WO2025259690A1

WO2025259690A1 - Methods and apparatus to adjust a position of an automated trailer loading system

Info

Publication number: WO2025259690A1
Application number: PCT/US2025/033038
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jerry JACOBS; Leonard John Kikstra; Brett S. MCMICHAEL; Matthew J. SVUEM; Adam J. BREWSTER; Cory Richard Boudreau; Douglas Scott RODENKIRCH; Christopher Timothy Strahm; Patrick Timothy SWEENEY; Jack M. FELTMEYER
Original assignee: Rite Hite Holding Corp
Current assignee: Rite Hite Holding Corp
Priority date: 2024-06-11
Filing date: 2025-06-10
Publication date: 2025-12-18
Anticipated expiration: 2026-12-11
Also published as: WO2025259688A1; WO2025259695A1; WO2025259692A1

Abstract

Methods and apparatus to adjust a position of an automated trailer loading system (ATLS) are disclosed. An example apparatus comprises an apparatus comprising interface circuitry, machine-readable instructions, and at least one processor circuit to be programmed by the machine-readable instructions to determine a first angular position of an ATLS relative to a first reference, the first reference corresponding to a position of a vehicle adjacent to the ATLS, compare the first angular position to an angular target threshold, and adjust the ATLS to a second angular position in response to determining that the first angular position exceeds the angular target threshold.

Description

METHODS AND APPARATUS TO ADJUST A POSITION OF AN AUTOMATED TRAILER LOADING SYSTEM

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This patent claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/658,783, filed June 11, 2024, US. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/658,779, filed on June 11, 2024, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/658,777, filed on June 11, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/755.896, filed on February 7, 2025. U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/658,783, US. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/658,779, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/658,777, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/755,896 are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. Priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/658.783, US. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/658.779, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/658,777, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/755,896 is hereby claimed.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to loading systems and. more particularly, to methods and apparatus to adjust a position of an automated trailer loading system.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Loading docks provide an area for vehicles (e.g., trucks, trailers, etc.) to move next to an elevated platform of a building (e.g., material handling facility) so that cargo can be readily transferred between the vehicle and the building. Automation in the loading of trailers has seen significant advancement in recent years. Traditional manual/fork truck pallet loading processes have been replaced and/or augmented by various automated systems, aiming to improve productivity and efficiency, reduce labor costs, and enhance safety.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] FIG. 1A is perspective view of an example loading bay of an example loading dock implemented with an example first automated trailer loading system (ATLS) in accordance with teachings of this disclosure.

[0005] FIG. IB is a perspective view of an example exterior of the example loading bay of the example loading dock of FIG. 1A. [0006] FIG. 2A is a side view of the example loading dock and the example first ATLS of FIG. 1A.

[0007] FIG. 2B is a detailed view of an example first sensor associated with the example first ATLS of FIG. 2A.

[0008] FIG. 2C is a top view of the example first ATLS of FIG. 2A shown in an example first position relative to an example vehicle.

[0009] FIG. 2D is a top view of the example first ATLS of FIG. 2C shown in an example second position relative to the example vehicle.

[0010] FIG. 3A is a top view of an example frame of the example first ATLS of FIG. 2C shown in the example first position.

[0011] FIG. 3B is a top view of the example frame of the example first ATLS of FIG. 2D shown in the example second position.

[0012] FIG. 3C is a partial, perspective, top view of the example frame of FIGS. 3A and 3B showing an example ATLS alignment system of the example first ATLS of FIGS. 1A, IB, 2A. 2C, and 2D.

[0013] FIG. 3D is a partial, perspective, bottom view of the example frame of FIGS. 3A and 3B showing an example glide pad of FIGS. 3A-3D.

[0014] FIG. 4A is a side view of an example lip of the example first ATLS of FIGS. 1 A and IB in an example scanning position to enable the example first sensor of FIGS. 2A and 2B to perform an example scanning operation.

[0015] FIG. 4B is a side view of the example lip of FIG. 4A shown in an example loading/unloading or extended position.

[0016] FIG. 4C is a side view of the example lip of FIG. 4A shown in an example stored position.

[0017] FIG. 4D is a perspective view of the example loading dock and the example first ATLS of FIG. 1A showing an example second sensor that can be implemented by the first ATLS.

[0018] FIG. 4E is a perspective view of an example cargo area of the example vehicle of FIGS. 2A, 2C, and 2D.

[0019] FIG. 4F is a perspective view of an example arm of the example first ATLS of FIGS. 1A and IB in an example scanning position to enable the example second sensor of FIGS. 4D and 4E to perform an example scanning operation.

[0020] FIG. 4G is another perspective view of the example arm of FIG. 4F in the example scanning position. [0021] FIG. 4H is yet another perspective view of the example arm of FIG. 4F in the example scanning position.

[0022] FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the example arm of FIG. 4F shown in an example intermediate position.

[0023] FIG. 4J is a perspective view of the example arm of FIG. 4F shown in an example stored position.

[0024] FIG. 5 A is a side view of another example loading dock and an example second ATLS disclosed herein.

[0025] FIG. 5B is a detailed view of an example third sensor associated with the example second ATLS of FIG. 5 A.

[0026] FIG. 5C is a top view of the example second ATLS of FIG. 5 A shown in an example first position relative to an example vehicle.

[0027] FIG. 5D is a top view of the example second ATLS of FIG. 5C shown in an example second position relative to the example vehicle.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the example third sensor of FIG. 5B during an example scanning operation.

[0029] FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram showing an example first position of an example vehicle relative to an example ATLS disclosed herein.

[0030] FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram showing an example second position of the example vehicle relative to the example ATLS of FIG. 7A.

[0031] FIG. 7C is a schematic diagram showing an example third position of the example vehicle relative to the example ATLS of FIG. 7A.

[0032] FIG. 7D is a schematic diagram showing an example fourth position of the example vehicle relative to the example ATLS of FIG. 7A.

[0033] FIG. 7E is a schematic diagram showing an example fifth position of the example vehicle relative to the example ATLS of FIG. 7A.

[0034] FIG. 7F is a schematic diagram showing an example sixth position of the example vehicle relative to the example ATLS of FIG. 7A.

[0035] FIG. 7G is a schematic diagram showing an example seventh position of the example vehicle relative to the example ATLS of FIG. 7A.

[0036] FIG. 7H is a schematic diagram showing an example eighth position of the example vehicle relative to the example ATLS of FIG. 7A. [0037] FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram showing an example first position of an example conveyor of the example first ATLS of FIGS. 1-4 relative to an example trailer of an example vehicle.

[0038] FIG. 8B is a schematic diagram showing an example second position of the example conveyor of the example first ATLS relative to the example trailer.

[0039] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an example implementation of example ATLS alignment circuitry to align an example ATLS disclosed herein relative to an example vehicle.

[0040] FIG. 10 is a flowchart representative of example machine readable instructions and/or example operations that may be executed, instantiated, and/or performed by example programmable circuitry’ to implement the ATLS alignment circuitry of FIG. 9.

[0041] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an example processing platform including programmable circuitry structured to execute, instantiate, and/or perform the example machine readable instructions and/or perform the example operations of FIG. 10 to implement the ATLS alignment circuitry of FIG. 9.

[0042] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an example implementation of the programmable circuitry of FIG. 11.

[0043] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of another example implementation of the programmable circuitry' of FIG. 11.

[0044] FIG. 14 is a block diagram of an example software/firmware/instructions distribution platform (e.g.. one or more servers) to distribute software, instructions, and/or firmware (e g., corresponding to the example machine readable instructions of FIG. 10) to client devices associated with end users and/or consumers (e.g., for license, sale, and/or use), retailers (e.g., for sale, re-sale, license, and/or sub-license), and/or original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) (e.g., for inclusion in products to be distributed to, for example, retailers and/or to other end users such as direct buy customers).

[0045] In general, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawing(s) and accompanying written description to refer to the same or like parts. The figures are not necessarily to scale. Instead, the thickness of the layers or regions may be enlarged in the drawings. Although the figures show layers and regions with clean lines and boundaries, some or all of these lines and/or boundaries may be idealized. In reality, the boundaries and/or lines may be unobservable, blended, and/or irregular. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Warehouses employ loading docks for loading and/or unloading cargo or goods between loading dock platforms and vehicles (e.g., cargo beds). Automated Trailer Loading Systems (ATLSs), also known as slug loaders, are advanced technologies designed to automate loading trailers or containers with goods or cargo. These systems are commonly used in logistics and transportation industries to improve productivity, efficiency, reduce manual labor and/or improve safety. Slug loading systems typically include various components, including conveyors, sensors, and/or control systems. The process begins with goods or cargo placed on a conveyor of an ATLS in the order that can optimize (e.g., best use) an interior space of a vehicle. ATLSs advantageously improve (e.g., optimize) space utilization. By precisely arranging goods or cargo within a trailer, ATLSs can increase (e.g., maximize) load capacity and/or reduce (e.g., minimize) wasted space, which can lead to significant cost savings and increased productivity. Additionally, slug loading systems offer improved safety and/or reduced risk of damage to goods or cargo. One or more sensors and/or control systems can be employed to improve (e.g.. ensure precise) handling and/or placement of the cargo in the vehicle.

[0047] Example methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture disclosed herein provide automated or semi-automated trailer loading systems for positioning cargo or goods within a trailer or container. Specifically, example ATLSs disclosed herein employ an example ATLS alignment system for alignment with a cargo bed of such a trailer. In contrast to some ATLSs, ATLSs disclosed herein can determine a position of the ATLS relative to the trailer and. in turn, move and/or position itself in alignment with the trailer. For instance, if an example ATLS disclosed herein is laterally and/or angularly offset relative to an example trailer (e.g., a longitudinal axis of a trailer), then the example ATLS disclosed herein can activate the ATLS alignment system to move (e.g., turn, rotate, tilt, slid, translate, push, etc.) such that the example ATLS is approximately centered (e.g., within 10 percent, within 1 percent) with the example trailer (e.g., relative to a reference of the trailer (e.g., a longitudinal axis of the trailer)). As such, after self-aligning relative to the trailer, an example conveyor associated with the example ATLS disclosed herein can extend and/or otherwise deploy into the trailer to deliver load into a cargo area of the trailer. Example ATLS alignment systems disclosed herein reduce time and/or effort spent to center a trailer relative to the ATLS, which may involve a manual adjustment by a driver of a vehicle and, in some instances, multiple iterations of repositioning the vehicle.

[0048] FIG. 1A is perspective view of an example loading bay 100 of an example loading dock 102 implemented with an example first automated trailer loading system (ATLS) 104 in accordance with teachings of this disclosure. The loading bay 100 can be a warehouse, cargo transport unit, and/or any other loading structure(s). The loading bay 100 of the illustrated example includes a building wall 106 defining a doorway 108 and a floor 110 (e.g., platform) of the loading bay 100 (e.g., the doorway 108 allows access between an interior of the loading bay 100 and an exterior of the loading bay 100. The example first ATLS 104 is positioned adjacent to the doorway 108 of the loading bay 100 and is positioned above (e g. on top ol) the floor 110 of the loading dock 102. For example, the first ATLS 104 is positioned directly on top of the floor 110 of the loading dock 102. In other examples, the first ATLS 104 may be partially positioned underneath the floor 110 (e.g., in a pit area) of the loading dock 102. While only one loading bay 100 is illustrated in FIGS. 1 A and IB, the loading dock 102 may have a plurality of loading bays positioned in juxtaposition or adjacent relative to one another. In such examples, each loading bay 100 can include a dedicated first ATLS 104 disclosed herein.

[0049] The first ATLS 104 of the illustrated example includes a first end 112 adjacent the doorway 108 and a second end 114 opposite the first end 112 that extends into the loading dock 102 (e.g., within a warehouse space or area). Further, the first ATLS 104 includes a conveyor 116 to load cargo 118 inside a cargo area 120 of a vehicle or trailer 122 when the vehicle or trailer 122 is parked at the doorway 108. The conveyor 1 16 is movable between a stored position/configuration and an extended position/configuration. In the example of FIG. 1A, the conveyor 116 is positioned in an extended configuration such that a first end 124 of the conveyor 116 is positioned within the vehicle 122 (e.g., forward of the first end 112 of the first ATLS 104) and a second end 126 of the conveyor 116 is positioned on a platform 128 of the first ATLS 104. In an example stored position, the conveyor 116 may be stored in a loop surrounding the platform 128 (e.g., partially stored within a frame 130 (e.g., a movable frame) of the first ATLS 104). Thus, the conveyor 116 moves relative to the floor 110 between an extended position and a retracted position to deliver or position the cargo 118 in the cargo area 120 of the vehicle 122.

[0050] FIG. IB is a perspective view of an example exterior of the example loading bay 100 of the example loading dock 102 of FIG. 1 A. To compensate for a height difference between the floor 110 and a cargo bed of a vehicle, the first ATLS 104 of the illustrated example includes a lip 132 (FIG. IB). The lip 132 of the illustrated example can be used to span a gap (e.g., a horizontal gap) between the building wall 106 of the loading dock 102 and an interior of a trailer or vehicle (e.g., the vehicle 122 of FIG. 1A). In the illustrated example, the lip 132 pivots between a pendent or stored position (e.g., the example stored position shown in FIG. IB) and an extended position, as described in detail in connection with FIGS. 4A-4C. In some examples, the lip 132 can engage (e.g., hook onto, latch onto, etc.) a lip keeper located below a bottom portion 134 of the doorway 108 when the lip 132 is in the stored position.

[0051] FIG. 2A is a side view of the loading dock 102 showing an example ATLS alignment system 200 of the first ATLS 104 of FIGS. 1A and IB. FIG. 2B is a detailed view of an example first sensor 202 associated with the first ATLS 104 shown in FIG. 2A. FIG. 2C is a top view of the first ATLS 104 of FIG. 2A shown in an example first position relative to the vehicle 122. FIG. 2D is a top view of the first ATLS 104 of FIG. 2C shown in an example second position relative to the vehicle 122.

[0052] Prior to deployment of the conveyor 116, the first ATLS 104 of the illustrated example employs an example ATLS alignment system (e.g., a controller) to detect a position of the vehicle 122 (e.g.. trailer) relative to a reference and/or a position of the first ATLS 104. For example, the first reference can be a centerline of the doorw ay, a longitudinal axis of the first ATLS 104, and/or any other reference(s).

[0053] In FIG. 2A, prior to deployment of the conveyor 116, the ATLS alignment system 200 employs the first sensor 202 to scan the cargo area 120 of the vehicle 122. In the illustrated example, the first sensor 202 projects a laser beam 204 into the cargo area 120 of the vehicle 122. The first sensor 202 can detect and/or determine positional information associated with the cargo area 120, the vehicle 122, the first ATLS 104, etc. For example, as show n by example arrows 206 in FIG. 2C, the first sensor 202 can determine positional information of side w alls 208, 210 of the vehicle 122, an end wall 212 of the vehicle 122. a length of the vehicle 122, etc. The first sensor 202 may be a two dimensional (2D) light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor, a three dimensional (3D) LIDAR, a camera, and/or any other sensor(s). For example, the ATLS alignment system 200 can employ time of flight technology to scan the cargo area 120 and determine information regarding a position of the vehicle 122 relative to a reference (e.g. a longitudinal axis of the first ATLS 104), a length of the cargo area 120, a lateral position of the vehicle 122 relative to the reference, an angular position of the vehicle 122 relative to the reference and/or any other information. Further, the ATLS alignment system 200 can employ another example sensor (e.g., a proximity sensor, a sensor associated with an example Dok-Lok system, etc.) to monitor a distance between the first ATLS 104 and the vehicle 122 (e g., as the vehicle 122 approaches the loading dock 102 and the first ATLS 104).

