NO347454B1

NO347454B1 - A system, method and computer program product for rental of physical items

Info

Publication number: NO347454B1
Application number: NO20220481A
Authority: NO
Inventors: Loïc Euzen; Isabel Rocher
Original assignee: Autostore Tech As
Priority date: 2022-04-28
Filing date: 2022-04-28
Publication date: 2023-11-06
Also published as: NO20220481A1; WO2023208850A1

Description

A system, method and computer program product for rental of physical items

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system, a method and a computer program product for rental of physical items, in particular to an automated storage and retrieval system comprising a plurality of storage locations, at least one port, at least one item handling vehicle operable to transfer physical items to and from the at least one port and the plurality of storage locations, and a computerized control system for controlling the at least one port and the at least one item handling vehicle, and more specifically to a computerized rental management system in communication with the computerized control system of the automated storage and retrieval system to handle delivery and returns of the rented physical items to and from users.

BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART

Fig. 1 discloses a prior art automated storage and retrieval system 1 with a framework structure 100 and Figs. 2, 3 and 4 disclose three different prior art container handling vehicles 201,301,401 suitable for operating on such a system 1.

The framework structure 100 comprises upright members 102 and a storage volume comprising storage columns 105 arranged in rows between the upright members 102. In these storage columns 105 storage containers 106, also known as bins, are stacked one on top of one another to form stacks 107. The members 102 may typically be made of metal, e.g. extruded aluminum profiles.

The framework structure 100 of the automated storage and retrieval system 1 comprises a rail system 108 arranged across the top of framework structure 100, on which rail system 108 a plurality of container handling vehicles 201,301,401 may be operated to raise storage containers 106 from, and lower storage containers 106 into, the storage columns 105, and also to transport the storage containers 106 above the storage columns 105. The rail system 108 comprises a first set of parallel rails 110 arranged to guide movement of the container handling vehicles 201,301,401 in a first direction X across the top of the frame structure 100, and a second set of parallel rails 111 arranged perpendicular to the first set of rails 110 to guide movement of the container handling vehicles 201,301,401 in a second direction Y which is perpendicular to the first direction X. Containers 106 stored in the columns 105 are accessed by the container handling vehicles 201,301,401 through access openings 112 in the rail system 108. The container handling vehicles 201,301,401 can move laterally above the storage columns 105, i.e. in a plane which is parallel to the horizontal X-Y plane.

The upright members 102 of the framework structure 100 may be used to guide the storage containers during raising of the containers out from and lowering of the containers into the columns 105. The stacks 107 of containers 106 are typically selfsupporting.

Each prior art container handling vehicle 201,301,401 comprises a vehicle body 201a,301a,401a and first and second sets of wheels 201b, 201c, 301b, 301c,401b,401c which enable the lateral movement of the container handling vehicles 201,301,401 in the X direction and in the Y direction, respectively. In Figs. 2, 3 and 4 two wheels in each set are fully visible. The first set of wheels 201b,301b,401b is arranged to engage with two adjacent rails of the first set 110 of rails, and the second set of wheels 201c,301c,401c is arranged to engage with two adjacent rails of the second set 111 of rails. At least one of the sets of wheels 201b, 201c, 301b,301c,401b,401c can be lifted and lowered, so that the first set of wheels 201b,301b,401b and/or the second set of wheels 201c,301c,401c can be engaged with the respective set of rails 110, 111 at any one time.

Each prior art container handling vehicle 201,301,401 also comprises a lifting device for vertical transportation of storage containers 106, e.g. raising a storage container 106 from, and lowering a storage container 106 into, a storage column 105. The lifting device comprises one or more gripping / engaging devices which are adapted to engage a storage container 106, and which gripping / engaging devices can be lowered from the vehicle 201,301,401 so that the position of the gripping / engaging devices with respect to the vehicle 201,301,401 can be adjusted in a third direction Z which is orthogonal the first direction X and the second direction Y. Parts of the gripping device of the container handling vehicles 301,401 are shown in Figs. 3 and 4 indicated with reference number 304,404. The gripping device of the container handling device 201 is located within the vehicle body 201a in Fig. 2 and is thus not shown.

Conventionally, and also for the purpose of this application, Z=1 identifies the uppermost layer available for storage containers below the rails 110,111, i.e. the layer immediately below the rail system 108, Z=2 the second layer below the rail system 108, Z=3 the third layer etc. In the exemplary prior art disclosed in Fig. 1, Z=8 identifies the lowermost, bottom layer of storage containers. Similarly, X=1…n and Y=1…n identifies the position of each storage column 105 in the horizontal plane. Consequently, as an example, and using the Cartesian coordinate system X, Y, Z indicated in Fig. 1, the storage container identified as 106’ in Fig. 1 can be said to occupy storage position X=17, Y=1, Z=6. The container handling vehicles 201,301,401 can be said to travel in layer Z=0, and each storage column 105 can be identified by its X and Y coordinates. Thus, the storage containers shown in Fig. 1 extending above the rail system 108 are also said to be arranged in layer Z=0.

