GB2617435A - Robotic device for distributing designated items - Google Patents

Abstract

A robotic device for distributing designated items to persons comprises a motion unit to autonomously move said robotic device through a premise; storage means comprising multiple compartments for containing designated items; an item dispenser to dispense items from said storage means; an external or internal memory module containing recognition scans and payment information of persons located within said premise, and substantive information of said designated items; recognition scanners; a control unit in electronic communication with said motion unit, said recognition scanners, said memory and said item dispenser; and wherein, said control unit directs said motion unit to move said robotic device within said premise, upon encountering a purchaser and said purchaser selects a designated item directs said recognition scanners to scan payment details of said purchaser, and compares images from said recognition scanners to recognitions scans in said memory to verify payment wherein, upon verifying payment, said control unit directs said item dispenser to dispense said designated item.

Description

ROBOTIC DEVICE FOR DISTRIBUTING DESIGNATED ITEMS

Field of the Invention

[0001] This invention pertains to the field of robotics, and, in particular, to a robotic device for distributing designated items.

Background of the Invention

[0002] There are stand-alone stationary devices in in the market that issue alerts that it is time to take medication. These cue someone to go and take the medication. Also very common are boxes or containers with marked compartments, so someone knows which medicine to take at a particular time.

100031 Stand-alone automatic pill dispensers exist in the market. By activating a program and then pushing a button, the required medicine can be accessed. Some of these dispensers automatically send alerts about the need to take a specified medication. Further, some are connected to the Internet, or a local network, so they can be remotely activated to dispense medication.

[0004] Pria has a mobile app that alerts you when it is time to take a prescribed medication.

https://www.okpria.com/How-it-works The user then goes to the Pria pill wheel and is recognized by facial recognition and the medication can then be received from the pill wheel.

[0005] Further, there is a need in the industry to provide a robot that can autonomously move to deliver vending machine products, like a vending machine in a hotel setting. It will do this to accomplish the goal of alleviating the need for full-time staff on each floor of a hotel. This allows each staff member to accomplish more in managing amenities, refills, and restocks with greater ease. Such a robot. can go to each hotel guest or room individually and keep a direct account of its inventory. Keeping direct account of the inventory in combination with autonomous movement allows the robot to know when a refill is required and return to a restock room when it is required. Therefore, the hotel staff will have a singular point of operation (possibly per floor or with the use of smart elevators per building or complex) and not need to run around, and they can be notified when they must perform a task.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need in the industry for a "smart" mobile that can act like a mobile vending machine.

[0007] Accordingly, there is a need in the industry for a robotic device that can efficiently and effectively distribute items, like a mobile vending machine. Summary of the Invention [0008] To achieve these and other objects, the herein robotic device can efficiently and effectively distribute items, like a mobile vending machine. It has particular application in hotels, medical centers, nursing facilities, assisted living centers and similar facilities wherein a myriad of people need to be able to obtain various items in a simple, efficient manner..

[0009] Therefore, to achieve these and other objects, the herein disclosed invention is a robotic device for distributing designated items to persons, comprising: a motion unit to autonomously move said robotic device through a premise; storage means comprising multiple compartments for containing designated items; an item dispenser to dispense items from the storage means; an external or internal memory module containing recognition scans and payment information of persons located within said premise, and substantive information of said designated items; recognition scanners; a control unit in electronic communication with the motion unit, the recognition scanners, the memory and the item dispenser; and, wherein, the control unit directs the motion unit to move the robotic device within the premise, upon encountering a purchaser and the purchaser selects a designated item directs the recognition scanners to scan payment details of the purchaser, and compares images from the recognition scanners to recognitions scans in the memory to verify payment; and, wherein, upon verifying payment, the control unit directs said item dispenser to dispense the designated item.

[0010] Preferably, the item dispenser of the robotic device comprises: a movable vacuum tube, a controlled vacuum, a mobile arm for contmlled movement of the vacuum tube and an exit tube, wherein the control unit directs the_storage means to rotate_until a compartment for the designated item is in alignment with the vacuum tube, activates thecontrolled vacuum to suck and hold the designated item into the vacuum tube, directs the mobile arm to move the vacuum tube until it aligns with the exit tube, and deactivates the controlled vacuum causing the designated item to fall_throuah the exit tube.

[0011] The payment details may include a smart phone payment ap, a credit card with an dectronic payment chip, or a CR image.