[0054] In FIG. 2C, the ATLS alignment system 200, via feedback information from the first sensor 202, determines or identifies a reference line 214 based on a position of the vehicle 122 when parked at the loading dock 102. The first ATLS 104 is shown in a first position relative to the reference line 214. For example, the vehicle 122 is skewed, off-center, angled, tilted, offset, etc. relative to a reference 215 (e.g., a longitudinal axis) of the first ATLS 104. In some examples, a position of the vehicle 122 relative to the first ATLS 104 may limit deployment of a conveyor (e.g., the conveyor 116 of FIG. 1 A) of the first ATLS 104. For example, if the conveyor 116 were to deploy/extend into the vehicle 122 while the first ATLS 104 is misaligned relative with the vehicle 122, the conveyor 116 can contact and/or engage one of the side walls 208, 210 of the vehicle 122 prior to fully deploying into the cargo area 120. In other words, the first end 124 of the conveyor 116 may not extend to or reach the end wall 212 of the vehicle 122. Thus, delivery of the cargo 118 may be incomplete or unsatisfactory. In some examples, the cargo 118 may have an overall width of 96 inches (in) and an opening of the vehicle 122 may have an overall width of 100 in. As such, the overall width of the cargo 1 18 can be similar (e.g., just less than) the overall width of the vehicle 122 and even slight misalignment between the conveyor 116 and the vehicle 122 may cause the cargo 1 18 to contact either of the side walls 208, 210.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 2D, the first ATLS 104 and the vehicle 122 are in alignment. In other words, the reference 214 (e.g., the longitudinal axis) of the vehicle 122 and the reference 215 (e.g., the longitudinal axis) of the first ATLS 104 are in alignment (e.g., parallel, coaxially aligned, within a target threshold, etc.). To align the first ATLS 104 and the vehicle 122, the ATLS alignment system 200 identifies a position of the vehicle 122 and adjusts a position (e.g., a lateral and/or angular position) of the first ATLS 104 (e.g., to reduce or eliminate the misalignment of the first ATLS 104 and the vehicle 122 as shown in FIG. 2C). For example, the ATLS alignment system 200 of the first ATLS 104 can determine the lateral and/or angular offset of the first ATLS 104 relative to the reference line 214 and, in turn, move (e.g., maneuver, rotate, translate, laterally adjust, etc.) the first ATLS 104 to align to the vehicle 122. As used herein, to ‘"align’⁷ the first ATLS 104 with the vehicle 122 means that a longitudinal axis of the conveyor 1 16 can align (e.g., axially align) with a longitudinal axis of the vehicle 122. The ATLS alignment system 200 can cause the front end 112 and/or the rear end 114 of the frame 130 of the first ATLS 104 to move (e.g., relative to the floor 110) based on the lateral and/or angular offset of the vehicle 122 (relative to the first ATLS 104). In the example of FIG. 2D. the rear end 114 of the frame 130 is moved in a first lateral direction 216 to align (e.g.. an angular position of) the first ATLS 104 to the vehicle 122. Further, the front end 112 of the frame 130 remains fixed while the rear end 114 of the frame 130 moves in the first lateral direction 216, thereby causing an angular position of the first ATLS 104 to change such that the reference line 215 of the first ATLS 104 moves in alignment with the reference 214 of the vehicle 122. As such, the rear end 1 14 of the frame 130 can be moved relative to or independent of the front end 112 of the frame 130. As such, the adjusted position of the first ATLS 104 is aligned to the reference line 214 corresponding to a position of the vehicle 122. In some examples, the front end 112 of the first ATLS 104 can be moved independent of the rear end 114. In some examples, both the front end 112 and the rear end 114 can be moved concurrently or simultaneously. Thus, a full/complete deployment of the conveyor 116 of the first ATLS 104 is permitted. Further, delivery of the cargo 118 can be accomplished.

[0056] FIG. 3 A is a top view of the example frame 130 and ATLS alignment system 200 of the first ATLS 104 of FIGS. 1A, IB, 2A, 2C, and 2D show n in an example first position. FIG. 3B is a top view of FIG. 3 A with the frame 130 in an example second position. FIG. 3C is a partial, perspective view of the example ATLS alignment system 200 of FIGS. 3A and 3B. FIG. 3D is another partial, perspective view of the example ATLS alignment system 200 of FIGS. 3A-3C.

[0057] The frame 130 is coupled to and/or movable by the ATLS alignment system 200. The example ATLS alignment system 200 includes a support structure 300 (e.g., a fixed frame or beams), a first actuator 302 (e.g., a front end drive), and a second actuator 304 (e.g.. a rear end drive). The first actuator 302 extends from a first side 306 of the support structure 300 to a first side 308 (e.g., the front end 112) of the frame 130. Further, the first actuator 302 is fixed to support structure 300 and coupled to the first side 308 of the frame 130. Similarly, the second actuator 304 extends from a second side 310 of the support structure 300 to a second side 312 (e.g.. the rear end 114) of the frame 130 opposing the first side 308. Further, the second actuator 304 is fixed to the support structure 300 and coupled to the second side 312 of the frame 130. As show n in the example of FIGS. 3A and 3B, the first and second actuators 302, 304 can move or actuate to modify a positioning of the frame 130 relative to a reference (e.g., the reference line 214 corresponding to a position of the vehicle 122). The ATLS alignment system 200 of FIGS. 3A and 3B can be employed to move the front end 112 and/or the rear end 114 in the first lateral direction 216 and/or a second lateral direction 314 to angle the frame 130 and, thus, position the first ATLS 104 (e.g., the conveyor 116), in alignment with respect to a vehicle or trailer (e.g., the vehicle 122). Additionally, the ATLS alignment system 200 of FIGS. 3 A and 3B can be employed to move the front end 112 and the rear end 114 (e.g.. simultaneously or a same distance) in the first lateral direction 216 and/or the second lateral direction 314 to offset a lateral position of the frame 130 relative to the reference line 214 and, thus, position the first ATLS 104 (e.g., the conveyor 116), in alignment with respect to the vehicle 122. For example, the first ATLS 104 is laterally movable in a first lateral direction (e.g. an upward direction in the orientation of FIG. 3 A) and a second lateral direction opposite the first lateral direction (e.g. a downward direction in the orientation of FIG. 3 A) based on coordinated movements (e.g., simultaneous movement or movement of the same stroke length in extension or retraction) of the first and second actuators 302, 304. Further, the first ATLS 104 can rotate in a first angular direction (e.g., a clockwise direction in the orientation of FIGS. 3A and 3B) based on an extension of the first actuator 302 and/or retraction of the second actuator 304. The first ATLS 104 can rotate in a second angular direction (e.g., a counterclockwise direction in the orientation of FIG. 3A) based on a retraction of the first actuator 302 and/or extension of the second actuator 304.

[0058] The operating limits of the first actuator 302 and the second actuator 304 define a lateral operating limit and/or an angular operating limit of the first ATLS 104. For example, the first ATLS 104 is laterally movable between a full extension position or stroke of the first and second actuators 302, 304 and a full retraction position or stroke of the first and second actuators 302, 304. Thus, the lateral operating limit of the first ATLS 104 can be defined by a maximum length of the actuators 302, 304 (at full extension stroke) and a minimum length of the actuators 302, 304 (at full retraction stroke). Further, the first ATLS 104 can rotate in the first angular direction (e.g., a clockwise direction in the orientation of FIGS. 3A and 3B) between afull retraction position or stroke of the second actuator 304 and a full extension position or stroke of the first actuator 302. Additionally, the first ATLS 104 can rotate in the second angular direction (e.g., a counterclockwise direction in the orientation of FIG. 3B) between a full retraction position or stroke of the first actuator 302 and a full extension position or stroke of the second actuator 304. Thus, the angular operating limit of the first ATLS 104 can be defined by a maximum clockwise rotation and a maximum counterclockwise rotation. As such, the ATLS alignment system 200 is limited from rotating or translating the first ATLS 104 beyond the extension/retraction capabilities of the first and second actuators 302. 304 (as defined by the lateral operating limit and the angular operating limit).

[0059] In some examples, the ATLS alignment system 200 includes actuators 315a, 315b, 315 c, 315 d (e. g. , linear or vertical actuators) to adj ust a position of the frame 130 relative to the vehicle 122 (e.g., a vertical position of the vehicle 122) vertically or along a vertical plane. The actuators 315a-315d of the illustrated example are positioned adjacent respective comers of the frame 130. The actuators 315a-315d can operate (e.g., actuate or retract) independently of each other. Thus, each of the comers of the frame 130 can be adjusted at different positions (e.g., vertical positions). For example, the ATLS alignment system 200 can cause one or more of the actuators 315a. 315b, 315c, 315d to raise and/or lower the frame 130 of the first ATLS 104 relative to the vehicle 122. In some examples, extension of the actuators 315a, 315b, 315c, 315d can raise or lift the frame 130 (e.g., vertically) relative to the vehicle 122. In some examples, retraction of the actuators 315a, 315b, 315c. 315d can lower the frame 130 (e.g., vertically) relative to the vehicle 122. In some examples, extension of the actuators 315a, 315b (e.g., or retraction of the actuators 315c, 315 d) can raise the front end 112 of the frame 130 relative to the rear end 114 of the frame 130. In some examples, extension of the actuators 315c, 315d (e.g., or retraction of the actuators 315a, 315b) can raise the rear end 1 14 of the frame 130 relative to the front end 112 of the frame 130. Thus, a slope or tilt angle of the frame 130 can be adjusted in a longitudinal direction between the front end 112 and the rear end 114. Additionally or alternatively, a slope or tilt angle of the frame 130 can be adjusted in a lateral axis between the first side of the frame 130 and a second side of the frame 130 opposite the first side of the frame. For instance, the actuators 315b and 315d on a first side of the frame 130 can be extended or positioned at a different stroke length than the actuators 315a and 315c on a second side of the frame 130, causing the frame 130 to be canted or slanted between the first side and the second side of the frame 130. Thus, the actuators 302, 304 and the actuators 315a-315d enable six degrees of freedom or motion to adjust or align the frame 130 relative to a vehicle.

[0060] FIG. 3C is a detailed view of the ATLS alignment system 200 showing the first actuator 302 extending betw een the first side 306 of the support structure 300 and the first side 308 of the frame 130. FIG. 3D is another detailed view⁷ of the ATLS alignment system 200 illustrating how the frame 130 is coupled to the support structure 300. To reduce friction and/or facilitate movement of the front end 112 of the frame 130 and/or the rear end 1 14 of the frame 130 in the first lateral direction 21 and/or the second lateral direction 314 the ATLS alignment system 200 of the illustrated example includes glide pads 316. The glide pads 316 are coupled to the frame 130. Specifically, the glide pads 316 of the illustrated example are coupled or positioned at each corner of the frame 130. In the illustrated example, the glide pads 316 include a plurality of rollers 318 that engage a floor (e. g. , the floor of the pit) to facilitate movement of the frame 130 in the lateral directions 216, 314.

[0061] FIG. 4A is a side view⁷ of the example lip 132 in an example scanning position 401 to enable the first sensor 202 to perform a scanning operation. FIG. 4B is a side view of the example lip 132 shown in an example loading/unloading or extended position 403. FIG. 4C is a side view- of the example lip 132 shown in a stored position 405. The first sensor 202 of the ATLS alignment system 200 is positioned (e.g., mounted) on a first surface 400 (e.g., a bottom surface) of the lip 132 between a first pivot joint 402 and a second pivot joint 404 of the lip 132. Specifically, the first sensor 202 is mounted to a bottom surface of the lip 132. The lip 132 can rotate about the first pivot joint 402 and/or the second pivot joint 404 to move the lip 132 between the scanning position 401 of FIG. 4A, the extended position 403 of FIG. 4B, and the stored position 405 of FIG. 4C. In FIG. 4A, the ATLS alignment system 200 causes the lip 132 to move to a raised or upright position to expose the first sensor 202 and enable the first sensor 202 to scan the cargo area 120 of the vehicle 122 (FIG. 1A). Thus, the lip 132 moves to a position above the first sensor 202 so that the lip 132 does not obstruct a sensing path of the first sensor 202. To move the lip 132 to the scanning position 401. the lip 132 rotates about the first pivot 402 in a first rotational direction (e.g., a clockwise direction) in the orientation of FIG. 4A from the stored position 405 of FIG. 4C to the scanning position 401 of FIG. 4A to orientate the first sensor 202 toward the cargo area 120 of the vehicle 122. In some examples, a front portion 132a of the lip 132 can be rotated about the second pivot joint 404 relative to a second portion 132b of the lip 132 in the first rotational direction (e.g., a clockwise direction in the orientation of FIG. 4A).

[0062] After the first sensor 202 completes the scanning operation (e.g., to determine the position of the vehicle 122, a length of the cargo area 120, etc.), the ATLS alignment system 200 causes the lip 132 to move to an extended position or operating position 403. To move the lip 132 to the operating position 403, the lip 132 is rotated about the first pivot joint 402 in a second rotational position (e.g., a counterclockwise direction in the orientation of FIG. 4B) and the lip 132 is rotated about the second pivot joint 404 in the first rotational direction (e.g., the clockwise direction in the orientation of FIG. 4A). As shown in FIG. 4B, the lip 132 covers and/or is otherwise positioned above the bottom portion 134 of the doorway 108 and spans a gap between the cargo area 120 of the vehicle 122 and the floor 110 of the loading dock 102 (FIG. 1A). In FIG. 4C, the ATLS alignment system 200 causes the lip to move to a stored or non-use position. In the stored position, the lip 132 can engage, hook onto, latch onto, etc., the bottom portion 134 of the doorway 108. In the extended position of FIG. 4B and the stored position of FIG. 4C, the first sensor 202 is spaced apart from the bottom portion 134 of the doorway 108.

[0063] FIG. 4D is a perspective view of the example loading dock 102 and the example first ATLS 104 of FIG. 1 A having another example second sensor 406 disclosed herein (e.g., that can be implemented by the first ATLS 104). FIG. 4E is a perspective view of the cargo area 120 of the example vehicle 122 of FIGS. 1 A, 2A, 2C. and 2D showing the example second sensor 406 performing an example scanning operation. The example second sensor 406 is positioned on a distal end of an example arm 408 (e.g., support arm, lever arm, elongated arm, etc.). As shown in FIGS. 4D and 4E, the arm 408 is positioned in an example scanning position 410 (e.g.. upright position) to enable the second sensor 406 to perform the example scanning operation (e.g., via laser beams 412, 414). In the illustrated example, the second sensor 406 performs a scan (e.g., a two-dimensional scan) in a first direction (e.g., a horizontal direction or between the inner side walls of the trailer) and a second direction (e.g., a vertical direction or between an upper roof surface and a floor surface) different than the first direction (e.g., perpendicular relative to the first direction) to determine information regarding the cargo area 120 including, but not limited to, a central reference of the vehicle 122, a width of an opening of the vehicle 122, a height of the opening of the vehicle 122, a depth or length of the cargo area 120, obstructions within the cargo area 120, an orientation of the vehicle 122 relative to a reference of the first ATLS 104 and/or the doorway 108, a vertical position of the first ATLS 104 relative to the vehicle 122 (e.g., a floor 415 of the cargo area 120), and/or other information regarding a position of the vehicle 122 relative to the loading dock 102 and/or information regarding the cargo area 120. The example arm 408 is positioned adjacent the front end 112 of the first ATLS 104. In particular, the example arm 408 may be a portion of the platform 128 (FIG. 1 A) of the first ATLS 104. The arm 408 can be built or integrated with the platform 128 of the first ATLS 104 and can be stowed underneath or below a conveyor (e.g., the conveyor 116) or travel path of a conveyor of the first ATLS 104 after a scanning operation so that the second sensor 406 does not interfere with a loading/unloading operation. The first sensor 202 of FIGS. 4A-4C can perform a similar scan to the second sensor 406 to obtain or determine similar information regarding the vehicle 122 (e.g., orientation of the vehicle 122 and/or information regarding the cargo area 120).

[0064] FIG. 4F is a perspective view of the arm 408 of the example first ATLS 1 4 of FIGS. 1 A and IB in the example scanning position 410 to enable the example second sensor 406 to perform an example scanning operation. FIG. 4G is another perspective view of the arm 408 in the example scanning position 410. FIG. 4H is yet another perspective view of the example arm 408 in the example scanning position 410. FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the example arm 408 of FIG. 4F shown in an example intermediate position 416. FIG. 4J is a perspective view of the example arm 408 of FIG. 4F show n in an example stored position 418.

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 4D-4J, the example arm 408 is pivotable (e.g., rotatable) about an axis 420 defined by a hinge 422. As shown in FIG. 4G, the example first ATLS 104 may include an example third actuator 424 to push/pull on the arm 408 to adjust a position of the second sensor 406. The example ATLS alignment system 200 can cause the arm 408 to move/pivot from the stored position 418, to the intermediate position 416, and to the scanning position 410 to enable the second sensor 406 to scan the cargo area 120 of the vehicle 122 (FIGS. 4D and 4E). As such, the example second sensor 406 can determine the position of the vehicle 122 (e.g., the reference 214). Further, the ATLS alignment system 200 can cause the arm 408 to move/pivot from the scanning position 410, to the intermediate position 416, and to the stored position 418 to enable the conveyor 116 to deploy into the vehicle 122 (e.g.. across the arm 408 in the stored position 418).

[0066] FIG. 5A is a side view of another example loading dock 500 having an example second ATLS 502 disclosed herein. FIG. 5B is a detailed view of an example third sensor 504 associated with the example second ATLS 502 of FIG. 5 A. FIG. 5C is a top view of the example second ATLS 502 of FIG. 5A shown in an example first position relative to an example vehicle 506. FIG. 5D is a top view of the example second ATLS 502 of FIG. 5C shown in an example second position relative to the vehicle 506. The example loading dock 500 of FIGS. 5A-5D is similar to the example loading dock 102 of FIGS. 1A-1D. For example, the second ATLS 502 of the illustrated example includes the ATLS alignment system 520 that is substantially similar to the ATLS alignment system 200. However, the second ATLS 502 is different than the first ATLS 104 and the third sensor 504 is different than the first sensor 202.

[0067] In FIG. 5A, the third sensor 504 scans a cargo area 510 of the vehicle 506 (e.g., with a laser beam 508). The third sensor 504 can detect and/or determine positional information associated with the cargo area 510, the vehicle 506, and/or the second ATLS 502. For example, as shown by example arrows 512 in FIG. 5C, the third sensor 504 can determine positional information of side walls 514, 516 of the vehicle 506, an end wall 518 of the vehicle 506, a length of the vehicle 506, etc. The third sensor 504 may be a 2D LIDAR sensor, a 3D LIDAR sensor, a camera, etc. For example, the ATLS alignment system 520 can employ time of flight technology to scan the cargo area 510 and determine information regarding a position of the vehicle relative to a reference (e.g. a longitudinal axis of the second ATLS 502), a length of the cargo area 510. a lateral position of the vehicle 506 relative to the reference, an angular position of the vehicle 506 relative to the reference and/or any other information.