The storage volume of the framework structure 100 has often been referred to as a grid 104, where the possible storage positions within this grid are referred to as storage cells. Each storage column may be identified by a position in an X- and Y-direction, while each storage cell may be identified by a container number in the X-, Y- and Z-direction.

Each prior art container handling vehicle 201,301,401 comprises a storage compartment or space for receiving and stowing a storage container 106 when transporting the storage container 106 across the rail system 108. The storage space may comprise a cavity arranged internally within the vehicle body 201a,401a as shown in Figs. 2 and 4 and as described in e.g. WO2015/193278A1 and WO2019/206487A1, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Fig. 3 shows an alternative configuration of a container handling vehicle 301 with a cantilever construction. Such a vehicle is described in detail in e.g. NO317366, the contents of which are also incorporated herein by reference.

The cavity container handling vehicle 201 shown in Fig. 2 may have a footprint that covers an area with dimensions in the X and Y directions which is generally equal to the lateral extent of a storage column 105, e.g. as is described in WO2015/193278A1, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The term ‘lateral’ used herein may mean ‘horizontal’.

Alternatively, the cavity container handling vehicles 401 may have a footprint which is larger than the lateral area defined by a storage column 105 as shown in Fig. 1 and 4, e.g. as is disclosed in WO2014/090684A1 or WO2019/206487A1.

The rail system 108 typically comprises rails with grooves in which the wheels of the vehicles run. Alternatively, the rails may comprise upwardly protruding elements, where the wheels of the vehicles comprise flanges to prevent derailing. These grooves and upwardly protruding elements are collectively known as tracks. Each rail may comprise one track, or each rail 110,111 may comprise two parallel tracks. In other rail systems 108, each rail in one direction (e.g. an X direction) may comprise one track and each rail in the other, perpendicular direction (e.g. a Y direction) may comprise two tracks. Each rail 110,111 may also comprise two track members that are fastened together, each track member providing one of a pair of tracks provided by each rail.

WO2018/146304A1, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, illustrates a typical configuration of rail system 108 comprising rails and parallel tracks in both X and Y directions.

In the framework structure 100, a majority of the columns 105 are storage columns 105, i.e. columns 105 where storage containers 106 are stored in stacks 107.

However, some columns 105 may have other purposes. In Fig. 1, columns 119 and 120 are such special-purpose columns used by the container handling vehicles 201,301,401 to drop off and/or pick up storage containers 106 so that they can be transported to an access station (not shown) where the storage containers 106 can be accessed from outside of the framework structure 100 or transferred out of or into the framework structure 100. Within the art, such a location is normally referred to as a ‘port’ and the column in which the port is located may be referred to as a ‘port column’ 119,120. The transportation to the access station may be in any direction, that is horizontal, tilted and/or vertical. For example, the storage containers 106 may be placed in a random or dedicated column 105 within the framework structure 100, then picked up by any container handling vehicle and transported to a port column 119,120 for further transportation to an access station. The transportation from the port to the access station may require movement along various different directions, by means such as delivery vehicles, trolleys or other transportation lines. Note that the term ‘tilted’ means transportation of storage containers 106 having a general transportation orientation somewhere between horizontal and vertical.

In Fig. 1, the first port column 119 may for example be a dedicated drop-off port column where the container handling vehicles 201,301,401 can drop off storage containers 106 to be transported to an access or a transfer station, and the second port column 120 may be a dedicated pick-up port column where the container handling vehicles 201,301,401 can pick up storage containers 106 that have been transported from an access or a transfer station.

The access station may typically be a picking or a stocking station where product items are removed from or positioned into the storage containers 106. In a picking or a stocking station, the storage containers 106 are normally not removed from the automated storage and retrieval system 1, but are returned into the framework structure 100 again once accessed. A port can also be used for transferring storage containers to another storage facility (e.g. to another framework structure or to another automated storage and retrieval system), to a transport vehicle (e.g. a train or a lorry), or to a production facility.

The access station may be a drawer, e.g. as is described in WO2017/211596A1 and WO2020/200739A1, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

A conveyor system comprising conveyors is normally employed to transport the storage containers between the port columns 119,120 and the access station.

If the port columns 119,120 and the access station are located at different levels, the conveyor system may comprise a lift device with a vertical component for transporting the storage containers 106 vertically between the port column 119,120 and the access station.