[0012] In one embodiment, the device further comprising secondary recognition scanners; and, the memory module further containing secondary recognition scans of persons located within the premise; and wherein, prior to dispensing the designated item, the control unit directs the secondary recognition scanners to scan the person, and compares images from the secondary recognition scanners to secondary recognitions in the memory to confirm the person is the person associated with the payment information. These secondary recognition scanners may be magnetic code readers, fingerprint scanners or eye scanners or facial scanners or optical scanners and said secondary recognition scans of persons located within said memory being magnetic codes, fingerprint scans or eye scans or facial scans or optical scans.

[0013] The item dispenser may further comprise substantive scanners and the memory module further containing substantive scans of the designated items; and, wherein, prior to dispensing the designated item, the control unit directs the substantive scanners to scan the designated item, and compares scans from the substantive scanners to substantive scans in the memory to confirm the designated item is the correct designated item for the person.

[0014] For security and safety purposes in some embodiments, the storage means further comprising supplemental recognition scanners; and, the memory module further containing supplemental recognition scans of persons authorized to add items to the storage means; and, wherein, prior to adding items to the storage means, the contml unit directs said supplemental scanners to scan persons attempting to add items to the storage means, and compares scans from the supplemental scanners to supplemental scans in the memory to confirm said persons attempting to add items to the storage means are authorized to add items to the storage means.

Brief Description of the Figures

[0015] For a better understanding of the invention and to show how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made purely by way of example, to the accompanying Figures, wherewith it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the prefen-ed embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention.

[0016] Fig. 1 is a front view of a robotic device containing a medication dispenser; constructed and operative in accordance with the present invention; [0017] Fig. 2 is a rear perspective exploded view showing the medication dispenser inserted into the robotic device constructed and operative in accordance with the present invention; [0018] Fig. 3 is an enlarged perspective view,showing the medication dispenser and its housing, constructed and operative in accordance with the present invention; [0019] Fig. 4 is a front perspective view of the medication dispenser.

100201 Fig. 5 is front view of the medication dispenser, constructed and operative in accordance with the present invention; [0021] Fig, 6 is a rear perspective view of the medication dispenser, constructed and operative in accordance with the present invention; [0022] Fig. 7 is a rear view of the medication dispenser, constructed and operative in accordance with the present invention; 100231 Fig. 8 is a right-side view of the medication dispenser, constructed and operative in accordance with the present invention; [0024] Fig. 9 is a top view of the medication dispenser, constructed and operative in accordance with the present invention; [0025] Fig. 10 is a bottom view of the medication dispenser, constructed and operative in accordance with the present invention; [0026] Fig. 11 is a front perspective of the medication dispenser and showing all the elements of the extraction device, constructed and operative in accordance with the present invention; [0027] Fig. 12 is a front perspective of the medication dispenser and showing all the elements of the extraction device and the compartment with the medication constructed and operative in accordance with the present invention; [0028] Fig. 13 is an enlarged front view of a portion of the medication dispenser and showing the extraction device coming into engagement with the compartment with the medication, constructed and operative in accordance with the present invention; [0029] Fig. 14 is an enlarged front view of a portion of the medication dispenser and showing the extraction device extracting the medication from the compartment, constructed and operative in accordance with the present invention; [0030] Fig. 15 is front perspective view of the medication dispenser and showing the extraction device traveling through the exit tube, constructed and operative in accordance with the present invention; [0031] Fig. 16 is an enlarged front view of a portion of the medication dispenser and showing the exit tube with the composition sensor, constructed and operative in accordance with the present invention; 100321 Fig. 17 is an enlarged front view of a portion of the medication dispenser and showing the medication dropping into a dispensing cup, constructed and operative in accordance with the present invention; [0033] Ha. 18 shows alternate designs for a robot vending machine.

[0034] Fig 19.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0035] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances. well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the present invention.

[0036] According to the broadest definition of the Invention, it pertains to a robotic device for distributing designated items to designated persons, comprising: [0037] Means for autonomously moving said robotic device through a premise; [0038] Storage means including multiple compartments for containing designated items; [0039] Means for dispensing items from said storage means; [0040] An external or internal memory module containing optical recognition scans and personal information of persons located within said premise, and substantive information of said designated items; [0041] Optical recognition scanners; [0042] A control module in electronic communication with said means for autonomously moving, said optical recognition scanners, said memory and said means for dispensing; and, [0043] Wherein, said control unit directs said means for autonomously moving to move said robotic device within said premise, directs said optical recognition scanners to scan persons as they are encountered, compares images from said optical recognition scanners to optical recognitions in said memory to identify said person; and, [0044] Wherein, upon identifying said person, said control unit searches said personal information of said person in said memory and identifies designated items specified for said person, and then directs said means for dispensing to dispense said designated item to said person.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the designated items are pharmaceutical products and the robot is preferably used to distribute medication to residents and patents in hospitals, medical centers and elder care facilities.