[0068] In FIG. 5C, the ATLS alignment system 520 determines a reference 522 (e.g., a longitudinal axis or reference) of the vehicle 506 (e.g., compared to a reference 523 (e.g., a longitudinal axis) of the second ATLS 502). The second ATLS 502 is shown in a first position relative to the reference 522. In the first position, the reference 523 of the second ATLS 502 is misaligned (e.g.. is not axially aligned) relative to the reference 522 of the vehicle 506. For example, the second ATLS 502 (e g., the reference 523) is skewed, off-center, angled, tilted, offset, etc. relative to the vehicle 506 (e.g., the reference 522). In some examples, the misalignment between the second ATLS 502 and the vehicle 506 can limit or prohibit deployment of a conveyor (e.g., the conveyor 116 of FIG. 1 A) of the second ATLS 502. For example, if the conveyor were to deploy and/or extend into the vehicle 506 while the second ATLS 502 is misaligned relative to the vehicle 506, the conveyor can contact/intersect one of the side walls 514. 516. Thus, delivery of the cargo may be incomplete.

[0069] FIG. 5D shows the second ATLS 502 in an adjusted position (e.g., lateral and/or angular adjustment of the second ATLS 502) relative to the vehicle 506 (e.g., the reference 522 of the vehicle 506). Thus, the ATLS alignment system 520 adjusts a position of the second ATLS 502 (e.g., to correct misalignment of the second ATLS 502 relative to the vehicle 506). For example, the ATLS alignment system 520 of the second ATLS 502 can determine a lateral and/or angular offset of the second ATLS 502 relative to the reference line 522 and, in turn, move the second ATLS 502 to align to the vehicle 506. In the example of FIG. 5D, a front end 524 of the second ATLS 502 is moved in a first lateral direction 526 and a rear end 528 of the second ATLS 502 is moved in a second lateral direction 530 to align the second ATLS 502 to the vehicle 506. As such, the adjusted position of the second ATLS 502 is aligned to the reference line 522 corresponding to a position of the vehicle 506. Thus, afull/complete deployment of the conveyor of the second ATLS 502 is permitted. Further, delivery' of the cargo can be accomplished. Adjustment(s) can be similar to the example described in connection with FIGS. 3A-3D.

[0070] FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the example third sensor 504 of FIG. 5B (e.g., during an example scanning operation). The third sensor 504 is positioned on a bottom surface of the second ATLS 502. The ATLS alignment system 520 causes the second ATLS 502 to rise to an upright or vertical position to expose the third sensor 504 and enable the third sensor 504 to scan (e.g., via the laser beam 508) the cargo area 510 of the vehicle 506 (FIG. 5A). After the third sensor 504 completes the scanning operation (e.g., to determine the position of the vehicle 506), the ATLS alignment system 520 causes the second ATLS 502 to lower to an operating position (e.g., a flat, level, initial, etc., position).

[0071] FIGS. 7A-7H are schematic diagrams showing different positions of the example vehicle 122 relative to the example first ATLS 104. FIGS. 7A-7H are described in connection with the first ATLS 104. However, the examples of FIGS. 7A-7H are applicable to the second ATLS 502.

[0072] FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram showing a first position 700 of the vehicle 122 relative to the first ATLS 104. In the first position 700, the vehicle 122 is laterally aligned with the first ATLS 104. For instance, the reference 214 of the vehicle 122 is substantially parallel or coaxially aligned with the reference 215 of the first ATLS 104 along a horizontal plane. Further, the vehicle 122 is substantially vertically aligned with the first ATLS 104 along a vertical plane (e.g., into the page). As used herein, substantially means within a specified target position or threshold (e.g., within 0.5 inches, within 0.5 degrees of perfect coaxial alignment). For example, substantially coaxially aligned, substantially parallel or substantially angularly aligned means perfectly parallel or within a desired threshold (e g., within 0.5 degrees of perfectly angularly parallel). Substantially coaxially aligned, substantially parallel or substantially laterally aligned means perfect alignment between the reference 214 and the reference 215 or within a desired target lateral alignment (e.g.. within 0.5 inches). Further, substantially vertically aligned, substantially level, or substantially a same slope means perfect alignment between a surface (e.g., the floor 415) of the vehicle 122 and a surface (e.g., the platform 128) of the ATLS 104 or within a desired vertical target threshold (e.g., within 0.5 inches, within 0.5 degrees of perfect vertical alignment).

[0073] The vehicle 122 of FIG. 7 A is angularly misaligned with the first ATLS 104. For example, the reference 214 is at an angle relative to the reference 215. The example ATLS alignment system 200 can cause the second actuator 304 to extend in a first lateral direction 702 and the first actuator 302 to remain fixed/stationary. Further, the example ATLS alignment system 200 can cause the actuators 315a-315d (e.g.. linear or vertical actuators) to remain fixed/stationary due to the vertical alignment of the ATLS 104 and the vehicle 122. As the second actuator 304 extends, the rear end 114 of the frame 130 moves in the first lateral direction 702 which, in turn, causes the first ATLS 104 to rotate (e.g., tilt) to align to the vehicle 122. In some examples, the ATLS alignment system 200 can cause (via the actuators 302, 304) the front end 112 of the frame 130 to move in a second lateral direction 706 (FIG. 7B) opposite the first lateral direction 702 while the rear end 114 is moved in the first lateral direction 702 to move the frame 130 (e.g., to align or substantially align the reference 215 of the first ATLS 104 relative to the reference 214). In other words, the front end 112 and the rear end 114 can be moved in opposite lateral directions to position (e.g., skew) the frame 130 (e.g., relative to the reference line 214) to align the first ATLS 104 with the vehicle 122 (substantially coaxially align the references 214, 215).

[0074] FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram showing a second position 704 of the vehicle 122 relative to the first ATLS 104. In the second position 704. the vehicle 122 is laterally aligned with the first ATLS 104. Further, in the second position 704 of FIG. 7B, the vehicle 122 is substantially vertically aligned with the first ATLS 104. However, the vehicle 122 is angularly misaligned with the first ATLS 104. The example ATLS alignment system 200 can cause the second actuator 304 to extend in the second lateral direction 706 and the first actuator 302 to remain fixed/stationary. Further, the example ATLS alignment system 200 can cause the actuators 315a-315d to remain fixed/stationary due to the vertical alignment of the ATLS 104 and the vehicle 122. As the second actuator 304 extends, the rear end 114 of the frame 130 moves in the second lateral direction 706 which, in turn, causes the first ATLS 104 to rotate (e.g., tilt) to align to the vehicle 122. In some examples, the ATLS alignment system 200 can cause (via the actuators 302, 304) the front end 112 of the frame 130 to move in the first lateral direction 702 (FIG. 7A) opposite the second lateral direction 706 while the rear end 114 is moved in the second lateral direction 706 to skew the frame 130. In other words, the front end 112 and the rear end 114 can be moved in opposite lateral directions to position (e.g., skew) the frame 130 (e.g., relative to the reference line 214) to align the first ATLS 104 with the vehicle 122 (substantially coaxially align the references 214, 215).

[0075] FIG. 7C is a schematic diagram showing a third position 708 of the vehicle 122 relative to the first ATLS 104. In the third position 708 of FIG. 7C. the vehicle 122 is angularly aligned (e g., approximately parallel within 5 degrees) and substantially vertically aligned with the first ATLS 104. However, the vehicle 122 of FIG. 7C is laterally misaligned with the first ATLS 104. The example ATLS alignment system 200 can cause the first actuator 302 and the second actuator 304 to extend in the first lateral direction 702. As the actuators 302, 304 extend, the front end 112 and the rear end 114 of the frame 130 move in the first lateral direction 702 (e.g., sideways) which, in turn, causes the first ATLS 104 to slide or move sideways to align with the vehicle 122 (substantially coaxially align the references 214, 215). Further, the example ATLS alignment system 200 can cause the actuators 315a-315d to remain fixed/stationary due to the vertical alignment of the ATLS 104 and the vehicle 122.

[0076] FIG. 7D is a schematic diagram showing a fourth position 710 of the vehicle 122 relative to the first ATLS 104. In the fourth position 710 of FIG. 7D, the vehicle 122 is angularly aligned (e.g., approximately parallel within 5 degrees) and substantially vertically aligned with the first ATLS 104. However, the vehicle 122 of FIG. 7D is laterally misaligned with the first ATLS 104. The example ATLS alignment system 200 can cause the first actuator 302 and the second actuator 304 to extend in the second lateral direction 706 (e.g., a sideways direction). As the actuators 302, 304 extend, the front end 112 and the rear end 114 of the frame 130 move in the second lateral direction 706 which, in turn, causes the first ATLS 104 to slide to align to the vehicle 122 (substantially coaxially align the references 214, 215). Movement of the actuators 302, 304 can be simultaneous or one actuator can be moved prior to movement of the other actuator. Further, the example ATLS alignment system 200 can cause the actuators 315a-315d to remain fixed/stationary due to the vertical alignment of the ATLS 104 and the vehicle 122.

[0077] FIG. 7E is a schematic diagram showing a fifth position 712 of the vehicle 122 relative to the first ATLS 104. In the fifth position 712, the vehicle 122 is angularly aligned (e.g., approximately parallel within 5 degrees) and laterally aligned with the first ATLS 104. However, the vehicle 122 is vertically misaligned with the first ATLS 104. The example ATLS alignment system 200 can cause the actuators 315a-315d to extend in a first vertical direction 714 (e.g., an upward in the orientation of FIG. 7E). Further, the example ATLS alignment system 200 can cause the actuators 302, 304 to remain fixed/stationary due to the lateral and angular alignment of the ATLS 104 and the vehicle 122 being within acceptable thresholds, respectively. As the actuators 315a-315d extend, the frame 130 moves in the first vertical direction 714 which, in turn, causes the first ATLS 104 to rise to be substantially vertically aligned to the vehicle 122.

[0078] FIG. 7F is a schematic diagram showing a sixth position 716 of the vehicle 122 relative to the first ATLS 104. In the sixth position 716. the vehicle 122 is angularly aligned (e.g., approximately parallel within 5 degrees) and laterally aligned wi th the first ATLS 104. However, the vehicle 122 is vertically misaligned with the first ATLS 104. The example ATLS alignment system 200 can cause the actuators 315a-315d to retract in a second vertical direction 718 (e.g.. a downward direction in the orientation of FIG. 7F). Further, the example ATLS alignment system 200 can cause the actuators 302, 304 to remain fixed/stationary due to the lateral and angular alignment of the ATLS 104 and the vehicle 122 being within acceptable thresholds. As the actuators 315a-315d retract, the frame 130 moves in the second vertical direction 718 which, in turn, causes the first ATLS 104 to lower to be substantially vertically aligned to the vehicle 122.

[0079] FIG. 7G is a schematic diagram showing a seventh position 720 of the vehicle 122 relative to the first ATLS 104. In the seventh position 720, the vehicle 122 is angularly aligned (e.g., approximately parallel within 5 degrees) with the first ATLS 104. Further, in the seventh position 720, the vehicle 122 is laterally aligned with the first ATLS 104. However, the vehicle 122 is vertically misaligned with the first ATLS 104. In the example of FIG. 7G, a first side 722 of the frame 130 may be vertically misaligned relative to the vehicle 122 by a first vertical offset (e.g., between 1 inch and 10 inches below the corresponding side of the vehicle 122). Further, a second side 724 of the frame 130 may be vertically misaligned to the vehicle 122 (e.g.. between 1 inch and 10 inches above the corresponding side of the vehicle 122). The example ATLS alignment system 200 causes the actuators 315a, 315c to retract in the second vertical direction 718 and, further, causes the actuators 315b, 315d to extend in the first vertical direction 714. As the actuators 315a, 315c retract, the second side 724 of the frame 130 moves in the second vertical direction 718. Further, as the actuators 315b, 315d extend, the first side 722 of the frame 130 moves in the first vertical direction 714. In turn, the extension of the actuators 315b. 315d and the retraction of the actuators 315a, 315c cause the first ATLS 104 to move (e.g.. roll or tilt in a direction between side edges of the ATLS 104) to be substantially vertically aligned to the vehicle 122.

[0080] FIG. 7H is a schematic diagram showing an eighth position 726 of the vehicle 122 relative to the first ATLS 104. In the eighth position 726, the vehicle 122 is angularly aligned (e.g., approximately parallel within 5 degrees) with the first ATLS 104. Further, in the eighth position 726, the vehicle 122 is laterally aligned with the first ATLS 104. However, the vehicle 122 is vertically misaligned with the first ATLS 104. In the example of FIG. 7H, the vehicle 122 is sloped (e.g., positioned at an angle) relative to a horizontal plane of the first ATLS 104. The example ATLS alignment system 200 causes the actuators 315a, 315b to extend in the first vertical direction 714 (e.g., and/or cause the actuators 315c, 315d to retract in the second vertical direction 718). As the actuators 315a, 315b extend, the front end 112 of the first ATLS 104 moves in the first vertical direction 714. And/or as the actuators 315c, 315d retract, the rear end 114 of the first ATLS 104 moves in the second vertical direction 718. In turn, the extension of the actuators 315a, 315b and/or the retraction of the actuators 315c, 315d position the first ATLS 104 at an angle (e.g., relative to the initial position of the first ATLS 104) aligned to the slope of the vehicle 122 (e.g., between a front end and a rear end of the ATLS 104). As such, the first ATLS 104 is substantially vertically aligned to the vehicle 122. In any of the examples of FIGS. 7E-7H, movement of the actuators 315a-315d can be simultaneous or one actuator can be moved prior to movement of another actuator. Further, the example ATLS alignment system 200 can employ any combination of the adjustments of the actuators 302, 304, 315a, 315b, 315c, 315d, as described in connection with FIGS. 7A-7H, to align the first ATLS 104 to the vehicle 122 (e.g., enabling six degrees of freedom or movement).

[0081] FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic diagrams showing different positions of the example vehicle 122 relative to the example conveyor the first ATLS 104. However, the examples of FIGS. 8A and 8B are applicable to the vehicle 506, the second ATLS 502, a conveyor of the second ATLS 502, the ATLS alignment system 520, or other example systems. FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram showing a first position 800 of the conveyor 1 16 of the first ATLS 104 relative to the vehicle 122. In the first position 800, a centerline 802 of the conveyor 116 is laterally offset by a distance 804 from a reference line 806 (e.g., a centerline) of the vehicle 122. Although there is lateral misalignment between the conveyor 116 and the vehicle 122, the ATLS alignment system 200 can still cause deployment of the conveyor 116. For example. ATLS alignment system 200 determines the lateral offset between the conveyor 116 and the vehicle 122 satisfies a lateral target threshold associated with the first ATLS 104. As such, the ATLS alignment system 200 can cause a deployment of the conveyor 116, and the conveyor 116 can extend to the end wall 212 (FIGS. 2A, 2C, and 2D) of the vehicle 122. In some examples, the ATLS alignment system 200 can determine the lateral target threshold based on a width 808 of the conveyor 116, a width 810 of the vehicle 122, etc.

[0082] FIG. 8B is a schematic diagram showing a second position 812 of the conveyor 116 of the first ATLS 104 relative to the vehicle 122. In the second position 812, the centerline 802 of the conveyor 116 is angularly offset by an angle 814 from the reference line 806 of the vehicle 122. If the ATLS alignment system 200 were to cause deployment of the conveyor 116 in the second position 812, a side 816 of the conveyor 116 can contact, bump, intersect, or otherwise engage the side wall 208 of the vehicle 122 due to the angular misalignment. For example, the conveyor 116 may extend a distance 818 into the vehicle 122 before contacting the side wall 208. The ATLS alignment system 200 can compare the angle 814 to an angular target threshold associated with the first ATLS 104. In some examples, the ATLS alignment system 200 can determine the angular target threshold based on a maximum allowable offset angle that enables deployment of the conveyor 116 without either side 816, 820 contacting corresponding side walls 208, 210 of the vehicle 122. Thus, the ATLS alignment system 200 can determine the angular target threshold based on the width 808 of the conveyor 116, the width 810 of the vehicle 122, etc.

[0083] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an example ATLS system 900 disclosed herein. The example ATLS system 900 can implement the example first ATLS 104, the ATLS alignment system 200, the example ATLS alignment system 520, and/or any other example ATLS system. The example ATLS alignment circuitry 902 operates to align an example ATLS with an example vehicle. The example ATLS system 900 includes example ATLS alignment circuitry 902, and example sensor circuitry 904 coupled to an example sensor 906 (e.g., the first sensor 202 of FIGS. 2B, 4A, 4B, and 4C, the second sensor 406 of FIGS. 4D, 4E, 4F, 4G, 4H, 41, and 4J,the third sensor 504 of FIGS. 5B and 6, and/or a proximity sensor). The example ATLS alignment circuitry 902 includes example scanning circuitry 908, example distance monitor circuitry 910, example vehicle position determination circuitry 912. example notification generator circuitry 914, example lateral adjustment circuitry 916. example angular adjustment circuitry 918, example vertical adjustment circuitry 919, example length measurement circuitry 920, and example deployment circuitry⁷ 922. The ATLS alignment circuitry 902 of FIG. 9 may be instantiated (e.g., creating an instance of, bring into being for any length of time, materialize, implement, etc.) by programmable circuitry such as a Central Processor Unit (CPU) executing first instructions. Additionally or alternatively, the ATLS alignment circuitry 902 of FIG. 9 may be instantiated (e.g., creating an instance of, bring into being for any length of time, materialize, implement, etc.) by (i) an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) and/or (ii) a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) structured and/or configured in response to execution of second instructions to perform operations corresponding to the first instructions. It should be understood that some or all of the circuitry of FIG. 9 may, thus, be instantiated at the same or different times. Some or all of the circuitry’ of FIG. 9 may be instantiated, for example, in one or more threads executing concurrently on hardware and/or in series on hardware. Moreover, in some examples, some or all of the circuitry of FIG. 9 may be implemented by microprocessor circuitry executing instructions and/or FPGA circuitry performing operations to implement one or more virtual machines and/or containers.