The conveyor system may be arranged to transfer storage containers 106 between different framework structures, e.g. as is described in WO2014/075937A1, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

When a storage container 106 stored in one of the columns 105 disclosed in Fig. 1 is to be accessed, one of the container handling vehicles 201,301,401 is instructed to retrieve the target storage container 106 from its position and transport it to the drop-off port column 119. This operation involves moving the container handling vehicle 201,301,401 to a location above the storage column 105 in which the target storage container 106 is positioned, retrieving the storage container 106 from the storage column 105 using the container handling vehicle’s 201,301,401 lifting device (not shown), and transporting the storage container 106 to the drop-off port column 119. If the target storage container 106 is located deep within a stack 107, i.e. with one or a plurality of other storage containers 106 positioned above the target storage container 106, the operation also involves temporarily moving the above-positioned storage containers prior to lifting the target storage container 106 from the storage column 105. This step, which is sometimes referred to as “digging” within the art, may be performed with the same container handling vehicle that is subsequently used for transporting the target storage container to the drop-off port column 119, or with one or a plurality of other cooperating container handling vehicles. Alternatively, or in addition, the automated storage and retrieval system 1 may have container handling vehicles 201,301,401 specifically dedicated to the task of temporarily removing storage containers 106 from a storage column 105. Once the target storage container 106 has been removed from the storage column 105, the temporarily removed storage containers 106 can be repositioned into the original storage column 105. However, the removed storage containers 106 may alternatively be relocated to other storage columns 105.

When a storage container 106 is to be stored in one of the columns 105, one of the container handling vehicles 201,301,401 is instructed to pick up the storage container 106 from the pick-up port column 120 and transport it to a location above the storage column 105 where it is to be stored. After any storage containers 106 positioned at or above the target position within the stack 107 have been removed, the container handling vehicle 201,301,401 positions the storage container 106 at the desired position. The removed storage containers 106 may then be lowered back into the storage column 105, or relocated to other storage columns 105.

For monitoring and controlling the automated storage and retrieval system 1, e.g. monitoring and controlling the location of respective storage containers 106 within the framework structure 100, the content of each storage container 106, and the movement of the container handling vehicles 201,301,401 so that a desired storage container 106 can be delivered to the desired location at the desired time without the container handling vehicles 201,301,401 colliding with each other, the automated storage and retrieval system 1 comprises a control system 121 which typically is computerized and which typically comprises a database for keeping track of the storage containers 106.

Traditional consumption models are based on selling as many products as possible. Producers and retailers are not built for rental business, thus reverse and recycling logistic is complicated. One result of these complications is that households usually have a lot of underutilized products. Traditional consumption models are in general overexploiting natural resources.

There exist digital platforms, often referred to as Library of Things, where private individuals can share or lend their own underutilized physical products with other private individuals. A problem with these digital platforms is that they provide no guarantee of the quality of the product, the available products may be out of date, transactions are not secure etc.

US2009143905A1 describes an automated business system and method of vending and returning a consumer product, in particular disc-based media.

US2007226088A1 describes an item management system including a manual inspection of incoming items, and that an operator uses a data entry device to enter any damage on the item that the operator observes.

Other general background art includes US5934439A, US2011270439A1 and US2020379440A1.

There is a need in thee art for an improved system and method for lending physical items that provides consumers access to rental of physical products, the possibility of testing products before buying, access to products at all times, and the possibility for repair and recycling of the products.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims, while the dependent claims describe other characteristics of the invention.

In a first aspect, the invention is related to a system for rental of physical items comprising:

- an automated storage and retrieval system comprising a plurality of storage locations, at least one access station, at least one item handling vehicle operable to transfer physical items to and from the at least one access station and the plurality of storage locations, and a computerized control system for controlling the at least one access station and the at least one item handling vehicle;

- a computerized rental management system in communication with the computerized control system of the automated storage and retrieval system, the computerized rental management system comprising records of physical items in the plurality of storage locations, wherein the computerized rental management system is adapted to:

- receive, via a computer interface, a request for a first physical item from a user;

- match the request for the first physical item with a record of the first physical item in one of the plurality of storage locations,

instruct the automated storage and retrieval system to transfer the first physical item from the one of the plurality of storage locations to the at least one access station for handover to the user,

- update the record of the first physical item as rented,

- receive, via the computer interface, a request from the user to return the first physical item,

- instruct the automated storage and retrieval system to transfer the first physical item from the at least one access station to one of the plurality of storage locations, and

- update the record of the first physical item as available at the one of the plurality of storage locations.

An advantage of the fully automated system is that it allows producers and retailers to store their products and make them available for rental very easily and safely, as well as provide access to products at all times.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the computerized rental management system may be adapted to transmit a payment request to the user for the rental of the physical item.

In one embodiment, the computerized rental management system may be adapted to receive a request from the user to purchase the first physical item, update the record of the first physical item as sold, and transmit a payment request to the user for the purchase of the physical item.

