to extract the receptacle identification information.
12. 12. The system (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of receptacles (130) are provided in a substantially straight row, and the plurality of output means (140) comprises a plurality of LED modules, each LED module being provided adjacent to an associated receptacle (130).
13. 13. The system (100) according to any preceding claim, further comprising a fourth plurality of receptacles associated with a fourth plurality of receptacle identification means; wherein the fourth plurality of receptacles are not associated with output means.
14. 14. A method (500, 600, 700) for storing and locating items, the method associated with a system comprising a plurality of receptacles (130) each arranged to receive a respective item, wherein each receptacle (130) is associated with an output module (140) and a receptacle identification means (150) for providing a receptacle identification uniquely identifying the receptacle (130), wherein each output module (140) is configured to selectively output an indication to a user, a terminal device (120), and a controller (110) communicatively coupled to the terminal device (120), the method comprising: storing, by the controller (110), an association between item information and receptacle information; determining, by the terminal device (120), item information uniquely identifying an item and the receptacle identification; determining (510), by the terminal device (120), first item information corresponding to each of a first plurality of items and first receptacle identification of a first plurality of receptacles (130) into which each of the first plurality of items are placed; and transmitting (520), by the terminal device (120), the determined first item information and determined first receptable identification to the controller (110); and determining (610, 710), by the controller (110), a second plurality of items and a second plurality of receptacles (130) into which each of the second plurality of items are placed; and controlling (620, 720), by the controller (110), a second plurality of output modules (140) associated with the second plurality of receptacles (130) to output the indication to the user.
15. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising determining, by the terminal device (120), second item information corresponding to each of the second plurality of items; and transmitting (740), by the terminal device (120), the second item information to the controller (110).
16. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising controlling (750), by the controller (110), each of the second plurality of output modules (140) to cease outputting the indication to the user in response to receiving (740) the item information corresponding to the respective item placed in the respective receptable (130) associated with each of the second plurality of output modules (140).
17. 17. The method of claim 15 or 16, further comprising outputting (730), by the controller, item selection information corresponding to the second plurality of items to the user; and determining, by the terminal device (120), the item selection information and transmitting (740) the item selection information together with the second item information to the controller (110) to indicate that each of the second plurality of items are removed from the second plurality of receptacles (130).