[0084] The example scanning circuitry' 908 causes the sensor 906 to scan a region adjacent to an example ATLS. For example, the scanning circuitry 908 causes the first sensor 202 to scan a region (e.g., the loading dock 102) adjacent to the first ATLS 104. In some examples, the scanning circuitry 908 is communicatively coupled to the sensor circuitry 904. wherein the sensor circuitry 904 causes the sensor 906 to scan the region, accesses or receive data from the sensor 906, etc. The example scanning circuitry 908 determines whether there is a vehicle (e.g., the vehicle 122) within the region. For example, the scanning circuitry 908 detects the presence of the vehicle 122 adjacent the loading dock 102 and/or the doorway 108.

[0085] Additionally, the example scanning circuitry 908 causes the first sensor 202 to scan the cargo area 120 of the vehicle 122 to determine whether there are obstructions detected. For example, the scanning circuitry 908 can determine whether objects, cargo, blockages, etc., are present in the cargo area 120 that could obstruct, inhibit, prevent, etc., deployment of the conveyor 116 into the vehicle 122. If the scanning circuitry 908 detects obstruction(s) in the cargo area 120. then the notification generator circuitry 914 can generate a warning indicating the same. In turn, the notification generator circuitry 914 can transmit the warning to at least one of an operator of the first ATLS 104 or a driver of the vehicle 122.

[0086] The example distance monitor circuitry 910 monitors, determines, and/or calculates (e.g., via a sensor such as a proximity sensor) a distance between the vehicle 122 and the first ATLS 104. Further, the example distance monitor circuitry 910 determines yvhether the monitored distance satisfies a threshold distance. For example, the distance monitor circuitry 910 can determine the threshold distance based on a maximum allowable distance (e.g., 1 foot) between the vehicle 122 and the first ATLS 104 such that the conveyor 116 can deploy into the vehicle 122. [0087] The example vehicle position determination circuitry 912 determines a first angular position of the vehicle 122 relative to a first reference. In some examples, the first reference corresponds to a position of the first ATLS 104. In some examples, the first reference corresponds to a centerline of the first ATLS 104. In some examples, the first reference corresponds to a center of the doorway 108. For example, the vehicle position determination circuitry 912 can determine the first angular position of the vehicle based on an angular offset (e.g., the angle 814) of the vehicle 122 from the centerline (e.g., the reference 215) of the first ATLS 104.

[0088] The example vehicle position determination circuitry 912 determines whether the first angular position of the vehicle 122 exceeds an angular operating limit of the first ATLS 104. As described in connection with FIGS. 3A and 3B. the operating angular limit of the first ATLS 104 can be defined by the ext ension/retr action limits of the first and second actuators 302, 304. More specifically, the angular operating limit of the first ATLS 104 can be defined by a maximum clockwise rotation and a maximum counterclockwise rotation of the frame 130 (based on the maximum extension/retraction stroke positions of the actuators 302, 304). If the example vehicle position determination circuitry 912 determines that the first angular position of the vehicle 122 exceeds the angular operating limit of the first ATLS 104, then the notification generator circuitry 914 can generate a warning (e.g., notification, instructions, message, etc.) indicating the same. In turn, the notification generator circuitry 914 can transmit the warning (indicating that the vehicle 122 has exceeded the angular operating limit of the first ATLS 104) to the vehicle 122. In some examples, a driver/ operator of the vehicle 122 may adjust the positioning of the vehicle 122 after receiving the message.

[0089] Further, the example vehicle position determination circuitry' 912 determines, detects, calculates, or otherwise identifies a first lateral position of the vehicle 122 relative to the first reference (e.g., a centerline of the first ATLS 104). For example, the vehicle position determination circuitry' 912 can determine the first lateral position of the vehicle based on a lateral offset (e.g., distance 804) of the vehicle 122 from the centerline of the first ATLS 104.

[0090] The example vehicle position determination circuitry’ 912 determines whether the first lateral position of the vehicle 122 exceeds a lateral operating limit. As described in connection w ith FIGS. 3 A and 3B, the lateral operating limit of the first ATLS 104 can be defined by the extension/retraction limits of the first and second actuators 302, 304. More specifically, the lateral operating limit of the first ATLS 104 can be defined by a maximum length of the actuators 302, 304 (e.g., a full extension stroke) and a minimum length of the actuators 302, 304 (e.g., a full retraction stroke). If the example vehicle position determination circuitry 912 determines that the first lateral position of the vehicle 122 exceeds the lateral operating limit then the notification generator circuitry 914 can generate a warning indicating the same. In turn, the notification generator circuitry 914 can transmit the warning (indicating that the vehicle 122 has exceeded the lateral operating limit of the first ATLS 104) to the vehicle 122. In some examples, a driver/operator of the vehicle 122 may adjust the positioning of the vehicle 122 after receiving the message.

[0091] The example lateral adjustment circuitry 916 determines a second lateral position of the first ATLS 104 relative to the vehicle position (determined by the vehicle position determination circuitry 912). The example lateral adjustment circuitry 916 determines whether the second lateral position of the first ATLS 104 exceeds a lateral target threshold. In some examples, the lateral target threshold is based on the width 808 of the conveyor 1 16, the width 810 of the vehicle 122, etc.

[0092] In some examples, the lateral target threshold is approximately between one inch and three inches. In some examples, the lateral target threshold is approximately between three (3) inches and fifteen (15) inches. If the example lateral adjustment circuitry 916 determines that the second lateral position of the first ATLS 104 exceeds the lateral target threshold, then the lateral adjustment circuitry' 916 adjusts the first ATLS 104 to a third lateral position. In some examples, the third lateral position of the first ATLS 104 satisfies the lateral target threshold. In other examples, the third lateral position does not satisfy the lateral target threshold and, in turn, the lateral adjustment circuitry 916 continues to adjust the lateral position of the first ATLS 104.

[0093] The angular adjustment circuitry 918 determines whether a position of the first ATLS 104 is to be adjusted (e.g., moved, rotated, turned, etc.). For example, if the vehicle 122 is within the operating limits (e.g., the angular operating limit, the lateral operating limit, etc.), the angular adjustment circuitry 918 can determine whether the position of the first ATLS 104 needs to be adjusted relative to the vehicle 122. In some examples, the angular adjustment circuitry' 918 determines a second angular position of the first ATLS 104 relative to the vehicle position (determined by the vehicle position determination circuitry 912). The example angular adjustment circuitry 918 determines whether the second angular position of the first ATLS 104 exceeds an angular target threshold. In some examples, the angular target threshold is based on a maximum allowable offset angle that enables deployment of the conveyor 116 without either side 816, 820 of the conveyor 116 contacting corresponding side walls 208, 210 of the vehicle 122. In some examples, the angular target threshold is approximately between one degree and five degrees. In some examples, the angular target threshold is approximately between five degrees and fifteen degrees. If the example angular adjustment circuitry 918 determines that the second angular position of the first ATLS 104 exceeds the angular target threshold, then the angular adjustment circuitry 918 adjusts the first ATLS 104 to a third angular position. In some examples, the third angular position of the first ATLS 104 satisfies the angular target threshold. In other examples, the third angular position does not satisfy the angular target threshold and, in turn, the angular adjustment circuitry' 918 continues to adjust the angular position of the first ATLS 104.

[0094] The example vertical adjustment circuitry 919 determines a vertical position of the first ATLS 104 relative to the vehicle 122. For example, the vertical adjustment circuitry 919 determines a vertical position of the first ATLS 104 relative to the floor 415 (FIGS. 4D and 4E) of the vehicle 122. In some examples, the vertical adjustment circuitry 919 determines that the vertical position of the first ATLS 104 is above, below, or approximately level (e.g., within 5 in) with the floor 415 of the vehicle 122. In some examples, the vertical adjustment circuitry' 919 determines if the ATLS 104 and/or conveyor 116 is parallel relative to the floor 415 of the cargo area 120. In some examples, the vertical adjustment circuitry 919 determines that the vertical position of the first ATLS 104 is titled/sloped relative to the floor 415 of the vehicle 122. The example vertical adjustment circuitry 919 determines whether the vertical position of the first ATLS 104 exceeds a vertical target threshold. In some examples, the vertical target threshold is based on a maximum allowable vertical offset that enables deployment of the conveyor 116 into the vehicle 122 (e.g.. onto the floor 415). If the example vertical adjustment circuitry’ 919 determines that a first vertical position of the first ATLS 104 exceeds the vertical target threshold, then the vertical adjustment circuitry 919 adjust the first ATLS 104 to a second vertical position. The example vertical adjustment circuitry 919 is operatively coupled to the actuators 315a, 315b, 315c, 315d to adjust the first ATLS 104 to the second vertical position. For example, the vertical adjustment circuitry 919 can cause at least one of the actuators 315a, 315b, 315c, 315d to raise and/or lower the frame 130 of the first ATLS 104 relative to the vehicle 122.

[0095] The example length measurement circuitry 920 determines a length of the cargo area 120 of the vehicle 122. Further, the example length measurement circuitry 920 determines whether the length of the cargo area 120 exceeds a threshold length. In some examples, the threshold length is based on a deployed/extended length of the conveyor 116. If the length measurement circuitry 920 determines that the length exceeds the threshold length, then the notification generator circuitry 914 can generate a warning indicating the same. In some examples, the deployment circuitry 922 determines/ adjusts a deployment distance of the conveyor 1 16 based on the length of the cargo area 120. In turn, the deployment circuitry 922 causes deployment, extension, etc., of the conveyor 1 16 (e.g., to deliver the cargo 118 to the cargo area 120). In some examples, the deployment circuitry 922 causes the conveyor 116 to move between a stored position and an extended position relative to the cargo area 120 of the vehicle 122 when (i) the second angular position of the first ATLS 104 satisfies the angular target threshold and (ii) the second lateral position of the first ATLS 104 satisfies the lateral target threshold.

[0096] In some examples, the scanning circuitry 908 is instantiated by programmable circuitry executing scanning instructions and/or configured to perform operations such as those represented by the flowchart of FIG. 10. In some examples, the ATLS alignment circuitry 902 includes means for scanning a vehicle. For example, the means for scanning may be implemented by the scanning circuitry 908. In some examples, the scanning circuitry 908 may be instantiated by programmable circuitry such as the example programmable circuitry 1112 of FIG. 11. For instance, the scanning circuitry 908 may be instantiated by the example microprocessor 1200 of FIG. 12 executing machine executable instructions such as those implemented by at least blocks 1002, 1004, 1020, 1022 of FIG. 10. In some examples, the scanning circuitry 908 may be instantiated by hardware logic circuitry, which may be implemented by an ASIC, XPU, or the FPGA circuitry 1300 of FIG. 13 configured and/or structured to perform operations corresponding to the machine readable instructions. Additionally or alternatively, the scanning circuitry 908 may be instantiated by any other combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware. For example, the scanning circuitry 908 may be implemented by at least one or more hardware circuits (e.g., processor circuitry, discrete and/or integrated analog and/or digital circuitry, an FPGA, an ASIC, an XPU, a comparator, an operational-amplifier (op-amp), a logic circuit, etc.) configured and/or structured to execute some or all of the machine readable instructions and/or to perform some or all of the operations corresponding to the machine readable instructions without executing software or firmware, but other structures are likewise appropriate.

[0097] In some examples, the distance monitor circuitry 910 is instantiated by programmable circuitry executing distance monitoring instructions and/or configured to perform operations such as those represented by the flowchart of FIG. 10. In some examples, the ATLS alignment circuitry 902 includes means for monitoring a distance. For example, the means for monitoring may be implemented by the distance monitor circuitry 910. In some examples, the distance monitor circuitry 910 may be instantiated by programmable circuitry such as the example programmable circuitry 1112 of FIG. 11. For instance, the distance monitor circuitry 910 may be instantiated by the example microprocessor 1200 of FIG. 12 executing machine executable instructions such as those implemented by at least blocks 1006, 1008 of FIG. 10. In some examples, the distance monitor circuitry 910 may be instantiated by hardware logic circuitry, which may be implemented by an ASIC, XPU, or the FPGA circuitry 1300 of FIG. 13 configured and/or structured to perform operations corresponding to the machine readable instructions. Additionally or alternatively, the distance monitor circuitry' 910 may be instantiated by any other combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware. For example, the distance monitor circuitry 910 may be implemented by at least one or more hardware circuits (e.g., processor circuitry, discrete and/or integrated analog and/or digital circuitry, an FPGA, an ASIC, an XPU, a comparator, an operational-amplifier (op-amp), a logic circuit, etc.) configured and/or structured to execute some or all of the machine readable instructions and/or to perform some or all of the operations corresponding to the machine readable instructions without executing software or firmware, but other structures are likewise appropriate.

[0098] In some examples, the vehicle position determination circuitry 912 is instantiated by programmable circuitry executing position determining instructions and/or configured to perform operations such as those represented by the flowchart of FIG. 10. In some examples, the ATLS alignment circuitry 902 includes means for determining a position of a vehicle. For example, the means for determining may be implemented by the vehicle position determination circuitry' 912. In some examples, the vehicle position determination circuitry' 912 may be instantiated by programmable circuitry’ such as the example programmable circuitry 1112 of FIG. 11. For instance, the vehicle position determination circuitry 912 may be instantiated by the example microprocessor 1200 of FIG. 12 executing machine executable instructions such as those implemented by at least blocks 1010, 1012, 1016, 1018 of FIG. 10. In some examples, the vehicle position determination circuitry 912 may be instantiated by hardware logic circuitry', which may be implemented by an ASIC, XPU, or the FPGA circuitry 1300 of FIG. 13 configured and/or structured to perform operations corresponding to the machine readable instructions. Additionally or alternatively, the vehicle position determination circuitry 912 may be instantiated by any other combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware. For example, the vehicle position determination circuitry 912 may be implemented by at least one or more hardware circuits (e.g.. processor circuitry, discrete and/or integrated analog and/or digital circuitry, an FPGA, an ASIC, an XPU, a comparator, an operational-amplifier (op-amp), a logic circuit, etc.) configured and/or structured to execute some or all of the machine readable instructions and/or to perform some or all of the operations corresponding to the machine readable instructions without executing software or firmware, but other structures are likewise appropriate. [0099] In some examples, the notification generator circuitry 914 is instantiated by programmable circuitry executing generating instructions and/or configured to perform operations such as those represented by the flowchart of FIG. 10. In some examples, the ATLS alignment circuitry 902 includes means for generating a notification. For example, the means for generating may be implemented by the notification generator circuitry' 914. In some examples, the notification generator circuitry 914 may be instantiated by programmable circuitry such as the example programmable circuitry 1112 of FIG. 11. For instance, the notification generator circuitry 914 may be instantiated by the example microprocessor 1200 of FIG. 12 executing machine executable instructions such as those implemented by at least block 1014 of FIG. 10. In some examples, the notification generator circuitry 914 may be instantiated by hardware logic circuitry, which may be implemented by an ASIC, XPU, or the FPGA circuitry 1300 of FIG. 13 configured and/or structured to perform operations corresponding to the machine readable instructions. Additionally or alternatively, the notification generator circuitry' 914 may be instantiated by any other combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware. For example, the notification generator circuitry 914 may be implemented by at least one or more hardware circuits (e.g., processor circuitry, discrete and/or integrated analog and/or digital circuitry, an FPGA, an ASIC, an XPU, a comparator, an operational-amplifier (op-amp), a logic circuit, etc.) configured and/or structured to execute some or all of the machine readable instructions and/or to perform some or all of the operations corresponding to the machine readable instructions without executing software or firmware, but other structures are likewise appropriate.

[0100] In some examples, the lateral adjustment circuitry 916 is instantiated by⁷ programmable circuitry executing adjustment instructions and/or configured to perform operations such as those represented by the flowchart of FIG. 10. In some examples, the ATLS alignment circuitry 902 includes first means for adjusting. For example, the first means for adjusting may be implemented by the lateral adjustment circuitry 916. In some examples, the lateral adjustment circuitry' 916 may be instantiated by programmable circuitry such as the example programmable circuitry 1112 of FIG. 11. For instance, the lateral adjustment circuitry 916 may be instantiated by the example microprocessor 1200 of FIG. 12 executing machine executable instructions such as those implemented by at least blocks 1030, 1032. 1034 of FIG. 10. In some examples, the lateral adjustment circuitry 916 may be instantiated by hardware logic circuitry', which may be implemented by an ASIC, XPU, or the FPGA circuitry' 1300 of FIG. 13 configured and/or structured to perform operations corresponding to the machine readable instructions. Additionally or alternatively, the lateral adjustment circuitry 916 may be instantiated by any other combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware. For example, the lateral adjustment circuitry 916 may be implemented by at least one or more hardware circuits (e.g., processor circuitry, discrete and/or integrated analog and/or digital circuitry, an FPGA. an ASIC, an XPU, a comparator, an operational-amplifier (op-amp), a logic circuit, etc.) configured and/or structured to execute some or all of the machine readable instructions and/or to perform some or all of the operations corresponding to the machine readable instructions without executing software or firmware, but other structures are likewise appropriate.