An advantage of the system is that it allows the consumers the possibility of testing products before buying.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the computerized rental management system may be adapted to update the record of the first physical item with the number of rentals of the first physical item and determining the payment request based on the number of rentals.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the at least one access station may be comprising an automatic inspection unit adapted to visually inspect the returned first physical item and transmit an inspection report of the first physical item to the computerized rental management system.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the computerized rental management system may be adapted to receive the inspection report of the first physical item, update the record of the first physical item based on the inspection report that the first physical item as available; or update the record of the first physical item based on the inspection report that the first physical item as unavailable and in need of repair.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the computerized rental management system may be adapted to receive a message from the user with the request from the user to return the first physical item indicating that the first physical item is faulty, and update the record of the first physical item that the first physical item as unavailable and in need of repair.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the computerized rental management system may be adapted to instruct the automated storage and retrieval system to transfer the first physical item from the one of the plurality of storage locations to the at least one access station for handover to repair personnel.

An advantage of the system is that it provides the possibility for repair and recycling of the products.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the computerized rental management system may be adapted to transmit a request to a vendor of the first physical item to restock the automated storage and retrieval system with a new first physical item, receive a request from the vendor to restock the first physical item, instruct the automated storage and retrieval system to transfer the first physical item from the at least one access station to one of the plurality of storage locations, and update the record of the first physical item as available at the one of the plurality of storage locations.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the automatic storage and retrieval system may be comprising a framework structure defining a storage grid for storing storage containers in grid cells, and the plurality of storage locations are the storage containers, the at least one item handling vehicle is a container handling vehicle, and the storage containers are handled by the at least one container handling vehicle running on top of the storage grid.

In a second aspect, the invention concerns a method for rental of physical items in a system comprising:

- an automated storage and retrieval system comprising a plurality of storage locations, at least one access station, at least one item handling vehicle operable to transfer physical items to and from the at least one access station and the plurality of storage locations, and a computerized control system for controlling the at least one access station and the at least one item handling vehicle,

- a computerized rental management system in communication with the computerized control system of the automated storage and retrieval system, the computerized rental management system comprising records of physical items in the plurality of storage locations,

the method comprising:

- receiving, via a computer interface, a request for a first physical item from a user,

- matching the request for the first physical item with a record of the first physical item in one of the plurality of storage locations,

- instructing the automated storage and retrieval system to transfer the first physical item from the one of the plurality of storage locations to the at least one access station for handover to the user,

- updating the record of the first physical item as rented,

- receiving, via the computer interface, a request from the user to return the first physical item,

- instructing the automated storage and retrieval system to transfer the first physical item from the at least one access station to one of the plurality of storage locations, and

- updating the record of the first physical item as available at the one of the plurality of storage locations.

In one embodiment of the second aspect, the may comprising transmitting a payment request to the user for the rental of the physical item.

In one embodiment of the second aspect, the method may comprising receiving a request from the user to purchase the first physical item, updating the record of the first physical item as sold, and transmitting a payment request to the user for the purchase of the physical item.

In one embodiment of the second aspect, the method may comprising updating the record of the first physical item with the number of rentals of the first physical item and determining the payment request based on the number of rentals.

In one embodiment of the second aspect, the method may comprising inspecting the returned first physical item using an automatic inspection unit and transmitting an inspection report of the first physical item to the computerized rental management system.

In one embodiment of the second aspect, the method may comprising receiving the inspection report of the first physical item, updating the record of the first physical item based on the inspection report that the first physical item as available, or updating the record of the first physical item based on the inspection report that the first physical item as unavailable and in need of repair.

In one embodiment of the second aspect, the method may comprising receiving a message from the user with the request from the user to return the first physical item indicating that the first physical item is faulty, and updating the record of the first physical item that the first physical item as unavailable and in need of repair.

In one embodiment of the second aspect, the method may comprising instructing the automated storage and retrieval system to transfer the first physical item from the one of the plurality of storage locations to the at least one access station for handover to repair personnel.

In one embodiment of the second aspect, the method may comprising transmitting a request to a vendor of the first physical item to restock the automated storage and retrieval system with a new first physical item, receiving a request from the vendor to restock the first physical item, instructing the automated storage and retrieval system to transfer the first physical item from the at least one access station to one of the plurality of storage locations, and updating the record of the first physical item as available at the one of the plurality of storage locations.

In a third aspect the invention is directed to a computer program product for the computerized rental management system of the first aspect of the invention, wherein the computer program product comprising instructions that when performed on the computerized rental management system performs the method according to the second aspect of the invention.

The second aspect of the invention and the third aspect of the invention provides the same advantages as the first aspect of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Following drawings are appended to facilitate the understanding of the invention. The drawings show embodiments of the invention, which will now be described by way of example only, where:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a framework structure of a prior art automated storage and retrieval system.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a prior art container handling vehicle having an internally arranged cavity for carrying storage containers therein.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a prior art container handling vehicle having a cantilever for carrying storage containers underneath.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view, seen from below, of a prior art container handling vehicle having an internally arranged cavity for carrying storage containers therein.