[0046] According to the invention, the robot autonomously moves through the premises. When it encounters a person, it takes an optical scan of that person. It searches to see ii that person is in memory. If there is a match, the memory identifies the medication for that person.

[0047] The means for dispensing can be any suitable electro-mechanical device. In one embodiment, it. involves a movable vacuum tube. The storage means rotates -or otherwise moves, until the compat 'lent for the designated medicine is in aligmnent with the vacuum tube attached to a mobile arm. By means of a controlled vacuum, the medicine is sucked into the vacuum tube and held. The mobile arm then moves the vacuum tube until it aligns with an exit tube. At this point, the vacuum is deactivated and the medicine falls through the exit tube.

[0048] At the bottom of the exit tube, a cup [or other catching element] receives the medicine. The designated patient may then take the cup with the medicine.

[0049] According to a preferred embodiment, the device may additionally include secondary recognition scanners; and, said memory module further containing secondary recognition scans of persons located within said premise; and, wherein, prior to dispensing said designated item, said control unit directs said secondary recognition scanners to scan said person, compares images from said secondary recognition scanners to secondary recognitions in said memory to confirm said person is the correct person to receive said designated item.

100501 To ensure that the patient taking the medicine is in fact the correct person for that medicine, additional scanners may be provided at the point where the cup and medicine is located. This way there is additional protection to prevent the wrong person from getting the medicine.

[0051] For additional protection, said means for dispensing further comprising substantive scanners and said memory module further containing substantive scans of said designated items; and, wherein, prior to dispensing said designated item, said control unit directs said substantive scanners to scan said designated item, compares scans from said substantive scanners to substantive scans in said memory to confirm said designated item is the correct designated item for said person.

[0052] By this means, there can be better ensurance that the correct medicine was selected.

100531 It may be appreciated that while the preferred use is for distribution of medicine, any objects may be distributed to any collection of persons. For example, designated toys can be delivered to designated children.

[0054] The storage means including multiple compartments for containing designated items; and the means for dispensing items from said storage means may preferably be made as a single unitary unit. In any suitable manner it may be mounted on the robot. One possible way to mount them would be to affix them to a drawer or shelf that slides into and out of the robot.

[0055] In a prefened embodiment, the robotic medication dispenser can store and automatically dispense up to 60 different medications, including: 100561 PRN Medications.

[0057] Controlled substances.

[0058] Multiple Security Protocols may be incorporated into the robotic device, [0059] Face Recognition.

[0060] Bar Code Scanning.

[0061] Finger Print Verification.

[0062] Estimated Module Dimensions: 370 x 270 x 590 mm.

100631 Capacity: 55 pill cartridge compartments.

[0064] Pill Size: Supports any pill size and shape.

[0065] User Support: Virtually unlimited users per device.

[0066] Regulations: The materials meet the requirements of FDA.

[0067] A preferred embodiment of the robotic device for distributing designated items to designated persons is illustrated in Figs. 1-17 herein.

[0068] Any standard or conventional robot 2 can house the dispenser 4 within an internal cavity 6 of the robot -see Figs. 1 -2. A cover 8 on the rear surface 10 of the robot may enclose the dispenser 4 to prevent damage or tampering. An opening 12 in the front torso 14 of the robot permits access to the selected medication. If desired, the front torso 14 of the robot can have an opening 12 to expose all or most of the dispenser (Fig. 1) or closed to seal the dispenser inside the robot except for an exit opening 16 (Fig. 3).

[0069] The robot includes a means for autonomously moving said robotic device through a premise. In other words, the robot is controlled by an AT process that allows the robot to direct itself through the premises without external guidance.

[0070] In the preferred embodiment, the storage means includes multiple compartments 18 for containing designated items as constituted by the dispenser 4. As shown the dispenser has any suitable shape and size. The specific shape and site are dependent on the number of medications that are to be contained within. In a preferred embodiment, the dispenser can be multi-level carousel 20 with compartments 18 and rotating about a central rod.

[0071] The means for dispensing items from said storage means may be constructed as a movable vacuum tube. A motor moves the vacuum tube vertically along a track running alongside the dispenser. When a medication and its location is identified, the vacuum motor is moved to the vertical level corresponding to the compartment in which the medication is contained. Then, the dispenser is rotated until the compartment containing the medication is in alignment with the vacuum tube. The vacuum is activated to pull the medication out of the compartment and to hold it in the vacuum tube. By means of the motor the vacuum tube is moved until it is in alignment with the exit tube. The vacuum is deactivated and the medication falls through the exit tube to be accessible to the recipient.