[0101] In some examples, the angular adjustment circuitry 918 is instantiated by programmable circuitry executing adjusting instructions and/or configured to perform operations such as those represented by the flowchart of FIG. 10. In some examples, the ATLS alignment circuitry 902 includes second means for adjusting. For example, the second means for adjusting may be implemented by the angular adjustment circuitry 918. In some examples, the angular adjustment circuitry 918 may be instantiated by programmable circuitry such as the example programmable circuitry 1112 of FIG. 11. For instance, the angular adjustment circuitry' 918 may be instantiated by the example microprocessor 1200 of FIG. 12 executing machine executable instructions such as those implemented by at least blocks 1024, 1026. 1028 of FIG. 10. In some examples, the angular adjustment circuitry 918 may be instantiated by hardware logic circuitry, which may be implemented by an ASIC, XPU, or the FPGA circuitry⁷ 1300 of FIG. 13 configured and/or structured to perform operations corresponding to the machine readable instructions. Additionally or alternatively, the angular adjustment circuitry 918 may be instantiated by any other combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware. For example, the angular adjustment circuitry 918 may be implemented by at least one or more hardware circuits (e.g., processor circuitry⁷, discrete and/or integrated analog and/or digital circuitry⁷, an FPGA, an ASIC, an XPU, a comparator, an operational-amplifier (op-amp), a logic circuit, etc.) configured and/or structured to execute some or all of the machine readable instructions and/or to perform some or all of the operations corresponding to the machine readable instructions without executing software or firmware, but other structures are likewise appropriate.

[0102] In some examples, the vertical adjustment circuitry⁷ 919 is instantiated by programmable circuitry executing adjusting instructions and/or configured to perform operations such as those represented by the flowchart of FIG. 10. In some examples, the ATLS alignment circuitry 902 includes third means for adjusting. For example, the third means for adjusting may be implemented by the vertical adjustment circuitry⁷ 919. In some examples, the vertical adjustment circuitry 919 may be instantiated by programmable circuitry such as the example programmable circuitry 1112 of FIG. 11. For instance, the vertical adjustment circuitry 919 may be instantiated by the example microprocessor 1200 of FIG. 12 executing machine executable instructions such as those implemented by at least blocks 1036, 1038. 1040 of FIG. 10. In some examples, the vertical adjustment circuitry 919 may be instantiated by hardware logic circuitry, which may be implemented by an ASIC, XPU, or the FPGA circuitry 1300 of FIG. 13 configured and/or structured to perform operations corresponding to the machine readable instructions. Additionally or alternatively, the vertical adjustment circuitry 919 may be instantiated by any other combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware. For example, the vertical adjustment circuitry 919 may be implemented by at least one or more hardware circuits (e.g., processor circuitry, discrete and/or integrated analog and/or digital circuitry, an FPGA, an ASIC, an XPU, a comparator, an operational-amplifier (op-amp), a logic circuit, etc.) configured and/or structured to execute some or all of the machine readable instructions and/or to perform some or all of the operations corresponding to the machine readable instructions without executing software or firmware, but other structures are likewise appropriate.

[0103] In some examples, the length measurement circuitry⁷ 920 is instantiated by programmable circuitry⁷ executing measuring instructions and/or configured to perform operations such as those represented by the flowchart of FIG. 10. In some examples, the ATLS alignment circuitry 902 includes means for measuring a length of a vehicle. For example, the means for measuring may be implemented by the length measurement circuitry⁷ 920. In some examples, the length measurement circuitry 920 may be instantiated by programmable circuitry⁷ such as the example programmable circuitry 1112 of FIG. 11. For instance, the length measurement circuitry 920 may be instantiated by the example microprocessor 1200 of FIG. 12 executing machine executable instructions such as those implemented by at least blocks 1042, 1044 of FIG. 10. In some examples, the length measurement circuitry⁷ 920 may be instantiated by hardware logic circuitry⁷, which may be implemented by an ASIC, XPU, or the FPGA circuitry 1300 of FIG. 13 configured and/or structured to perform operations corresponding to the machine readable instructions. Additionally or alternatively, the length measurement circuitry 920 may be instantiated by any other combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware. For example, the length measurement circuitry 920 may be implemented by at least one or more hardware circuits (e.g., processor circuitry, discrete and/or integrated analog and/or digital circuitry, an FPGA. an ASIC, an XPU. a comparator, an operational-amplifier (op-amp), a logic circuit, etc.) configured and/or structured to execute some or all of the machine readable instructions and/or to perform some or all of the operations corresponding to the machine readable instructions without executing software or firmware, but other structures are likewise appropriate. [0104] In some examples, the deployment circuitry 922 is instantiated by programmable circuitry executing deploying instructions and/or configured to perform operations such as those represented by the flowchart of FIG. 10. In some examples, the ATLS alignment circuitry 902 includes means for deploying a conveyor. For example, the means for deploying may be implemented by the deployment circuitry' 922. In some examples, the deployment circuitry 922 may be instantiated by programmable circuitry such as the example programmable circuitry 1112 of FIG. 11. For instance, the deployment circuitry 922 may be instantiated by the example microprocessor 1200 of FIG. 12 executing machine executable instructions such as those implemented by at least block 1046 of FIG. 10. In some examples, the deployment circuitry' 922 may be instantiated by hardware logic circuitry, which may be implemented by an ASIC, XPU, or the FPGA circuitry 1300 of FIG. 13 configured and/or structured to perform operations corresponding to the machine readable instructions. Additionally or alternatively, the deployment circuitry' 922 may be instantiated by any other combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware. For example, the deployment circuitry 922 may be implemented by at least one or more hardware circuits (e.g., processor circuitry, discrete and/or integrated analog and/or digital circuitry, an FPGA, an ASIC, an XPU, a comparator, an operational-amplifier (op-amp), a logic circuit, etc.) configured and/or structured to execute some or all of the machine readable instructions and/or to perform some or all of the operations corresponding to the machine readable instructions without executing software or firmware, but other structures are likewise appropriate.

[0105] While an example manner of implementing the ATLS alignment circuitry⁷ 902 of FIG. 1 is illustrated in FIG. 9, one or more of the elements, processes, and/or devices illustrated in FIG. 9 may be combined, divided, re-arranged, omitted, eliminated, and/or implemented in any other way. Further, the example scanning circuitry 908. the example distance monitor circuitry 910, the example vehicle position determination circuitry 912, the example notification generator circuitry 914, the example lateral adjustment circuitry' 91 , the example angular adjustment circuitry' 918. the example vertical adjustment circuitry' 919, the example length measurement circuitry 920, the example deployment circuitry 922 and/or, more generally, the example ATLS alignment circuitry⁷ 902 of FIG. 9. may be implemented by hardware alone or by hardware in combination with software and/or firmware. Thus, for example, any of the example scanning circuitry⁷ 908, the example distance monitor circuitry⁷ 910, the example vehicle position determination circuitry 912, the example notification generator circuitry 914, the example lateral adjustment circuitry 916, the example angular adjustment circuitry 918, the example vertical adjustment circuitry 919, the example length measurement circuitry' 920, the example deployment circuitry 922, and/or, more generally, the example ATLS alignment circuitry 902, could be implemented by programmable circuitry in combination with machine readable instructions (e.g., firmware or software), processor circuitry', analog circuit(s), digital circuit(s), logic circuit(s), programmable processor(s), programmable microcontroller s), graphics processing unit(s) (GPU(s)), digital signal processor(s) (DSP(s)), ASIC(s), programmable logic device(s) (PLD(s)), and/or field programmable logic device(s) (FPLD(s)) such as FPGAs. Further still, the example ATLS alignment circuitry 902 of FIG. 9 may include one or more elements, processes, and/or devices in addition to, or instead of, those illustrated in FIG. 9, and/or may include more than one of any or all of the illustrated elements, processes, and devices.

[0106] A flowchart representative of example machine readable instructions, which may be executed by programmable circuitry to implement and/or instantiate the ATLS alignment circuitry' 902 of FIG. 9 and/or representative of example operations which may be performed by programmable circuitry' to implement and/or instantiate the ATLS alignment circuitry' 902 of FIG. 9, are shown in FIG. 10. The machine readable instructions may be one or more executable programs or portion(s) of one or more executable programs for execution by programmable circuitry such as the programmable circuitry' 1112 shown in the example programmable circuitry' platform 1100 discussed below' in connection with FIG. 11 and/or may be one or more function(s) or portion(s) of functions to be performed by the example programmable circuitry (e.g.. an FPGA) drscussed below in connection with FIGS. 12 and/or 13. In some examples, the machine readable instructions cause an operation, a task, etc., to be carried out and/or performed in an automated manner in the real w orld. As used herein, “automated” means without human involvement.

[0107] The program may be embodied in instructions (e.g., software and/or firmware) stored on one or more non -transitory' computer readable and/or machine readable storage medium such as cache memory, a magnetic-storage device or disk (e.g., a floppy disk, a Hard Disk Drive (HDD), etc.), an optical-storage device or disk (e.g., a Blu-ray disk, a Compact Disk (CD), a Digital Versatile Disk (DVD), etc ), a Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID), a register, ROM. a solid-state drive (SSD), SSD memory, non-volatile memory (e.g.. electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, etc ), volatile memory (e.g., Random Access Memory' (RAM) of any ty pe, etc.), and/or any other storage device or storage disk. The instructions of the non-transitory computer readable and/or machine readable medium may program and/or be executed by programmable circuitry located in one or more hardware devices, but the entire program and/or parts thereof could alternatively be executed and/or instantiated by one or more hardware devices other than the programmable circuitry and/or embodied in dedicated hardware. The machine readable instructions may be distributed across multiple hardware devices and/or executed by two or more hardware devices (e.g., a server and a client hardware device). For example, the client hardware device may be implemented by an endpoint client hardware device (e.g., a hardware device associated with a human and/or machine user) or an intermediate client hardware device gateway (e.g., a radio access network (RAN)) that may facilitate communication betw een a server and an endpoint client hardware device. Similarly, the non-transitory computer readable storage medium may include one or more mediums. Further, although the example program is described with reference to the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 10, many other methods of implementing the example ATLS alignment circuitry 902 may alternatively be used. For example, the order of execution of the blocks of the flowchart may be changed, and/or some of the blocks described may be changed, eliminated, or combined. Additionally or alternatively, any or all of the blocks of the flow chart may be implemented by one or more hardware circuits (e.g., processor circuitry, discrete and/or integrated analog and/or digital circuitry, an FPGA, an ASIC, a comparator, an operational-amplifier (op-amp), a logic circuit, etc.) structured to perform the corresponding operation without executing software or firmware. The programmable circuitry may be distributed in different network locations and/or local to one or more hardw are devices (e.g., a single-core processor (e.g., a single core CPU), a multi-core processor (e.g., a multi-core CPU. an XPU. etc.)). For example, the programmable circuitry may be a CPU and/or an FPGA located in the same package (e.g., the same integrated circuit (IC) package or in tw o or more separate housings), one or more processors in a single machine, multiple processors distributed across multiple servers of a server rack, multiple processors distributed across one or more server racks, etc., and/or any combination(s) thereof.

[0108] The machine readable instructions described herein may be stored in one or more of a compressed format, an encrypted format, a fragmented format, a compiled format, an executable format, a packaged format, etc. Machine readable instructions as described herein may be stored as data (e.g., computer-readable data, machine-readable data, one or more bits (e.g.. one or more computer-readable bits, one or more machine-readable bits, etc.), a bitstream (e.g., a computer-readable bitstream, a machine-readable bitstream, etc.), etc.) or a data structure (e.g., as portion(s) of instructions, code, representations of code, etc.) that may be utilized to create, manufacture, and/or produce machine executable instructions. For example, the machine readable instructions may be fragmented and stored on one or more storage devices, disks and/or computing devices (e.g., servers) located at the same or different locations of a network or collection of networks (e.g., in the cloud, in edge devices, etc.). The machine readable instructions may require one or more of installation, modification, adaptation, updating, combining, supplementing, configuring, decryption, decompression, unpacking, distribution, reassignment, compilation, etc., in order to make them directly readable, interpretable, and/or executable by a computing device and/or other machine. For example, the machine readable instructions may be stored in multiple parts, which are individually compressed, encrypted, and/or stored on separate computing devices, wherein the parts when decrypted, decompressed, and/or combined form a set of computer-executable and/or machine executable instructions that implement one or more functions and/or operations that may together form a program such as that described herein.

[0109] In another example, the machine readable instructions may be stored in a state in which they may be read by programmable circuitry, but require addition of a library (e g., a dynamic link library (DLL)), a software development kit (SDK), an application programming interface (API), etc., in order to execute the machine-readable instructions on a particular computing device or other device. In another example, the machine readable instructions may need to be configured (e.g., settings stored, data input, network addresses recorded, etc.) before the machine readable instructions and/or the corresponding program(s) can be executed in whole or in part. Thus, machine readable, computer readable and/or machine readable media, as used herein, may include instructions and/or program(s) regardless of the particular format or state of the machine readable instructions and/or program(s).

[0110] The machine readable instructions described herein can be represented by any past, present, or future instruction language, scripting language, programming language, etc. For example, the machine readable instructions may be represented using any of the following languages: C, C++, Java. C#, Perl. Python, JavaScript, HyperText Markup Language (HTML), Structured Query Language (SQL), Swift, etc.

[OHl] As mentioned above, the example operations of FIG. 10 may be implemented using executable instructions (e.g., computer readable and/or machine readable instructions) stored on one or more non-transitory computer readable and/or machine readable media. As used herein, the terms non-transitory computer readable medium, non-transitory computer readable storage medium, non-transitory machine readable medium, and/or non-transitory machine readable storage medium are expressly defined to include any t pe of computer readable storage device and/or storage disk and to exclude propagating signals and to exclude transmission media. Examples of such non-transitory computer readable medium, non-transitory computer readable storage medium, non-transitory machine readable medium, and/or non-transitory machine readable storage medium include optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, an HDD, a flash memory, a read-only memory (ROM), a CD, a DVD. a cache, a RAM of any type, a register, and/or any other storage device or storage disk in which information is stored for any duration (e.g., for extended time periods, permanently, for brief instances, for temporarily buffering, and/or for caching of the information). As used herein, the terms “non-transitory computer readable storage device” and “‘non-transitory machine readable storage device” are defined to include any physical (mechanical, magnetic and/or electrical) hardware to retain information for a time period, but to exclude propagating signals and to exclude transmission media. Examples of non-transitory computer readable storage devices and/ or non-transitory machine readable storage devices include random access memory of any type, read only memory of any type, solid state memory, flash memory, optical discs, magnetic disks, disk drives, and/or redundant array of independent disks (RAID) systems. As used herein, the term “device” refers to physical structure such as mechanical and/or electrical equipment, hardware, and/or circuitry that may or may not be configured by computer readable instructions, machine readable instructions, etc., and/or manufactured to execute computer-readable instructions, machine-readable instructions, etc.

[0112] FIG. 10 is a flowchart representative of example machine readable instructions and/or example operations 1000 that may be executed, instantiated, and/or performed by programmable circuitry’ to align an example ATLS (e.g., the first ATLS 104, the second ATLS 502, etc.). The example machine-readable instructions and/or the example operations 1000 of FIG. 10 begin at block 1002, at which the example scanning circuitry 908 causes the first sensor 202 to scan a region adjacent to an example ATLS. For example, the scanning circuitry' 908 causes the first sensor 202 to scan a region (e.g., adjacent the doorway 108 of the loading dock 102, an exterior driveway of the loading dock 102) adjacent to the first ATLS 104. In some examples, the scanning circuitry 908 is communicatively coupled to the sensor circuitry 904, wherein the sensor circuitry 904 causes the sensor 906 to scan the region, accesses or receives data from the sensor 906, etc.

[0113] At block 1004, the example scanning circuitry 908 determines whether a vehicle (e.g.. the vehicle 122) is detected in the region. If the example scanning circuitry 908 determines that there is no vehicle detected in the region, then control of the process returns to block 1002. If the example scanning circuitry' 908 determines that the vehicle 122 is detected in the region, then control of the process proceeds to block 1006.

[0114] At block 1006, the example distance monitor circuitry 910 monitors a distance between the vehicle 122 and the first ATLS 104. [0115] At block 1008, the example distance monitor circuitry 910 determines whether the monitored distance satisfies a threshold distance. For example, the distance monitor circuitry 910 can determine the threshold distance based on a maximum allowable distance (e.g., 1 foot, six inches, 1 inch, etc.) between the vehicle 122 (e.g., a rearmost edge of the vehicle 122) and the first ATLS 104 such that the conveyor 116 can deploy into the vehicle 122. If the example distance monitor circuitry 910 determines that the monitored distance does not satisfy (e.g., is greater than) the threshold distance, then control of the process returns to block 1002. If the example distance monitor circuitry 910 determines that the monitored distance satisfies (e.g., is less than) the threshold distance, then control of the process proceeds to block 1010.

[0116] At block 1010, the example vehicle position determination circuitry 912 determines a first angular position of the vehicle 122 relative to a first reference. In some examples, the first reference corresponds to a centerline (e.g., the reference 215) of the first ATLS 104. For example, the vehicle position determination circuitry 912 can determine the first angular position of the vehicle based on an angular offset (e.g., the angle 814) of the vehicle 122 (e.g., the reference 214) from the centerline (e.g., the reference 215) of the first ATLS 104.