Fig. 5 is a schematic illustration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a part of an automated storage and retrieval system, wherein the automated storage and retrieval system comprises a plurality of access stations, in particular three access stations are arranged side-by-side.

Fig. 7 illustrates an exemplary flowchart according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following, embodiments of the invention will be discussed in more detail with reference to the appended drawings. It should be understood, however, that the drawings are not intended to limit the invention to the subject-matter depicted in the drawings.

The framework structure 100 of the automated storage and retrieval system 1 is constructed in a similar manner to the prior art framework structure 100 described above in connection with Figs. 1-3. That is, the framework structure 100 comprises a number of upright members 102, and comprises a first, upper rail system 108 extending in the X direction and Y direction.

The framework structure 100 further comprises storage compartments in the form of storage columns 105 provided between the members 102 wherein storage containers 106 are stackable in stacks 107 within the storage columns 105.

The framework structure 100 can be of any size. In particular it is understood that the framework structure can be considerably wider and/or longer and/or deeper than disclosed in Fig. 1. For example, the framework structure 100 may have a horizontal extent of more than 700x700 columns and a storage depth of more than twelve containers.

One embodiment of the automated storage and retrieval system according to the invention will now be discussed in more detail with reference to Figs. 5-7.

Fig. 5 illustrates a system 500 for rental of physical items. The system 500 comprises an automated storage and retrieval system 1. The automated storage and retrieval system 1 comprise a plurality of storage locations, at least one access station, at least one item handling vehicle operable to transfer physical items to and from the at least one access station 501 and the plurality of storage locations 106. The automated storage and retrieval system 1 also comprise a computerized control system 121 for controlling the at least one access station 501 and the at least one item handling vehicle. The system 500 further comprises a computerized rental management system 510 in communication with the computerized control system 121 of the automated storage and retrieval system 1. The communication between the control system 121 and the rental management system may be wired or wireless over any suitable communication standard. The computerized rental management system 510 comprises records of physical items in the plurality of storage locations. The records of the physical items in the plurality of storage locations may advantageously be kept in a database in the computerized rental management system 510. The computerized rental management system 510 may be operational as a computer cloud service. The system 500 also comprises at least one computer interface 511. The computer interface 511 may be any suitable computer interface on any suitable computer device, such as personal computer, a handheld computer device, e.g. a tablet computer, a smartphone or a smartwatch, a touch screen display etc. The computer interface may be an Application Programming Interface (API), a webpage, a mobile application etc.

In one embodiment, the automatic storage and retrieval system 1 is comprising a framework structure 100 defining a storage grid 104 for storing storage containers 106 in grid cells, and the plurality of storage locations are the storage containers 106, the at least one item handling vehicle is a container handling vehicle 201, 301, 401, and the storage containers 106 are handled by the at least one container handling vehicle 201, 301, 401 running on top of the storage grid 104.

The computerized rental management system 510 is adapted to receive, via the computer interface 511 a request for a first physical item from a user. After receiving the request for a first physical item, the computerized rental management system 510 match the request for the first physical item with a record of the first physical item in one of the plurality of storage locations 106, e.g. matching with a record in the database. If a match is found, then the computerized rental management system 510 instructs the automated storage and retrieval system 1 to transfer the first physical item from the one of the plurality of storage locations 106 to the at least one access station 501 for handover to the user, and update the record of the first physical item as rented.

Once the user wishes to return the physical item, the computerized rental management system 510 receives, via the computer interface 511 a request from the user to return the first physical item. The computerized rental management system 510 then instruct the automated storage and retrieval system 1 to transfer the first physical item from the at least one access station 511 to one of the plurality of storage locations 106, and updates update the record of the first physical item as available at the one of the plurality of storage locations 106.

Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of an exemplary access station 601 suitable for the automated storage and retrieval system 1. The exemplary access station 601 is aligned with the port columns 119, 120 of the automated storage and retrieval system 1 to transfer physical items to and from the access station 601. The access station 601 is provided with a computer interface 611, such as a touch sensitive display, for the user to send the requests to the computerized rental management system 510.

At some time after the computerized rental management system 510 has received the request for a first physical item, the computerized rental management system 510 is adapted to transmit a payment request to the user for the rental of the physical item. The payment request for the rental of the physical item may be transmitted at the time of receiving the request, at the time the record of the first physical item is updated as rented, or at after the rental management system 510 has received the request from the user to return the first physical item.

At some time after the computerized rental management system 510 has received the request for a first physical item, the computerized rental management system 510 is adapted to receive a request from the user to purchase the first physical item, update the record of the first physical item as sold, and transmit a payment request to the user for the purchase of the physical item.