[0072] As shown in Fig 11, the means for dispensing includes an extraction device 21 including a vacuum pump 22 and an accompanying vacuum tube 24. They are supported on a platform 26 that travels along a guide rail 28. A motor 29 energizes the vacuum pump 22 during operation. When not in use, the extraction device rests near the top of the guide rail 28 above the carousel 20.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment, the multi-level carousel 20 has five levels with fifty-five compartments 18 -eleven compartments per level. One vertical column of compartments is empty with no compartments and is a clear unobstructed column as hereinafter described.

[0074] The compartment 30 with the specified medication is identified -highlighted in Figs 11 and 12.

[0075] As seen in Fig. 12, the carousel rotates until the compartment 30 is in vertical alignment with the vacuum tube 24. The extraction device 21 is lowered along the rail 28 until the vacuum tube 24 engages the target compartment 30 -Fig. 13. Then, the vacuum motor 29 is activated to create a vacuum and the medication is sucked into to the vacuum tube 24.

[0076] The carousel is rotated until the extraction device 21 is clear of the target compartment 30 and is contained within a clear column -Fig. 14. The extraction device 21 is lowered until the vacuum tube 24 is in juxtaposition with the exit tube 32. As shown in Fig. 15, the extraction device is partially rotated until the vacuum tube aligns with the exit tube. The motor 29 is deactivated and the vacuum pump 22 stops. This terminates the vacuum and the medication drops into the exit tube 32.

[0077] In a preferred embodiment -as shown in Fig. 16, near the bottom of the exit tube 32, a composition sensor 34 is positioned. As the medication 36 passes, the sensor scans it to determine its composition. The scan information is compared to the information about the target medication in memory to ensure the correct medication for this individual was dispensed.

100781 Thereafter the medication 36 drops into a cup 38 or another suitable receptacle as shown in Fig. 17. In a preferred embodiment, the cup 38 is situated on a movable tray 40. To facilitate access to the cup with the medication the tray may slide out. When pushed all the way in, the cup 38 aligns with the exit tube 32 to catch and retain the medication 36. For easy access, the tray can then be pulled out.

[0079] An external or internal memory module is electronically connected to the robot and contains optical recognition scans and personal information of persons located within said premise, and substantive information of said designated items.

[0080] Included on the robot is optical recognition scanner 42.

100811 A control module is in electronic communication with the means for autonomously moving, said optical recognition scanners, the memory and the means for dispensing. Typically, these electronic components will be included on an IC board 44 (Fig. 2) inside the robot along with the memory chip. The control unit directs the means for autonomously moving to move the robotic device within said premise, directs the optical recognition scanners 42 to scan persons as they are encountered, compares images from the optical recognition scanners to optical recognitions in the memory to identify said person. Upon identifying a person, the control unit searches the personal information of the person in the memory and identifies designated items specified for the person, and then directs the means for dispensing to dispense the designated item to the person.

100821 As an additional safeguard, the device further comprising a secondary recognition scanner; and, the memory module further containing secondary recognition scans of persons located within said premise; and, wherein, pfior to dispensing the designated item, the control unit directs the secondary recognition scanners to scan the person, compares images from the secondary recognition scanners to secondary recognitions in the memory to confirm the person is the correct person to receive the designated item. In some embodiments, the optical recognition scanner 42 can also be used as the secondary recognition scanner,or a second optical scanner can be used.

100831 It may be appreciated that the correct person receives the correct medication. Serious medical consequences, and even death, can occur if a person gets the wrong medication. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, an additional scanner 46 (Fig. 17) is provided by the exit tube. In this manner, the robotic device can confin t that the person receiving the medication is in fact the correct person. Instead of optical scanners 42 and 46, other scanners may be used, such as eye scanners, fingerprint scanners, facial scanners, and other technology. As shown in Fig. 17, the scanner 46 reads a magnetic code on a wrist band of the recipient of the medication.

[0084] Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, secondary recognition scanners may be magnetic code readers, facial scanners or fingerprint scanners or eye scanners or optical scanners and said secondary recognition scans of persons located within said memory may be magnetic codes, fingerprint scans or eye scans or facial scans or optical scans. In some embodiments, the optical recognition scanners 42 can also be used.

[0085] Another important aspect is to make sure the correct medication is selected. Therefore, it is important to double check to make sure the correct medication is in the dispenser. For this purpose, scanners are affixed to the dispenser. Prior to the vacuum tube 24 removing the designated item, this scanner scans the item to confirm its substance. In the marketplace, there are any number of scanners that can determine the composition and make up of a medication.