[0117] At block 1012, the example vehicle position determination circuitry 912 determines whether the first angular position of the vehicle 122 exceeds an angular operating limit of the first ATLS 104. As described in connection with FIGS. 3A and 3B, the operating angular limit of the first ATLS 104 can be defined by the extension/retraction limits of the first and second actuators 302, 304. More specifically, the angular operating limit of the first ATLS 104 can be defined by a maximum clockwise rotation and a maximum counterclockwise rotation of the frame 130. If the example vehicle position determination circuitry 912 determines that the first angular position of the vehicle 122 exceeds the angular operating limit of the first ATLS 104, then control of the process proceeds to block 1014. Alternatively, if the example vehicle position determination circuitry 912 determines that the first angular position of the vehicle 122 satisfies (e.g., is within) the angular operating limit of the first ATLS 104, then control of the process proceeds to block 1016.

[0118] At block 1014, the example notification generator circuitry 914 generates a warning (e.g., notification, instructions, message, etc.) indicating the that the first angular position of the vehicle 122 exceeds the angular operating limit of the first ATLS 104. In some examples, the notification generator circuitry⁷ 914 can transmit this warning to the vehicle 122 and/or a driver/operator of the vehicle 122. In some examples, a driver/operator of the vehicle 122 may adjust the positioning of the vehicle 122 after receiving the warning. In some examples, if the vehicle 122 is an autonomous vehicle, the warning can cause the vehicle 122 to reposition or readjust alignment relative to the first ATLS 104 and/or the doorway 108.

[0119] At block 1016, the example vehicle position determination circuitry 912 determines a first lateral position of the vehicle 122 relative to the first reference (e.g., a centerline of the first ATLS 104). For example, the vehicle position determination circuitry' 912 can determine the first lateral position of the vehicle based on a lateral offset (e.g., distance 804) of the vehicle 122 (e.g., the reference 214) from the centerline (the reference 215) of the first ATLS 104.

[0120] At block 1018, the example vehicle position determination circuitry 912 determines whether the first lateral position of the vehicle 122 exceeds a lateral operating limit of the first ATLS 104. As described in connection with FIGS. 3 A and 3B, the lateral operating limit of the first ATLS 104 can be defined by the extension/retraction limits of the first and second actuators 302, 304. More specifically, the lateral operating limit of the first ATLS 104 can be defined by a maximum length of the actuators 302, 304 (at full extension) and a minimum length of the actuators 302, 304 (at full retraction). If the example vehicle position determination circuitry 912 determines that the first lateral position of the vehicle 122 exceeds the lateral operating limit, then control of the process proceeds to block 1014. Alternatively, if the example vehicle position determination circuitry 912 determines that the first lateral position of the vehicle 122 satisfies (e.g., is within) the lateral operating limit, then control of the process proceeds to block 1020.

[0121] At block 1014, the example notification generator circuitry 914 generates a warning indicating that the first lateral position of the vehicle 122 exceeds the lateral operating limit of the first ATLS 104. In turn, the notification generator circuitry 914 can transmit this warning to the vehicle 122. In some examples, a driver/ operator of the vehicle 122 may adjust the positioning of the vehicle 122 after receiving the message. In some examples, if the vehicle 122 is an autonomous vehicle, the warning can cause the vehicle 122 to reposition or readjust alignment relative to the first ATLS 104 and/or the doorway 108.

[0122] At block 1020, the example scanning circuitry 908 causes the first sensor 202 to scan the cargo area 120 of the vehicle 122.

[0123] At block 1022, the example scanning circuitry 908 determines whether there are obstructions detected in the cargo area 120. For example, the scanning circuitry' 908 can determine whether objects, cargo, or other objects are positioned or present in the cargo area 120 that could obstruct, inhibit, prevent, etc., deployment (e.g., full deployment, partial deployment, etc.) of the conveyor 1 1 into the vehicle 122. If the scanning circuitry 908 detects obstruction(s) in the cargo area 120, then control of the process proceeds to block 1014. Alternatively, if the scanning circuitry 908 detects little to no obstruction(s) in the cargo area 120, then control of the process proceeds to block 1024.

[0124] At block 1014, the example notification generator circuitry 914 generates a warning indicating the obstruction(s) in the cargo area 120. In turn, the notification generator circuitry 914 can transmit the warning to at least one of an operator of the first ATLS 104 or a driver of the vehicle 122.

[0125] At block 1024, the angular adjustment circuitry 918 determines a second angular position of the first ATLS 104 relative to the vehicle position (determined by the vehicle position determination circuitry 912).

[0126] At block 1026, the example angular adjustment circuitry 918 determines whether the second angular position of the first ATLS 104 exceeds an angular target threshold. In some examples, the angular target threshold is based on a maximum allowable offset angle that enables deployment of the conveyor 116 without either side 816, 820 of the conveyor 116 contacting corresponding side walls 208, 210 of the vehicle 122. If the example angular adjustment circuitry 918 determines that the second angular position of the first ATLS 104 exceeds the angular target threshold, then control of the process proceeds to block 1028. Alternatively, if the example angular adjustment circuitry 918 determines that the second angular position of the first ATLS 104 satisfies (e g., is within) the angular target threshold, then control of the process proceeds to block 1030.

[0127] At block 1028, the example angular adjustment circuitry 918 adjusts the first ATLS 104 to a third angular position. In some examples, the third angular position of the first ATLS 104 satisfies the angular target threshold. In other examples, the third angular position does not satisfy the angular target threshold and, in turn, the angular adjustment circuitry 918 continues to adjust the angular position of the first ATLS 104 (and returns to block 1024 after adjustment).

[0128] At block 1030, the example lateral adjustment circuitry' 916 determines a second lateral position of the first ATLS 104 relative to the vehicle position (determined by the vehicle position determination circuitry 912).

[0129] At block 1032, the example lateral adjustment circuitry 916 determines whether the second lateral position of the first ATLS 104 exceeds a lateral target threshold. In some examples, the lateral target threshold is based on the width 808 of the conveyor 116, the width 810 of the vehicle 122. etc. For example, the lateral target threshold is approximately between one inch and three inches. If the example lateral adjustment circuitry 916 determines that the second lateral position of the first ATLS 104 exceeds the lateral target threshold, then control of the process proceeds to block 1034. Alternatively, if the example lateral adjustment circuitry 916 determines that the second lateral position of the first ATLS 104 satisfies (e.g., is within) the lateral target threshold, then control of the process proceeds to block 1036.

[0130] At block 1034, the example lateral adjustment circuitry 916 adjusts the first ATLS 104 to a third lateral position. In some examples, the third lateral position of the first ATLS 104 satisfies the lateral target threshold. In other examples, the third lateral position does not satisfy the lateral target threshold and, in turn, the lateral adjustment circuitry 916 continues to adjust the lateral position of the first ATLS 104 (and returns to block 1030 after adjustment).

[0131] At block 1036, the example vertical adjustment circuitry 919 determines a first vertical position of the first ATLS 104 relative to the vehicle 122. For example, the vertical adjustment circuitry 919 determines a first vertical position (e.g., a parallel relationship) of the first ATLS 104 relative to the floor 415 (FIGS. 4D and 4E) of the vehicle 122. In some examples, the vertical adjustment circuitry 919 detennines that the first vertical position of the first ATLS 104 is above, below, or approximately level (e.g., within 5 in) with the floor 415 of the vehicle 122. In some examples, the vertical adjustment circuitry 919 determines that the first vertical position of the first ATLS 104 is titled/sloped relative to the floor 415 of the vehicle 122.

[0132] At block 1038, the example vertical adjustment circuitry 919 determines whether the first vertical position of the first ATLS 104 exceeds a vertical target threshold. In some examples, the vertical target threshold is based on a maximum allowable vertical offset that enables deployment of the conveyor 116 into the vehicle 122 (e.g., onto the floor 415). If the example vertical adjustment circuitry' 919 determines that the first vertical position of the first ATLS 104 exceeds the vertical target threshold, then control of the process proceeds to block 1040. Alternatively, if the example vertical adjustment circuitry' 919 determines that the first vertical position of the first ATLS 104 satisfies the vertical target threshold, then control of the process proceeds to block 1042.

[0133] At block 1040, the example vertical adjustment circuitry 919 adjusts the first ATLS 104 to a second vertical position. The example vertical adjustment circuitry 919 is operatively coupled to the actuators 315a, 315b, 315c, 315d to adjust the first ATLS 104 to the second vertical position. For example, the vertical adjustment circuitry' 919 can cause one or more of the actuators 315a, 315b, 315c, 315d (e.g., cause the pistons of the actuators 315a-315d to extend or retract) to raise and/or lower the frame 130 of the first ATLS 104 relative to the vehicle 122 (e.g., align the ATLS 104 and the vehicle 122). [0134] At block 1042, the example length measurement circuitry 920 determines a length of the cargo area 120 of the vehicle 122.

[0135] At block 1044, the example length measurement circuitry 920 determines whether the length of the cargo area 120 exceeds a threshold length. In some examples, the threshold length is based on a deploy ed/extended length of the conveyor 116. If the length measurement circuitry 920 determines that the length exceeds the threshold length, then control of the process proceeds to block 1014. Alternatively, if the length measurement circuitry 920 determines that the length satisfies the threshold length, then control of the process proceeds to block 1040.

[0136] At block 1014, the example notification generator circuitry’ 914 generates a warning indicating that the length of the cargo area 120 exceeds the threshold length.

[0137] At block 1046, the example deployment circuitry 922 causes deployment, extension, etc., of the conveyor 116 (e.g., to deliver the cargo 118 to the cargo area 120). In some examples, the deployment circuitry 922 causes the conveyor 116 to move between a stored position and an extended position relative to the cargo area 120 of the vehicle 122 when (i) the second angular position of the first ATLS 104 satisfies the angular target threshold and (ii) the second lateral position of the first ATLS 104 satisfies the lateral target threshold. In some examples, the deployment circuitry' 922 determines/adjusts a deployment distance of the conveyor 116 based on the length of the cargo area 120. Then, the process ends.

[0138] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an example programmable circuitry platform 1100 structured to execute and/or instantiate the example machine-readable instructions and/or the example operations of FIG. 10 to implement the ATLS alignment circuitry’ 902 of FIG. 9. The programmable circuitry' platform 1100 can be, for example, a serv er, a personal computer, a workstation, a self-learning machine (e.g.. aneural network), a mobile device (e.g., a cell phone, a smart phone, a tablet such as an iPad™), a personal digital assistant (PDA), an Internet appliance, a DVD player, a CD player, a digital video recorder, a Blu-ray player, a gaming console, a personal video recorder, a set top box, a headset (e.g., an augmented reality' (AR) headset, a virtual reality (VR) headset, etc.) or other wearable device, or any other type of computing and/or electronic device.

[0139] The programmable circuitry platform 1100 of the illustrated example includes programmable circuitry' 1112. The programmable circuitry' 1112 of the illustrated example is hardware. For example, the programmable circuitry 1112 can be implemented by one or more integrated circuits, logic circuits, FPGAs, microprocessors, CPUs, GPUs. DSPs, and/or microcontrollers from any desired family or manufacturer. The programmable circuitry' 1 1 12 may be implemented by one or more semiconductor based (e.g., silicon based) devices. In this example, the programmable circuitry 1112 implements the example scanning circuitry 908, the example distance monitor circuitry' 910, the example vehicle position determination circuitry⁷ 912, the example notification generator circuitry 914, the example lateral adjustment circuitry⁷ 916, the example angular adjustment circuitry 918, the example vertical adjustment circuitry 919, the example length measurement circuitry 920. the example deployment circuitry 922 and/or, more generally, the example ATLS alignment circuitry 902 of FIG. 9.

[0140] The programmable circuitry 1112 of the illustrated example includes a local memory⁷ 1113 (e.g., a cache, registers, etc.). The programmable circuitry' 1112 of the illustrated example is in communication with main memory 1114, 1116, which includes a volatile memory 1114 and a non-volatile memory 1 116, by a bus 1118. The volatile memory’ 1114 may be implemented by Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory⁷ (SDRAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory⁷ (DRAM), RAMBUS® Dynamic Random Access Memory' (RDRAM®), and/or any other ty pe of RAM device. The non-volatile memory 1116 may be implemented by flash memory and/or any other desired type of memory device. Access to the main memory 1114, 1116 of the illustrated example is controlled by a memory⁷ controller 1117. In some examples, the memory controller 1117 may be implemented by one or more integrated circuits, logic circuits, microcontrollers from any desired family or manufacturer, or any other type of circuitry to manage the flow of data going to and from the main memory 1114, 1116.

[0141] The programmable circuitry platform 1100 of the illustrated example also includes interface circuitry⁷ 1120. The interface circuitry’ 1120 may be implemented by hardware in accordance with any type of interface standard, such as an Ethernet interface, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a Bluetooth® interface, a near field communication (NFC) interface, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) interface, and/or a Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) interface.

[0142] In the illustrated example, one or more input devices 1122 are connected to the interface circuitry' 1120. The input device(s) 1122 permit(s) a user (e.g., a human user, a machine user, etc.) to enter data and/or commands into the programmable circuitry 1112. The input device(s) 1122 can be implemented by, for example, an audio sensor, a microphone, a camera (still or video), a keyboard, a button, a mouse, a touchscreen, a trackpad, a trackball, an isopoint device, and/or a voice recognition system.

[0143] One or more output devices 1124 are also connected to the interface circuitry 1120 of the illustrated example. The output device(s) 1124 can be implemented, for example, by display devices (e.g., a light emitting diode (LED), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a cathode ray tube (CRT) display, an in-place switching (IPS) display, a touchscreen, etc.), a tactile output device, a printer, and/or speaker. The interface circuitry 1120 of the illustrated example, thus, typically includes a graphics driver card, a graphics driver chip, and/or graphics processor circuitry' such as a GPU.

[0144] The interface circuitry' 1120 of the illustrated example also includes a communication device such as a transmitter, a receiver, a transceiver, a modem, a residential gateway, a wireless access point, and/or a network interface to facilitate exchange of data with external machines (e.g., computing devices of any kind) by a network 1126. The communication can be by, for example, an Ethernet connection, a digital subscriber line (DSL) connection, a telephone line connection, a coaxial cable system, a satellite system, a beyond-line-of-sight wireless system, a line-of-sight wireless system, a cellular telephone system, an optical connection, etc.

[0145] The programmable circuitry platform 1100 of the illustrated example also includes one or more mass storage discs or devices 1128 to store firmware, software, and/or data. Examples of such mass storage discs or devices 1128 include magnetic storage devices (e.g., floppy disk, drives, HDDs, etc.), optical storage devices (e.g., Blu-ray disks, CDs, DVDs, etc.), RAID systems, and/or solid-state storage discs or devices such as flash memory' devices and/or SSDs.

[0146] The machine readable instructions 1132, which may be implemented by the machine readable instructions of FIG. 10, may be stored in the mass storage device 1128, in the volatile memory 1114, in the non-volatile memory' 11 16, and/or on at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium such as a CD or DVD which may be removable.

[0147] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an example implementation of the programmable circuitry 1112 ofFIG. 11. In this example, the programmable circuitry 1112 of FIG. 11 is implemented by a microprocessor 1200. For example, the microprocessor 1200 may be a general -purpose microprocessor (e.g., general -purpose microprocessor circuitry). The microprocessor 1200 executes some or all of the machine-readable instructions of the flowchart of FIG. 10 to effectively instantiate the circuitry of FIG. 9 as logic circuits to perform operations corresponding to those machine readable instructions. In some such examples, the circuitry of FIG. 9 is instantiated by the hardware circuits of the microprocessor 1200 in combination with the machine-readable instructions. For example, the microprocessor 1200 may be implemented by multi-core hardware circuitry such as a CPU, a DSP. a GPU, an XPU, etc. Although it may include any number of example cores 1202 (e.g., 1 core), the microprocessor 1200 of this example is a multi-core semiconductor device including N cores. The cores 1202 of the microprocessor 1200 may operate independently or may cooperate to execute machine readable instructions. For example, machine code corresponding to a firmware program, an embedded software program, or a software program may be executed by one of the cores 1202 or may be executed by multiple ones of the cores 1202 at the same or different times. In some examples, the machine code corresponding to the firmware program, the embedded software program, or the software program is split into threads and executed in parallel by two or more of the cores 1202. The software program may correspond to a portion or all of the machine readable instructions and/or operations represented by the flowchart of FIG. 10.

[0148] The cores 1202 may communicate by a first example bus 1204. In some examples, the first bus 1204 may be implemented by a communication bus to effectuate communication associated with one(s) of the cores 1202. For example, the first bus 1204 may be implemented by at least one of an Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) bus, a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) bus, a PCI bus, or a PCIe bus. Additionally or alternatively, the first bus 1204 may be implemented by any other type of computing or electrical bus. The cores 1202 may obtain data, instructions, and/or signals from one or more external devices by example interface circuitry 1206. The cores 1202 may output data, instructions, and/or signals to the one or more external devices by the interface circuitry 1206. Although the cores 1202 of this example include example local memory 1220 (e.g., Level 1 (LI) cache that may be split into an LI data cache and an LI instruction cache), the microprocessor 1200 also includes example shared memory 1210 that may be shared by the cores (e.g., Level 2 (L2 cache)) for high-speed access to data and/or instructions. Data and/or instructions may be transferred (e.g., shared) by writing to and/or reading from the shared memory 1210. The local memory 1220 of each of the cores 1202 and the shared memory 1210 may be part of a hierarchy of storage devices including multiple levels of cache memory and the main memory (e.g.. the main memory 1114, 1116 of FIG. 11). Typically, higher levels of memory in the hierarchy exhibit lower access time and have smaller storage capacity than lower levels of memory. Changes in the various levels of the cache hierarchy are managed (e.g., coordinated) by a cache coherency policy.