The payment request for the purchase of the physical item may be transmitted at the time of receiving the request, at the time the record of the first physical item is updated as sold, or at expiry of a predetermined time limit to return the first physical item the rental management system 510. The computerized rental management system 510 may be adapted to update the record of the first physical item with the number of rentals of the first physical item and determining the payment request based on the number of rentals. In this manner a new physical item could have a higher cost for rental and/or purchase than a physical item that has been used for a long time.

In one embodiment, the at least one access station 501, 601 comprises an automatic inspection unit adapted to visually inspect the returned first physical item and transmit an inspection report of the first physical item to the computerized rental management system 510. The automatic inspection unit may use any suitable visual inspection methodology and inspection algorithms to prepare the inspection report of the first physical item. The computerized rental management system is adapted to receive the inspection report of the first physical item, update the record of the first physical item based on the inspection report that the first physical item as available, or update the record of the first physical item based on the inspection report that the first physical item as unavailable and in need of repair.

In one embodiment, the computerized rental management system is adapted to receive a message from the user with the request from the user to return the first physical item indicating that the first physical item is faulty, and update the record of the first physical item that the first physical item as unavailable and in need of repair.

Once the computerized rental management system 510 updates the record of the first physical item that the first physical item as unavailable and in need of repair, the computerized rental management system 510 is adapted to instruct the automated storage and retrieval system to transfer the first physical item from the one of the plurality of storage locations to the at least one access station 511, 611 for handover to repair personnel. The repair personnel may repair the first physical item and send a request to the automated storage and retrieval system to transfer the first physical item from the at least one access station 511, 611 to one of the plurality of storage locations, and update the record of the first physical item as available at the one of the plurality of storage locations. If the repair personnel find that the first physical item is unrepairable it may be returned to the producer or to a recycling station.

In one embodiment, the computerized rental management system 510 is adapted to transmit a request to a vendor of the first physical item to restock the automated storage and retrieval system with a new first physical item, receive a request from the vendor to restock the first physical item, instruct the automated storage and retrieval system to transfer the first physical item from the at least one access station to one of the plurality of storage locations, and update the record of the first physical item as available at the one of the plurality of storage locations. The restock request may for example be transmitted to the vendor if the first physical item is sold, not returned or damaged.

Fig. 7 illustrates an exemplary flowchart of a method 700 for rental of physical items in the system 500 as described above with reference to Figs. 5 and 6. The method 700 starts with step 701 of receiving, via a computer interface 511, 611, a request for a first physical item from a user. Then in step 702 the request for the first physical item is matched with a record of the first physical item in one of the plurality of storage locations. If a match is found then in step 703, the automated storage and retrieval system 1 is instructed to transfer the first physical item from the one of the plurality of storage locations to the at least one access station 501, 601 for handover to the user, and updating 704 the record of the first physical item as rented.

Once the user wishes to return the physical item the method continues with receiving 705, via the computer interface 511, 611, a request from the user to return the first physical item, instructing 706 the automated storage and retrieval system to transfer the first physical item from the at least one access station 511, 611 to one of the plurality of storage locations, and updating 707 the record of the first physical item as available at the one of the plurality of storage locations.

In one embodiment the method comprising transmitting a payment request to the user for the rental of the physical item. The payment request for the rental of the physical item may be transmitted at the time of receiving the request, at the time the record of the first physical item is updated as rented, or at after the rental management system 510 has received the request from the user to return the first physical item.

In one embodiment, the method comprising receiving a request from the user to purchase the first physical item, updating the record of the first physical item as sold, and transmitting a payment request to the user for the purchase of the physical item. The payment request for the purchase of the physical item may be transmitted at the time of receiving the request, at the time the record of the first physical item is updated as sold, or at expiry of a predetermined time limit to return the first physical item the rental management system 510. The method may comprise updating the record of the first physical item with the number of rentals of the first physical item and determining the payment request based on the number of rentals. In this manner a new physical item could have a higher cost for rental and/or purchase than a physical item that has been used for a long time.

In one embodiment, the method comprising inspecting the returned first physical item using an automatic inspection unit and transmitting an inspection report of the first physical item to the computerized rental management system 510. Then the method comprising receiving the inspection report of the first physical item, updating the record of the first physical item based on the inspection report that the first physical item as available, or updating the record of the first physical item based on the inspection report that the first physical item as unavailable and in need of repair.

In one embodiment, the method comprising receiving a message from the user with the request from the user to return the first physical item indicating that the first physical item is faulty, and updating the record of the first physical item that the first physical item as unavailable and in need of repair.

After updating the record of the first physical item that the first physical item as unavailable and in need of repair, the method may comprising instructing the automated storage and retrieval system 1 to transfer the first physical item from the one of the plurality of storage locations to the at least one access station 511, 611 for handover to repair personnel.