[0086] Therefore, preferably, the means for dispensing further comprises substantive scanners 48 (Fie. 13) and the memory module further contains substantive scans of said designated items; and, wherein, prior to dispensing the designated item, the control unit directs the substantive scanners to scan the designated item, compares scans from the substantive scanners to substantive scans in the memory to confirm the designated item is the correct designated item for the person.

[0087] Still another safety implementation is to include still another scanning system. This scanner 4) is used when the dispenser is filled in order to make sure an authorized person is filling the dispenser. This helps to ensure that the correct medication is in the correct compartment. Depending on the configuration of the robot, optical recognition scanner 42 or additional optical scanner 50 can be used, or still another scanner can be implemented on the robot. It may be appreciated that the specific location of the additional scanner is dependent on the specific configuration of the robot. The only limitation is that it must necessarily have a clear sight line to the person requiring the medication.

[0088] Therefore, preferably, the storage means further comprising supplemental recognition scanners; and, the memory module further containing supplemental recognition scans of persons authorized to add items to the storage means; and, wherein, prior to adding items to the storage means, the control unit directs the supplemental scanners to scan persons attempting to add items to the storage means, compares scans from the supplemental scanners to supplemental scans in the memory to confirm the persons attempting to add items to the storage means are authorized to add items to the storage means.

[0089] According to the broadest definition of an alternate embodiment of the Invention, it pertains to a robotic device for distributing designated items to persons, comprising: a motion unit to autonomously move said robotic device through a premise; storage means comprising multiple compartments for containing designated items; an item dispenser to dispense items from the storage means; an external or internal memory module containing recognition scans and payment information of persons located within said premise, and substantive infon-nation of said designated items; recognition scanners; a control unit in electronic communication with the motion unit, the recognition scanners, the memory and the item dispenser; and, wherein, the control unit directs the motion unit to move the robotic device within the premise, upon encountering a purchaser and the purchaser selects a designated item directs the recognition scanners to scan payment details of the purchaser, and compares images from the recognition scanners to recognitions scans in the memory to verify payment; and, wherein, upon verifying payment, the control unit directs said item dispenser to dispense the designated item.

100901 Preferably, the item dispenser of the robotic device comprises: a movable vacuum tube, a controlled vacuum, a mobile arm for controlled movement of the vacuum tube and an exit tube, wherein the control unit directs the_storage means to rotate_until a compartment for the designated item is in alignment with the vacuum tube, activates the_controlled vacuum to suck and hold the designated item into the vacuum tube, directs the mobile arm to move the vacuum tube until it aligns with the exit tube, and deactivates the controlled vacuum causing the designated item to fall_throuah the exit tube.

[0091] The payment details may include a smart phone payment ap, a credit card with an electronic payment chip, or a CR image 100921 In one embodiment, the device further comprising secondary recognition scanners; and, the memory module further containing secondary recognition scans of persons located within the premise; and, wherein, prior to dispensing the designated item, the control unit directs the secondary recognition scanners to scan the person, and compares images from the secondary recognition scanners to secondary recognitions in the memory to confirm the person is the person associated with the payment information. These secondary recognition scanners may be magnetic code readers, fingerprint scanners or eye scanners or facial scanners or optical scanners and said secondary recognition scans of persons located within said memory being magnetic codes, fingerprint scans or eye scans or facial scans or optical scans.

100931 The item dispenser may further comprise substantive scanners and the memory module further containing substantive scans of the designated items; and, wherein, prior to dispensing the designated item, the control unit directs the substantive scanners to scan the designated item, and compares scans from the substantive scanners to substantive scans in the memory to confirm the designated item is the correct designated item for the person.

[0094] For security and safety purposes in some embodiments, the storage means further comprising supplemental recognition scanners; and, the memory module further containing supplemental recognition scans of persons authorized to add items to the storage means; and, wherein, prior to adding items to the storage means, the control unit directs said supplemental scanners to scan persons attempting to add items to the storage means, and compares scans from the supplemental scanners to supplemental scans in the memory to confirm said persons attempting to add items to the storage means are authorized to add items to the storage means.

100951 There is a need in the industry to provide a robot that can autonomously move to deliver vending machine products, 1 ike a vending machine, primarily in a hotel or elder care or assisted living setting. It will thus alleviate the need for full-time staff on each floor. This allows each staff member to accomplish more in managing amenities, refills, and restocks with greater ease. Such a robot can go to each guest or room individually and keep a direct account of its inventory. Keeping direct account of the inventory in combination with autonomous movement allows the robot to know when a refill is required and return to a restock room when it is required. Therefore, the staff will have a singular point, of operation (possibly per floor or with the use of smart elevators per building or complex) and not need to run around, and they can be notified when they must perform a task.