[0149] Each core 1202 may be referred to as a CPU, DSP, GPU, etc., or any other type of hardware circuitry. Each core 1202 includes control unit circuitry 1214, arithmetic and logic (AL) circuitry (sometimes referred to as an ALU) 1216, a plurality of registers 1218, the local memory 1220, and a second example bus 1222. Other structures may be present. For example, each core 1202 may include vector unit circuitry, single instruction multiple data (SIMD) unit circuitry, load/store unit (LSU) circuitry, branch/jump unit circuitry, floating-point unit (FPU) circuitry, etc. The control unit circuitry 1214 includes semiconductor-based circuits structured to control (e.g., coordinate) data movement within the corresponding core 1202. The AL circuitry 1216 includes semiconductor-based circuits structured to perform one or more mathematic and/or logic operations on the data within the corresponding core 1202. The AL circuitry 1216 of some examples performs integer based operations. In other examples, the AL circuitry’ 1216 also performs floating-point operations. In yet other examples, the AL circuitry 1216 may include first AL circuitry that performs integer-based operations and second AL circuitry that performs floating-point operations. In some examples, the AL circuitry 1216 may be referred to as an Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU).

[0150] The registers 1218 are semiconductor-based structures to store data and/or instructions such as results of one or more of the operations performed by the AL circuitry 1216 of the corresponding core 1202. For example, the registers 1218 may include vector register(s), SIMD register(s), general-purpose register(s), flag register(s), segment register(s), machinespecific register(s), instruction pointer register(s), control register(s), debug register(s), memory management register(s), machine check register(s), etc. The registers 1218 may be arranged in a bank as shown in FIG. 12. Alternatively, the registers 1218 may be organized in any other arrangement, format, or structure, such as by being distributed throughout the core 1202 to shorten access time. The second bus 1222 may be implemented by at least one of an I2C bus, a SPI bus, a PCI bus, or a PCIe bus.

[0151] Each core 1202 and/or, more generally, the microprocessor 1200 may include additional and/or alternate structures to those shown and descnbed above. For example, one or more clock circuits, one or more power supplies, one or more power gates, one or more cache home agents (CHAs), one or more converged/common mesh stops (CMSs), one or more shifters (e.g., barrel shifter(s)) and/or other circuitry may be present. The microprocessor 1200 is a semiconductor device fabricated to include many transistors interconnected to implement the structures described above in one or more integrated circuits (ICs) contained in one or more packages.

[0152] The microprocessor 1200 may include and/or cooperate with one or more accelerators (e.g., acceleration circuitry, hardware accelerators, etc.). In some examples, accelerators are implemented by logic circuitry to perform certain tasks more quickly and/or efficiently than can be done by a general-purpose processor. Examples of accelerators include ASICs and FPGAs such as those discussed herein. A GPU, DSP and/or other programmable device can also be an accelerator. Accelerators may be on-board the microprocessor 1200, in the same chip package as the microprocessor 1200 and/or in one or more separate packages from the microprocessor 1200. [0153] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of another example implementation of the programmable circuitry 1112 of FIG. 11. In this example, the programmable circuitry 1112 is implemented by FPGA circuitry 1300. For example, the FPGA circuitry 1300 may be implemented by an FPGA. The FPGA circuitry 1300 can be used, for example, to perform operations that could otherwise be performed by the example microprocessor 1200 of FIG. 12 executing corresponding machine readable instructions. However, once configured, the FPGA circuitry 1300 instantiates the operations and/or functions corresponding to the machine readable instructions in hardware and, thus, can often execute the operations/functions faster than they could be performed by a general-purpose microprocessor executing the corresponding software.

[0154] More specifically, in contrast to the microprocessor 1200 of FIG. 12 described above (which is a general purpose device that may be programmed to execute some or all of the machine readable instructions represented by the flowchart of FIG. 10 but whose interconnections and logic circuitry are fixed once fabricated), the FPGA circuitry 1300 of the example of FIG. 13 includes interconnections and logic circuitry' that may be configured, structured, programmed, and/or interconnected in different ways after fabrication to instantiate, for example, some or all of the operations/functions corresponding to the machine readable instructions represented by the flowchart of FIG. 10. In particular, the FPGA circuitry 1300 may be thought of as an array of logic gates, interconnections, and switches. The switches can be programmed to change how the logic gates are interconnected by the interconnections, effectively forming one or more dedicated logic circuits (unless and until the FPGA circuitry 1300 is reprogrammed). The configured logic circuits enable the logic gates to cooperate in different ways to perform different operations on data received by input circuitry'. Those operations may correspond to some or all of the instructions (e.g., the software and/or firmware) represented by the flowchart of FIG. 10. As such, the FPGA circuitry 1300 may be configured and/or structured to effectively instantiate some or all of the operations/functions corresponding to the machine readable instructions of the flowchart of FIG. 10 as dedicated logic circuits to perform the operations/functions corresponding to those software instructions in a dedicated manner analogous to an ASIC. Therefore, the FPGA circuitry 1300 may perform the operations/functions corresponding to the some or all of the machine readable instructions of FIG. 10 faster than the general-purpose microprocessor can execute the same.

[0155] In the example of FIG. 13, the FPGA circuitry' 1300 is configured and/or structured in response to being programmed (and/or reprogrammed one or more times) based on a binary file. In some examples, the binary’ file may be compiled and/or generated based on instructions in a hardware description language (HDL) such as Lucid, Very High Speed Integrated Circuits (VHSIC) Hardware Description Language (VHDL). or Verilog. For example, a user (e.g., a human user, a machine user, etc.) may write code or a program corresponding to one or more operations/functions in an HDL; the code/program may be translated into a low- level language as needed; and the code/program (e.g., the code/program in the low-level language) may be converted (e.g., by a compiler, a software application, etc.) into the binary fde. In some examples, the FPGA circuitry 1300 of FIG. 13 may access and/or load the binary file to cause the FPGA circuitry 1300 of FIG. 13 to be configured and/or structured to perform the one or more operations/functions. For example, the binary file may be implemented by a bit stream (e.g., one or more computer-readable bits, one or more machine-readable bits, etc.), data (e.g., computer-readable data, machine-readable data, etc.), and/or machine-readable instructions accessible to the FPGA circuitry 1300 of FIG. 13 to cause configuration and/or structuring of the FPGA circuitry 1300 of FIG. 13, or portion(s) thereof.

[0156] In some examples, the binary file is compiled, generated, transformed, and/or otherwise output from a uniform software platform utilized to program FPGAs. For example, the uniform software platform may translate first instructions (e.g., code or a program) that correspond to one or more operations/functions in a high-level language (e.g., C, C++, Python, etc.) into second instructions that correspond to the one or more operations/functions in an HDL. In some such examples, the binary file is compiled, generated, and/or otherwise output from the uniform software platform based on the second instructions. In some examples, the FPGA circuitry 1300 of FIG. 13 may access and/or load the binary file to cause the FPGA circuitry 1300 of FIG. 13 to be configured and/or structured to perform the one or more operations/functions. For example, the binary file may be implemented by a bit stream (e.g., one or more computer-readable bits, one or more machine-readable bits, etc.), data (e.g., computer- readable data, machine-readable data, etc.), and/or machine-readable instructions accessible to the FPGA circuitry 1300 of FIG. 13 to cause configuration and/or structuring of the FPGA circuitry 1300 of FIG. 13, or portion(s) thereof.

[0157] The FPGA circuitry 1300 of FIG. 13, includes example input/output (I/O) circuitry 1302 to obtain and/or output data to/from example configuration circuitry 1304 and/or external hardware 1306. For example, the configuration circuitry 1304 may be implemented by interface circuitry that may obtain a binary file, which may be implemented by a bit stream, data, and/or machine-readable instructions, to configure the FPGA circuitry 1300, or portion(s) thereof. In some such examples, the configuration circuitry 1304 may obtain the binary file from a user, a machine (e.g.. hardware circuitry (e.g.. programmable or dedicated circuitry) that may implement an Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) model to generate the binary file), etc., and/or any combination(s) thereof). In some examples, the external hardware 1306 may be implemented by external hardware circuitry. For example, the external hardware 1306 may be implemented by the microprocessor 1200 of FIG. 12.

[0158] The FPGA circuitry 1300 also includes an array of example logic gate circuitry 1308. a plurality of example configurable interconnections 1310, and example storage circuitry 1312. The logic gate circuitry 1308 and the configurable interconnections 1310 are configurable to instantiate one or more operations/functions that may correspond to at least some of the machine readable instructions of FIG. 10 and/or other desired operations. The logic gate circuitry 1308 shown in FIG. 13 is fabricated in blocks or groups. Each block includes semiconductor-based electrical structures that may be configured into logic circuits. In some examples, the electrical structures include logic gates (e.g., And gates, Or gates, Nor gates, etc.) that provide basic building blocks for logic circuits. Electrically controllable switches (e.g., transistors) are present within each of the logic gate circuitry 1308 to enable configuration of the electrical structures and/or the logic gates to form circuits to perform desired operations/functions. The logic gate circuitry 1308 may include other electrical structures such as look-up tables (LUTs), registers (e.g., flip-flops or latches), multiplexers, etc.

[0159] The configurable interconnections 1310 of the illustrated example are conductive pathw ays, traces, vias, or the like that may include electrically controllable switches (e.g., transistors) whose state can be changed by programming (e.g., using an HDL instruction language) to activate or deactivate one or more connections between one or more of the logic gate circuitry 1308 to program desired logic circuits.

[0160] The storage circuitry 1312 of the illustrated example is structured to store result(s) of the one or more of the operations performed by corresponding logic gates. The storage circuitry 1312 may be implemented by registers or the like. In the illustrated example, the storage circuitry 1312 is distributed amongst the logic gate circuitry 1308 to facilitate access and increase execution speed.

[0161] The example FPGA circuitry 1300 of FIG. 13 also includes example dedicated operations circuitry’ 1314. In this example, the dedicated operations circuitry 1314 includes special purpose circuitry 1316 that may be invoked to implement commonly used functions to avoid the need to program those functions in the field. Examples of such special purpose circuitry’ 1316 include memory' (e.g., DRAM) controller circuitry, PCIe controller circuitry⁷, clock circuitry, transceiver circuitry, memory, and multiplier-accumulator circuitry. Other types of special purpose circuitry may be present. In some examples, the FPGA circuitry 1300 may also include example general purpose programmable circuitry⁷ 1318 such as an example CPU 1320 and/or an example DSP 1322. Other general purpose programmable circuitry 1318 may additionally or alternatively be present such as a GPU, an XPU. etc., that can be programmed to perform other operations.

[0162] Although FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate two example implementations of the programmable circuitry 1112 of FIG. 11, many other approaches are contemplated. For example, FPGA circuitry may include an on-board CPU, such as one or more of the example CPU 1320 of FIG. 12. Therefore, the programmable circuitry 1112 of FIG. 11 may additionally be implemented by combining at least the example microprocessor 1200 of FIG. 12 and the example FPGA circuitry 1300 of FIG. 13. In some such hybrid examples, one or more cores 1202 of FIG. 12 may execute a first portion of the machine readable instructions represented by the flowchart of FIG. 10 to perform first operation(s)/function(s). the FPGA circuitry 1300 of FIG. 13 may be configured and/or structured to perform second operation(s)/function(s) corresponding to a second portion of the machine readable instructions represented by the flowchart of FIG. 10, and/or an ASIC may be configured and/or structured to perform third operation(s)/function(s) corresponding to a third portion of the machine readable instructions represented by the flowchart of FIG. 10.

[0163] It should be understood that some or all of the circuitry of FIG. 9 may, thus, be instantiated at the same or different times. For example, same and/or different portion(s) of the microprocessor 1200 of FIG. 12 may be programmed to execute portion(s) of machine-readable instructions at the same and/or different times. In some examples, same and/or different portion(s) of the FPGA circuitry 1300 of FIG. 13 may be configured and/or structured to perform operations/functions corresponding to portion(s) of machine-readable instructions at the same and/or different times.

[0164] In some examples, some or all of the circuitry of FIG. 9 may be instantiated, for example, in one or more threads executing concurrently and/or in series. For example, the microprocessor 1200 of FIG. 12 may execute machine readable instructions in one or more threads executing concurrently and/or in series. In some examples, the FPGA circuitry 1300 of FIG. 13 may be configured and/or structured to carry out operations/functions concurrently and/or in series. Moreover, in some examples, some or all of the circuitry of FIG. 9 may be implemented within one or more virtual machines and/or containers executing on the microprocessor 1200 of FIG. 12.

[0165] In some examples, the programmable circuitry 1112 of FIG. 11 may be in one or more packages. For example, the microprocessor 1200 of FIG. 12 and/or the FPGA circuitry 1300 of FIG. 13 may be in one or more packages. In some examples, an XPU may be implemented by the programmable circuitry 1112 of FIG. 11, which may be in one or more packages. For example, the XPU may include a CPU (e.g., the microprocessor 1200 of FIG. 12, the CPU 1320 of FIG. 13, etc.) in one package, a DSP (e g., the DSP 1322 of FIG. 13) in another package, a GPU in yet another package, and an FPGA (e.g., the FPGA circni try 1300 of FIG. 13) in still yet another package.

[0166] A block diagram illustrating an example software distribution platform 1405 to distribute software such as the example machine readable instructions 1132 of FIG. 11 to other hardware devices (e.g., hardware devices owned and/or operated by third parties from the owner and/or operator of the software distribution platform) is illustrated in FIG. 14. The example software distribution platform 1405 may be implemented by any computer server, data facility, cloud service, etc., capable of storing and transmitting software to other computing devices. The third parties may be customers of the entity owning and/or operating the software distribution platform 1405. For example, the entity that owns and/or operates the software distribution platform 1405 may be a developer, a seller, and/or a licensor of software such as the example machine readable instructions 1132 of FIG. 11. The third parties may be consumers, users, retailers, OEMs, etc., who purchase and/or license the software for use and/or re-sale and/or sublicensing. In the illustrated example, the software distribution platform 1405 includes one or more servers and one or more storage devices. The storage devices store the machine readable instructions 1132, which may correspond to the example machine readable instructions of FIG. 10. as described above. The one or more servers of the example software distribution platform 1405 are in communication with an example network 1410, which may correspond to any one or more of the Internet and/or any of the example netw orks described above. In some examples, the one or more servers are responsive to requests to transmit the software to a requesting party' as part of a commercial transaction. Payment for the delivers’, sale, and/or license of the software may be handled by the one or more servers of the software distribution platform and/or by a third party payment entity. The servers enable purchasers and/or licensors to download the machine readable instructions 1132 from the software distribution platform 1405. For example, the software, which may correspond to the example machine readable instructions of FIG. 10, may be downloaded to the example programmable circuitry platform 1100. which is to execute the machine readable instructions 1132 to implement the ATLS alignment circuitry 902. In some examples, one or more servers of the softw are distribution platform 1405 periodically offer, transmit, and/or force updates to the software (e g., the example machine readable instructions 1132 of FIG. 11) to ensure improvements, patches, updates, etc., are distributed and applied to the software at the end user devices. Although referred to as software above, the distributed “software” could alternatively be firmware.

[0167] “Including” and “comprising” (and all forms and tenses thereof) are used herein to be open ended terms. Thus, whenever a claim employs any form of “include” or “comprise” (e.g., comprises, includes, comprising, including, having, etc.) as a preamble or within a claim recitation of any kind, it is to be understood that additional elements, terms, etc., may be present without falling outside the scope of the corresponding claim or recitation. As used herein, when the phrase “at least” is used as the transition term in, for example, a preamble of a claim, it is open-ended in the same manner as the term “comprising” and “including” are open ended. The term “and/or” when used, for example, in a form such as A, B, and/or C refers to any combination or subset of A, B. C such as (1) A alone. (2) B alone, (3) C alone, (4) A with B. (5) A with C, (6) B with C, or (7) A with B and with C. As used herein in the context of describing structures, components, items, objects and/or things, the phrase “at least one of A and B” is intended to refer to implementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. Similarly, as used herein in the context of describing structures, components, items, objects and/or things, the phrase “at least one of A or B” is intended to refer to implementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. As used herein in the context of describing the performance or execution of processes, instructions, actions, activities, etc., the phrase “at least one of A and B” is intended to refer to implementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B. or (3) at least one A and at least one B. Similarly, as used herein in the context of describing the performance or execution of processes, instructions, actions, activities, etc., the phrase “at least one of A or B” is intended to refer to implementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B.

[0168] As used herein, singular references (e.g., “a”, “an”, “first”, “second”, etc.) do not exclude a plurality. The term “a” or “an” object, as used herein, refers to one or more of that object. The terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more”, and “at least one” are used interchangeably herein. Furthermore, although individually listed, a plurality’ of means, elements, or actions may be implemented by, e.g.. the same entity or object. Additionally, although individual features may be included in different examples or claims, these may possibly be combined, and the inclusion in different examples or claims does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and/or advantageous.