The repair personnel may repair the first physical item and send a request to the automated storage and retrieval system to transfer the first physical item from the at least one access station 511, 611 to one of the plurality of storage locations, and update the record of the first physical item as available at the one of the plurality of storage locations. If the repair personnel find that the first physical item is unrepairable it may be returned to the producer or to a recycling station.

In one embodiment, the method comprising transmitting a request to a vendor of the first physical item to restock the automated storage and retrieval system with a new first physical item, receiving a request from the vendor to restock the first physical item, instructing the automated storage and retrieval system to transfer the first physical item from the at least one access station to one of the plurality of storage locations, and updating the record of the first physical item as available at the one of the plurality of storage locations.

In the preceding description, various aspects of the delivery vehicle and the automated storage and retrieval system according to the invention have been described with reference to the illustrative embodiment. For purposes of explanation, specific numbers, systems and configurations were set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the system and its workings. However, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and variations of the illustrative embodiment, as well as other embodiments of the system, which are apparent to persons skilled in the art to which the disclosed subject matter pertains, are deemed to lie within the scope of the claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 Prior art automated storage and retrieval system

100 Framework structure

102 Upright members of framework structure

104 Storage grid

105 Storage column

106 Storage container

106’ Particular position of storage container

107 Stack

108 Rail system

110 Parallel rails in first direction (X)

112 Access opening

119 First port column

120 Second port column

201 Prior art container handling vehicle

201a Vehicle body of the container handling vehicle 201

201b Drive means / wheel arrangement / first set of wheels in first direction (X)

201c Drive means / wheel arrangement / second set of wheels in second direction (Y)

301 Prior art cantilever container handling vehicle

301a Vehicle body of the container handling vehicle 301

301b Drive means / first set of wheels in first direction (X)

301c Drive means / second set of wheels in second direction (Y) 304 Gripping device

401 Prior art container handling vehicle

401a Vehicle body of the container handling vehicle 401

401b Drive means / first set of wheels in first direction (X)

401c Drive means / second set of wheels in second direction (Y) 404 Gripping device

404a Lifting band

404b Gripper

404c Guide pin

404d Lifting frame

121 Control system

X First direction

Y Second direction

Z Third direction

500 System for rental of physical items

501 Access station

510 Rental management system

511 Computer interface

601 Access station

611 Computer interface

700 Method

701 Receiving a request for a physical item

702 Matching the request with a record of a physical item 703 Instructing to transfer physical item to access station 704 Updating record of physical item as rented

705 Receiving a request to return a physical item

706 Instructing to transfer physical item from access station 707 Updating record of physical item as available

Claims

1. A system (500) for rental of physical items comprising:

an automated storage and retrieval system (1) comprising a plurality of storage locations, at least one access station (501, 601),at least one item handling vehicle operable to transfer physical items to and from the at least one access station (501, 601) and the plurality of storage locations, the at least one item handling vehicle being a container handling vehicle (201, 301, 401), and a computerized control system (121) for controlling the at least one access station (501, 601) and the at least one item handling vehicle;

a computerized rental management system (510) in communication with the computerized control system (121) of the automated storage and retrieval system (1), the computerized rental management system (510) comprising records of physical items in the plurality of storage locations, wherein the computerized rental management system (510) is adapted to:

receive, via a computer interface (511, 611), a request for a first physical item from a user;

match the request for the first physical item with a record of the first physical item in one of the plurality of storage locations;

instruct the automated storage and retrieval system (1) to transfer the first physical item from the one of the plurality of storage locations to the at least one access station (501, 601) for handover to the user;

update the record of the first physical item as rented;

receive, via the computer interface (511, 611), a request from the user to return the first physical item;

instruct the automated storage and retrieval system to transfer the first physical item from the at least one access station (511, 611) to one of the plurality of storage locations; and

update the record of the first physical item as available at the one of the plurality of storage locations;

characterized in that the automated storage and retrieval system (1) comprising:

a framework structure (100) defining a storage grid (104) for storing storage containers (106) in grid cells, the framework structure (100) comprising a number of upright members (102), an upper rail system (108) extending in the X direction and Y direction, the plurality of storage locations comprising storage containers (106) stackable in stacks (107) within storage columns (105) provided between the upright members (102),

and the storage containers (106) are handled by the at least one container handling vehicle (201, 301, 401) running on top of the storage grid (104).

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the computerized rental management system is adapted to transmit a payment request to the user for the rental of the physical item.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the computerized rental management system is adapted to:

receive a request from the user to purchase the first physical item;

update the record of the first physical item as sold; and

transmit a payment request to the user for the purchase of the physical item.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the computerized rental management system is adapted to update the record of the first physical item with the number of rentals of the first physical item and determining the payment request based on the number of rentals.