100961 Just like vending machines this robot vending machine may have many different arrangements depending on the needs that are being served or the items being dispensed. The module system may have a variety of vending machine modules to serve those needs and items Within these modules, the shelves may be adjustable to fit a variety of item sizes.

100971 Referring now to Fig. 18, several designs are shown, and comprising a base and wheels for autonomous movement, a dispenser between the base and torso (not shown) a torso comprising compartments of various sizes, and a user interface, UI. The UI may also be a separate module as seen in cases B and C. In a specific example where the robot has items for purchase, the robot torso or separate module will comprise a payment mechanism (not shown) and may further comprise an internal printer for receipts. In a specific example of a robot carrying items for distribution to hotel guests, the large compartment may be filled with frequently accessed items that may be universally accessible, and small compartments may comprise less common or more specific ordered items retrievable only to an individual who is the designated recipient of said items. As seen in cases A and B, C, and D, the shape of the torso may vary each with an alternative means of providing item retrieval and UI access ease for a user.

[0098] The robot will use intelligence and Al to learn when is the most appropriate time to restock items based on the current levels of items in stock, the historical or static data on the demand of the items in stock, the historical or static downtime the mbot experiences at the moment in time, and the availability of a responsible staff member to be able to refill the items, or any other beneficial data to efficiently restock items. This may be amplified by the robot's ability to communicate with other item dispensing robots and their data as well cumulatively.

[0099] The robot may implement a restocking algorithm that can optimize restocking efficiency based on commonly used algorithms like Economic Order Quantity (E0Q) or use proprietary algorithms based on Al and historical data.

[00100] In addition, the robot may use its autonomous moment feature to navigate to a more centralized restock room location where a responsible staff member will appropriately restock, refill, clean, replace, check the expiration date, and know the quantity on hand of stored items. The use of robot intelligence may help aid the responsible staff member by keeping track of things like quantity on hand, expiration dates, times when cleaning must occur, etc. 1001011 The robot may additionally provide modules that comprise a means of keepina items fresh and unspoiled using refrigeration, heating, and general temperature controls. It may also employ the use of humidity controls, control of light exposure, and general cleanliness using for example air filters.

[00102] If required, the robot employs a recipient verification system. In the example of a robot distributing items, the verification may be tied down to a location, say in front of a door for a specific room number verifying the recipient as the guest in said room, a room card or key, credit or debit card, a passcode, etc. In the example where the robot is more stationary and distributing simple items, credit or debit card or room key card may be used if verification is required.

[00103] This may be useful in the case of payments of items for purchase or payment of lost items for borrowing as an item will be associated with the guest via credit or debit card or room key card. The credit or debit card can be paid for directly and the room key card can he charged to the room. [00104] There are two main modes, stationary vending machine mode, and mobile delivery mode. Robots may be optimized for specific mode use or optimized for switch mode use or some combination of both.

[00105] This process can be used for example for the delivery of standard goods requested from hotel attendees for example soap, towels, etc., or individual requests like room service, etc. [00106] Referring now to Figure 20, for example, The guest requests a delivery a. In one method each room may comprise a call service button like that on an airplane. In this example proceed to step 2.

b. In another method the phone line to a reception/concierge can be used to initiate the request through a person whose message is delivered to the robot through them. In this example proceed to step 6.

1001071 Once pressed a robot will add the requested visit to a cue log which can be handled on an optimized intelligent algorithm mentioned in intelligence and data gathering [00108] The robot when getting to the request will proceed to the room with navigation.

[00109] The robot will arrive at the door of the requester and notify the requester the robot is ready and waiting at the door.

a. The notification may be verbal or use the call service button for notifying the guest.

b. The robot may have an internal clock measured against a minimum wait time and/or a maximum wait time so the robot does not wait forever, nor the requester misses his opportunity to get to the door. If the user does not show up in the allotted time the robot may leave and drop the request or go back to step 2 and place the request back in the cue log.

[00110] The requester will select from the UI requested items a. If items are readily available, the robot may give over the requested items and finish the task.

b. If there are items that the robot must fetch proceed to step 6.

[00 I I I] The robot will hold a list of the required items for fetching associated with the room number for tracking.

[00112] The robot will navigate to a more centralized stock room where a responsible staff member will gather the requested items and place them in the robot for delivery.

a. The responsible staff member may interact with the robot UI or separately be aware of the orders via a request system through a mobile app or computer b. Additionally, the responsible staff member can associate a specific compartment to the specific requester as seen in robot build and design and recipient verification c. If an item is unavailable, there may be an -out of stock" option, which may send the guest through the UI a notification that an ordered item cannot be fulfilled at the current time.

1001131 When the responsible staff member completes the requests possible at the time, the UI can present a GO button to send the robot to deliver the items to the guests whose deliveries are being sent.

[00114] The robot will return to the guests whose deliveries are being sent in an intelligent fashion mentioned in intelligence and data gathering.

[00115] Robot navigates to the door, similar to step 3, and then notifies Requesters at the door, similar to step 4.

a. The notification may be verbal or use the call service button for notifying the guest similar to step 4.

b. The robot may have an internal clock measured against a minimum wait time and/or a maximum wait time so the robot does not wait forever, nor the requester misses his opportunity to get to the door. If the user does not show up in the allotted time the robot may leave and drop the request or go back to step 2 and place the request back in the cue log. Similar to step 4.

1001161 Robot delivers the requested items. Payment via a payment method may optionally take place here before the dispensing of the items via the dispenser method. Similar to step 5 when the items are readily available.

[00117] The delivery mode system may alternatively comprise, in whole or in part, the use of a concierge. This may be separate or in addition to the prior method. In the case of the concierge, the flowchart will look as follows: [00118] The guest requests a delivery via a notification system like a mobile phone or phone line to a receptionist/concierge. The request is forwarded through a person to the robot. Payment via a payment method may optionally take place here.

1001191 Once forwarded the robot may intelligently check if the request can be satisfied with the readily available items on hand.

a. If so, the robot adds the request to the cue to be delivered and proceeds like steps 9, 10, 11, and 12 in the above method b. If the order can be satisfied in part the robot may intelligently deliver part of the items and go to the stocking room for the other goods and proceed from step 3, skipping steps 5, 6 in the above method or go to the stocking room directly to deliver all the goods at once and proceeds from step 7 in the above method c. If the order cannot be satisfied, the robot will proceed to the stock room when the next available proceeds from step 7 in the above method.

1001201 There is also a vending machine mode -see Figure 21.

[00121] Stationed -the robot operates at a station in a static matter which may be distributing simple goods a. Standard station mode: a singular place where the robot is stationed b. Rotating station mode: multiple stations shifted in rotation c. Dynamic station mode: multiple stations shifted dynamically [00122] Determination of a restock requirement a. Using the restocking algorithms or intelligence as discussed in the restocking algorithms section b. A simpler means of restocking like: i. When all or most items run low or run out ii. When several items run low or run out iii. When an item runs low or runs out iv. When a frequently selected item is running out or running low v. When 1+ low-frequency item(s) are running out or running low [00123] When a refill is determined to be required the robot may notify the responsible staff, to restock a given item or items. The robot can in addition move to a more centralized restock room to be restocked.

[00124] The exact dispenser method to optimize the useability for the user may vary. For example, any standard vending machine dispenser known in the art, a simple compartment with alatch openable by the verified recipient of the items. They may be any standard vending machine dispenser known in the art (including vacuum systems, grid-like pickup systems, gravity systems, etc.), or a simple compartment with a latch openable by the verified recipient of the items. When operating with recipient verification, the latch would only be openable by a verified recipient. Other variations to the dispenser may be possible as well depending on the nature of the items being delivered. For example, if the robot is delivering hot food, it may have a heated compartment or a cold compartment for cold food. The robot is not limited to any single dispenser method but can include any combination of the above possibilities.

[00125] The payment system may be coupled to the robot. This may be a card reader, NFC reader, or any known means of payment reception. The payment processor may be attached to the body of the robot or by a modulated means of connection. With the integration of a user profile system, payment can be automatically charged to a recipient's mom. This can be achieved via any user identification method, including scanning of a room key, scanning of a QR code on a mobile phone, NFC or Wi-Fl transfer from a mobile phone, or facial recognition.

[00126] In some embodiments of the robot, the robot comprises a user interface to interact with the robot. This can be as simple as a keypad for selecting an item to dispense or typing a passcode into commonly found on vending machines to a full screen with selection menus and telepresence to a concierge. For the more complex UI, the UT can provide a selection screen of items to take or to order, notifications of for example room information and updates, if items are out of stock, allow guests to make changes to check in/out status or do not disturb status, etc., telepresence to a concierge or required staff, or provide general user interaction like text-to-speech (TTS).