5. The system of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the at least one access station is comprising an automatic inspection unit adapted to visually inspect the returned first physical item and transmit an inspection report of the first physical item to the computerized rental management system.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the computerized rental management system is adapted to:

receive the inspection report of the first physical item;

update the record of the first physical item based on the inspection report that the first physical item as available; or

update the record of the first physical item based on the inspection report that the first physical item as unavailable and in need of repair.

7. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the computerized rental management system is adapted to:

receive a message from the user with the request from the user to return the first physical item indicating that the first physical item is faulty; and

update the record of the first physical item that the first physical item as unavailable and in need of repair.

8. The system of claim 6 or 7, wherein the computerized rental management system is adapted to:

instruct the automated storage and retrieval system to transfer the first physical item from the one of the plurality of storage locations to the at least one access station for handover to repair personnel.

9. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the computerized rental management system is adapted to:

transmit a request to a vendor of the first physical item to restock the automated storage and retrieval system with a new first physical item;

receive a request from the vendor to restock the first physical item;

instruct the automated storage and retrieval system to transfer the first physical item from the at least one access station to one of the plurality of storage locations; and

update the record of the first physical item as available at the one of the plurality of storage locations.

10. A method (700) for rental of physical items in a system (500) comprising:

an automated storage and retrieval system (1) comprising a plurality of storage locations, a framework structure (100) defining a storage grid (104) for storing storage containers (106) in grid cells, the framework structure (100) comprising a number of upright members (102), an upper rail system (108) extending in the X direction and Y direction, a plurality of storage locations comprising storage containers (106) stackable in stacks (107) within storage columns (105) provided between the upright members (102), at least one access station (501, 601), at least one item handling vehicle operable to transfer physical items to and from the at least one access station (501, 601) and the plurality of storage locations, the at least one item handling vehicle being a container handling vehicle (201, 301, 401), and the storage containers (106) are handled by the at least one container handling vehicle (201, 301, 401) running on top of the storage grid (104), and a computerized control system (121) for controlling the at least one access station (501, 601) and the at least one item handling vehicle;

a computerized rental management system (510) in communication with the computerized control system (121) of the automated storage and retrieval system (1), the computerized rental management system (510) comprising records of physical items in the plurality of storage locations;

the method comprising:

receiving (701), via a computer interface (511, 611), a request for a first physical item from a user;

matching (702) the request for the first physical item with a record of the first physical item in one of the plurality of storage locations;

instructing (703) the automated storage and retrieval system (1) to transfer the first physical item from the one of the plurality of storage locations to the at least one access station (501, 601) for handover to the user;

updating (704) the record of the first physical item as rented;

receiving (705), via the computer interface (511, 611), a request from the user to return the first physical item;

instructing (706) the automated storage and retrieval system (1) to transfer the first physical item from the at least one access station (511, 611) to one of the plurality of storage locations; and

updating (707) the record of the first physical item as available at the one of the plurality of storage locations.

11. The method of claim 10, comprising transmitting a payment request to the user for the rental of the physical item.

12. The method of claim 10 or 11, comprising:

receiving a request from the user to purchase the first physical item;

updating the record of the first physical item as sold; and

transmitting a payment request to the user for the purchase of the physical item.

13. The method of claim 12, comprising updating the record of the first physical item with the number of rentals of the first physical item and determining the payment request based on the number of rentals.

14. The method of claims 10, 11 or 12, comprising inspecting the returned first physical item using an automatic inspection unit and transmitting an inspection report of the first physical item to the computerized rental management system.

15. The method of claim 14, comprising:

receiving the inspection report of the first physical item;

updating the record of the first physical item based on the inspection report that the first physical item as available; or

updating the record of the first physical item based on the inspection report that the first physical item as unavailable and in need of repair.

16. The method of any of claims 10 – 15, comprising:

receiving a message from the user with the request from the user to return the first physical item indicating that the first physical item is faulty; and

updating the record of the first physical item that the first physical item as unavailable and in need of repair.

17. The method of claims 15 or 16, comprising:

instructing the automated storage and retrieval system to transfer the first physical item from the one of the plurality of storage locations to the at least one access station for handover to repair personnel.

18. The method of any of claims 10 - 17, comprising:

transmitting a request to a vendor of the first physical item to restock the automated storage and retrieval system with a new first physical item;

receiving a request from the vendor to restock the first physical item;

instructing the automated storage and retrieval system to transfer the first physical item from the at least one access station to one of the plurality of storage locations, and

updating the record of the first physical item as available at the one of the plurality of storage locations.

19. Computer program product for a computerized rental management system (510) in the system (500) for rental of physical items, wherein the computer program product comprising instructions that when performed on the computerized rental management system (510) performs the method according to claims 10 – 18.