[00127] The Ul for staff may also be beneficial to receive and update data about, for example, what orders have been fulfilled and ready for distribution or delivery, what compartment said orders are hi, what items are out of stock and unable to be fulfilled, if cleaning is required or was done, item expiration dates to be set or gotten rid of, a control system for more nuanced needs of the robot's operation (example from fetch quest: force send or prioritize or route robot deliveries).

[00128] The robot may take advantage of its intelligence to gather data to maximize the efficiency of its task and can further maximize the efficiency of its task with the ability to communicate with other dispensing robots.

[00129] This may include maximizing customer satisfaction, profits, tasks completed, average task time, least downtime, etc. This may further comprise but is not limited to the current levels of items in stock, the historical or static data on the demand of the items in stock, the historical or static downtime the robot experiences at the moment in time, and the availability of a responsible staff member to be able to refill the items, or any other beneficial data to maximize efficiency.

[00130] Using robot intelligence, the robot can build a historical database to refer to optimize future efficiency. This requires the use of a memory module.

[00131] This may further comprise the optimization of deliveries by maximizing the efficiency of routes and cued tasks. For example, shortest route, fastest route, FIFO, etc. This may also take into account a Task Active state which can be true or false depending on if the robot is currently carrying out a task at the moment or not.

IOW 321 Somegeneral-purpose computers may comprise at least one communication element to enable communication with a data network and/or a mobile communications network.

[00133] The processes and displays presented herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other apparatus. Various general-purpose systems may be used with programs in accordance with the teachings herein, or it may prove convenient to construct a more specialized apparatus to perform the desired method. The desired structure for a variety of these systems will appear from the description below. In addition, embodiments of the present invention are not described with reference to any particular programming language. It will be appreciated that a variety of programming languages may be used to implement the teachings of the invention as described herein.

[00134] While certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents will now occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.

Claims (7)

1. We Claim 1. A robotic device for distributing designated items to persons, comprising: a motion unit to autonomously move said robotic device through a premise; storage means comprising multiple compartments for containing designated items; an item dispenser to dispense items from said storage means; an external or internal memory module containing recognition scans and payment information of persons located within said premise, and substantive information of said designated items; recognition scanners; a control unit in electronic communication with said motion unit said recognition scanners, said memory and said item dispense and wherein, said control unit directs said motion unit to move said robotic device within said premise, upon encountering a purchaser and said purchaser selects a designated item directs said recognition scanners to scan payment details of said purchaser, and compares images from said recognition scanners to recognitions scans in said memory to verify payment wherein, upon verifying payment, said control unit directs said item dispenser to dispense said designated item.
2. 2. A robotic device according to Claim 1, wherein said item dispenser comprises: a movable vacuum tube, a controlled vacuum, a mobile arm for controlled movement of said vacuum tube and an exit tubc, wherein said control unit directs said_storage means to rotate_until a compartment for the designated item is in alignment with said vacuum tube, activates said controlled vacuum to suck and hold the designated item into the vacuum tube, directs said_mobile arm to move the vacuum tube until it aligns with said exit tube, and deactivates said controlled vacuum causingthe designated item to fall through the exit tube.
3. 3. A robotic device according to Claim 1, wherein said payment details including a smart phone payment ap, a credit card with an electronic payment chip, or a CR image.
4. 4. A robotic device according to Claim 1, wherein said device further comprising secondary recognition scanners; and, said memory module further containing secondary recognition scans of persons located within said premise; and, wherein, prior to dispensing said designated item, said control unit directs said secondary recognition scanners to scan said person, and compares images from said secondary recognition scanners to secondary recognitions in said memory to confirm said person is the person associated with said payment information.
5. 5. A robotic device according to Claim 4, wherein said secondary recognition scanners being magnetic code readers, fingerprint scanners or eye scanners or facial scanners or optical scanners and said secondary recognition scans of persons located within said memory being magnetic codes, fingerprint scans or eye scans or facial scans or optical scans.
6. 6. A robotic device according to Claim 1, wherein said item dispenser further comprising substantive scanners and said memory module further containing substantive scans of said designated items and, wherein, prior to dispensing said designated item, said control unit directs said substantive scanners to scan said designated item, and compares scans from said substantive scanners to substantive scans in said memory to confirm said designated item is the correct designated item for said person.
7. 7. A robotic device according to Claim 1, wherein said storage means further comprising supplemental recognition scanners; and, said memory module further containing supplemental recognition scans of persons authorized to add items to said storage means and, wherein, prior to adding items to said storage means, said control unit directs said supplemental scanners to scan persons attempting to add items to said storage means, and compares scans from said supplemental scanners to supplemental scans in said memory to confirm said persons attempting to add items to said storage means are authorized to add items to said storage means.