[0169] As used herein, unless otherwise stated, the term “above” describes the relationship of two parts relative to Earth. A first part is above a second part, if the second part has at least one part between Earth and the first part. Likewise, as used herein, a first part is “below⁷’ a second part when the first part is closer to the Earth than the second part. As noted above, a first part can be above or below a second part with one or more of: other parts therebetween, without other parts therebetween, with the first and second parts touching, or without the first and second parts being in direct contact with one another.

[0170] As used in this patent, stating that any part (e.g., a layer, film, area, region, or plate) is in any way on (e.g., positioned on, located on, disposed on, or formed on, etc.) another part, indicates that the referenced part is either in contact with the other part, or that the referenced part is above the other part with one or more intermediate part(s) located therebetween.

[0171] As used herein, connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) may include intermediate members between the elements referenced by the connection reference and/or relative movement between those elements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and/or in fixed relation to each other. As used herein, stating that any part is in “contact” with another part is defined to mean that there is no intermediate part between the two parts.

[0172] Unless specifically stated otherwise, descriptors such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are used herein without imputing or otherwise indicating any meaning of priority, physical order, arrangement in a list, and/or ordering in any way. but are merely used as labels and/or arbitrary names to distinguish elements for ease of understanding the disclosed examples. In some examples, the descriptor “first” may be used to refer to an element in the detailed description, while the same element may be referred to in a claim with a different descriptor such as “second” or “third.” In such instances, it should be understood that such descriptors are used merely for identifying those elements distinctly within the context of the discussion (e.g., within a claim) in which the elements might, for example, otherwise share a same name.

[0173] As used herein, “approximately” and “about” modify their subjects/values to recognize the potential presence of variations that occur in real world applications. For example, “approximately” and “about” may modify dimensions that may not be exact due to manufacturing tolerances and/or other real world imperfections as will be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. For example, “approximately” and “about” may indicate such dimensions may be within a tolerance range of +/- 10% unless otherw ise specified herein.

[0174] As used herein, the phrase “in communication.” including variations thereof, encompasses direct communication and/or indirect communication through one or more intermediary components, and does not require direct physical (e.g., wired) communication and/or constant communication, but rather additionally includes selective communication at periodic intervals, scheduled intervals, aperiodic intervals, and/or one-time events.

[0175] As used herein, “programmable circuitry” is defined to include (i) one or more special purpose electrical circuits (e.g., an application specific circuit (ASIC)) structured to perform specific operation(s) and including one or more semiconductor-based logic devices (e.g., electrical hardware implemented by one or more transistors), and/or (ii) one or more general purpose semiconductor-based electrical circuits programmable with instructions to perform specific functions(s) and/or operation(s) and including one or more semiconductorbased logic devices (e.g., electrical hardware implemented by one or more transistors). Examples of programmable circuitry include programmable microprocessors such as Central Processor Units (CPUs) that may execute first instructions to perform one or more operations and/or functions, Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) that may be programmed with second instructions to cause configuration and/or structuring of the FPGAs to instantiate one or more operations and/or functions corresponding to the first instructions, Graphics Processor Units (GPUs) that may execute first instructions to perform one or more operations and/or functions. Digital Signal Processors (DSPs) that may execute first instructions to perform one or more operations and/or functions, XPUs, Network Processing Units (NPUs) one or more microcontrollers that may execute first instructions to perform one or more operations and/or functions and/or integrated circuits such as Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs). For example, an XPU may be implemented by a heterogeneous computing system including multiple types of programmable circuitry (e.g., one or more FPGAs, one or more CPUs, one or more GPUs, one or more NPUs, one or more DSPs, etc., and/or any combination(s) thereof), and orchestration technology (e.g., application programming interface(s) (API(s)) that may assign computing task(s) to whichever one(s) of the multiple types of programmable circuitry is/are suited and available to perform the computing task(s).

[0176] As used herein integrated circuit/circuitry is defined as one or more semiconductor packages containing one or more circuit elements such as transistors, capacitors, inductors, resistors, current paths, diodes, etc. For example, an integrated circuit may be implemented as one or more of an ASIC, an FPGA. a chip, a microchip, programmable circuitry, a semiconductor substrate coupling multiple circuit elements, a system on chip (SoC), etc.

[0177] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that example systems, apparatus, articles of manufacture, and methods have been disclosed that provide automated or semiautomated trailer loading systems for positioning cargo or goods within a trailer or container. Specifically, example ATLSs disclosed herein employ an example alignment adjustment system for providing alignment between an ATLS and a cargo bed of such a trailer. In contrast to some ATLSs, ATLSs disclosed herein can determine a position of the ATLS relative to the trailer and, in turn, move or position itself in alignment with the trailer. For instance, if an example ATLS disclosed herein is (e.g., laterally and/or angularly) offset relative to an example trailer, then the example ATLS can activate the adjustment system to adjust (e.g.. turn, rotate, tilt, slid, translate, push, etc.,) the ATLS such the example ATLS is approximately centered (e.g., within 10%) with the example trailer. As such, an example conveyor associated with the example ATLS disclosed herein can extend and/or otherwise deploy into the trailer to deliver load. Example adjustment systems disclosed herein reduce time and/or effort spent to center a trailer relative to the ATLS, which may involve a manual adjustment by a driver of a vehicle and. in some instances, multiple iterations of repositioning the vehicle. Disclosed systems, apparatus, articles of manufacture, and methods improve the efficiency of using a computing device by automatically determining a position adjustment for an example ATLS. Disclosed systems, apparatus, articles of manufacture, and methods are accordingly directed to one or more improvement(s) in the operation of a machine such as a computer or other electronic and/or mechanical device.

[0178] Examples disclosed herein are described with respect to example ATLSs and example vehicles. How ever, examples disclosed herein can be implemented in any example system such as a vertical leveler, a horizontal leveler, a lift, etc. For example, a vertical leveler can include a frame (e.g., the frame 130) or actuators (e.g., any of the actuators 302, 304. 315a- 31 d), and/or an alignment system (e.g., the alignment system 200) to adjust the positioning of the vertical leveler relative to an example vehicle. For example, prior to deployment of a vertical leveler from a stored, vertical position to a standard, cross-traffic position (e.g.. a horizontal position), an alignment system can be employed to align a frame and/or deck of the vertical leveler relative to a vehicle using one or more frames (e.g., the frame 130) and/or actuators (e.g., the actuators 302, 304, 315a-d). For example, during an alignment process, a deck of the vertical leveler can be positioned in a lowered position closer to a cross-traffic position than the vertical position. After the alignment system determines that the vertical leveler is aligned with a cargo area of a vehicle, the deck of the vertical leveler can be moved or lowered to the standard loading and/or a cross-traffic position. Further, disclosed examples can be implemented to load cargo or other items into a car, a flatbed truck, or any other type of vehicle or equipment. Further still, disclosed examples can be implemented to load cargo or other items into another building, onto another platform, onto a shelf in a warehouse, etc. [0179] Example 1 includes an apparatus comprising interface circuitry, machine- readable instructions, and at least one processor circuit to be programmed by the machine- readable instructions to determine a first angular position of an automated trailer loading system (ATLS) relative to a first reference, the first reference corresponding to a position of a vehicle adjacent to the ATLS, compare the first angular position to an angular target threshold, and adjust the ATLS to a second angular position in response to determining that the first angular position exceeds the angular target threshold.

[0180] Example 2 includes the apparatus of example 1, wherein the angular target threshold is approximately between one degree and five degrees.

[0181] Example 3 includes the apparatus of example 1, wherein one or more of the at least one processor circuit is to determine a third angular position of the vehicle relative to a second reference, the second reference corresponding to a centerline associated with the ATLS, compare the third angular position to an operating angular limit, and when the third angular position exceeds the operating angular limit, transmit a notification.

[0182] Example 4 includes the apparatus of example 1, wherein one or more of the at least one processor circuit is to determine a first lateral position of the ATLS relative to the first reference, compare the first lateral position to a lateral target threshold, and adjust the ATLS to a second lateral position in response to determining that the second lateral position exceeds the lateral target threshold.

[0183] Example 5 includes the apparatus of example 4, wherein the lateral target threshold is approximately between one inch and three inches.

[0184] Example 6 includes the apparatus of example 4, wherein one or more of the at least one processor circuit is to cause a conveyor of the ATLS to move between a stored position and an extended position relative to a cargo area of the vehicle when (i) the second angular position satisfies the angular target threshold and (ii) the second lateral position satisfies the lateral target threshold.

[0185] Example 7 includes the apparatus of example 4, wherein one or more of the at least one processor circuit is to determine a third lateral position of the vehicle relative to a second reference, the second reference corresponding to a centerline associated with the ATLS, compare the third lateral position of the vehicle to a lateral operating limit, and when the third lateral position exceeds the lateral operating limit, transmit a notification.

[0186] Example 8 includes the apparatus of example 1, wherein one or more of the at least one processor circuit is to detect an obstruction in a cargo area of the vehicle, and transmit a notification in response to detecting the obstruction. [0187] Example 9 includes the apparatus of example 1, wherein one or more of the at least one processor circuit is to determine a length of a cargo area of the vehicle, compare the length to a threshold length, and when the length exceeds the threshold length, transmit a notification.

[0188] Example 10 includes the apparatus of example 9, wherein one or more of the at least one processor circuit is to determine a deployment distance of a conveyor of the ATLS based on the determined length of the cargo area.

[0189] Example 11 includes At least one non-transitory machine-readable medium comprising machine-readable instructions to cause at least one processor circuit to at least determine a first angular position of an automated trailer loading system (ATLS) relative to a first reference, the first reference corresponding to a position of a vehicle adjacent to the ATLS, compare the first angular position to an angular target threshold, and adjust the ATLS to a second angular position in response to determining that the first angular position exceeds the angular target threshold.

[0190] Example 12 includes the at least one non-transitory machine-readable medium of example 11, wherein the angular target threshold is approximately between one degree and five degrees.

[0191] Example 13 includes the at least one non-transitory machine-readable medium of example 11 , wherein the machine-readable instructions are to cause one or more of the at least one processor circuit to determine a third angular position of the vehicle relative to a second reference, the second reference corresponding to a centerline associated with the ATLS, compare the third angular position to an operating angular limit, and when the third angular position exceeds the operating angular limit, transmit a notification.

[0192] Example 14 includes the at least one non-transitory machine-readable medium of example 11, wherein the machine-readable instructions are to cause one or more of the at least one processor circuit to determine a first lateral position of the ATLS relative to the first reference, compare the first lateral position to a lateral target threshold, and adjust the ATLS to a second lateral position in response to determining that the second lateral position exceeds the lateral target threshold.

[0193] Example 1 includes the at least one non-transitory machine-readable medium of example 14, wherein the lateral target threshold is approximately between one inch and three inches.

[0194] Example 16 includes the at least one non-transitory machine-readable medium of example 14, wherein the machine-readable instructions are to cause one or more of the at least one processor circuit to cause a conveyor of the ATLS to move between a stored position and an extended position relative to a cargo area of the vehicle when (i) the second angular position satisfies the angular target threshold and (ii) the second lateral position satisfies the lateral target threshold.

[0195] Example 17 includes the at least one non-transitory machine-readable medium of example 14, wherein the machine-readable instructions are to cause one or more of the at least one processor circuit to determine a third lateral position of the vehicle relative to a second reference, the second reference corresponding to a centerline associated with the ATLS, compare the third lateral position of the vehicle to a lateral operating limit, and when the third lateral position exceeds the lateral operating limit, transmit a notification.

[0196] Example 18 includes the at least one non-transitory machine-readable medium of example 11, wherein the machine-readable instructions are to cause one or more of the at least one processor circuit to detect an obstruction in a cargo area of the vehicle, and transmit a notification in response to detecting the obstruction.

[0197] Example 19 includes the at least one non-transitory machine-readable medium of example 11, wherein the machine-readable instructions are to cause one or more of the at least one processor circuit to determine a length of a cargo area of the vehicle, compare the length to a threshold length, and when the length exceeds the threshold length, transmit a notification.

[0198] Example 20 includes the at least one non-lransi lory machine-readable medium of example 19, wherein the machine-readable instructions are to cause one or more of the at least one processor circuit to determine a deployment distance of a conveyor of the ATLS based on the determined length of the cargo area.

[0199] Example 21 includes a method comprising determining, by at least one processor circuit programmed by at least one instruction, a first angular position of an automated trailer loading system (ATLS) relative to a first reference, the first reference corresponding to a position of a vehicle adjacent to the ATLS, comparing, by one or more of the at least one processor circuit, the first angular position to an angular target threshold, and adjusting, by one or more of the at least one processor circuit, the ATLS to a second angular position in response to determining that the first angular position exceeds the angular target threshold.

[0200] Example 22 includes the method of example 21, wherein the angular target threshold is approximately between one degree and five degrees.

[0201] Example 23 includes the method of example 21, further including determining a third angular position of the vehicle relative to a second reference, the second reference corresponding to a centerline associated with the ATLS, comparing the third angular position to an operating angular limit, and when the third angular position exceeds the operating angular limit, transmitting a notification.

[0202] Example 24 includes the method of example 21, further including determining a first lateral position of the ATLS relative to the first reference, comparing the first lateral position to a lateral target threshold, and adjusting the ATLS to a second lateral position in response to determining that the second lateral position exceeds the lateral target threshold.

[0203] Example 25 includes the method of example 24, wherein the lateral target threshold is approximately between one inch and three inches.

[0204] Example 26 includes the method of example 24, further including causing a conveyor of the ATLS to move between a stored position and an extended position relative to a cargo area of the vehicle when (i) the second angular position satisfies the angular target threshold and (ii) the second lateral position satisfies the lateral target threshold.

[0205] Example 27 includes the method of example 24, further including determining a third lateral position of the vehicle relative to a second reference, the second reference corresponding to a centerline associated with the ATLS, comparing the third lateral position of the vehicle to a lateral operating limit, and when the third lateral position exceeds the lateral operating limit, transmitting a notification.

[0206] Example 28 includes the method of example 21, further including detecting an obstruction in a cargo area of the vehicle, and transmitting a notification in response to detecting the obstruction.

[0207] Example 29 includes the method of example 21, further including determining a length of a cargo area of the vehicle, comparing the length to a threshold length, and when the length exceeds the threshold length, transmitting a notification.

[0208] Example 30 includes the method of example 29, further including determining a deployment distance of a conveyor of the ATLS based on the determined length of the cargo area.

[0209] The following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description by this reference. Although certain example systems, apparatus, articles of manufacture, and methods have been disclosed herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all systems, apparatus, articles of manufacture, and methods fairly falling within the scope of the claims of this patent.

Claims

What Is Claimed Is:

1. An apparatus comprising: interface circuitry; machine-readable instructions; and at least one processor circuit to be programmed by the machine-readable instructions to: determine a first angular position of an automated trailer loading system (ATLS) relative to a first reference, the first reference corresponding to a position of a vehicle adjacent to the ATLS; compare the first angular position to an angular target threshold; and adjust the ATLS to a second angular position in response to determining that the first angular position exceeds the angular target threshold.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the angular target threshold is approximately between one degree and five degrees.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein one or more of the at least one processor circuit is to: determine a third angular position of the vehicle relative to a second reference, the second reference corresponding to a centerline associated with the ATLS; compare the third angular position to an operating angular limit; and when the third angular position exceeds the operating angular limit, transmit a notification.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein one or more of the at least one processor circuit is to: determine a first lateral position of the ATLS relative to the first reference; compare the first lateral position to a lateral target threshold; and adjust the ATLS to a second lateral position in response to determining that the second lateral position exceeds the lateral target threshold.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the lateral target threshold is approximately between one inch and three inches.

6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein one or more of the at least one processor circuit is to cause a conveyor of the ATLS to move between a stored position and an extended position relative to a cargo area of the vehicle when (i) the second angular position satisfies the angular target threshold and (ii) the second lateral position satisfies the lateral target threshold.

7. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein one or more of the at least one processor circuit is to: determine a third lateral position of the vehicle relative to a second reference, the second reference corresponding to a centerline associated with the ATLS; compare the third lateral position of the vehicle to a lateral operating limit; and when the third lateral position exceeds the lateral operating limit, transmit a notification.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein one or more of the at least one processor circuit is to: detect an obstruction in a cargo area of the vehicle; and transmit a notification in response to detecting the obstruction.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein one or more of the at least one processor circuit is to: determine a length of a cargo area of the vehicle; compare the length to a threshold length; and when the length exceeds the threshold length, transmit a notification.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein one or more of the at least one processor circuit is to determine a deployment distance of a conveyor of the ATLS based on the determined length of the cargo area.

11. At least one non-transitory machine-readable medium comprising machine-readable instructions to cause at least one processor circuit to at least: determine a first angular position of an automated trailer loading system (ATLS) relative to a first reference, the first reference corresponding to a position of a vehicle adjacent to the ATLS; compare the first angular position to an angular target threshold; and adjust the ATLS to a second angular position in response to determining that the first angular position exceeds the angular target threshold.

12. The at least one non-transitoiy machine-readable medium of claim 11, wherein the angular target threshold is approximately between one degree and five degrees.

13. The at least one non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 11, wherein the machine-readable instructions are to cause one or more of the at least one processor circuit to: determine a third angular position of the vehicle relative to a second reference, the second reference corresponding to a centerline associated with the ATLS; compare the third angular position to an operating angular limit; and when the third angular position exceeds the operating angular limit, transmit a notification.

14. The at least one non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 11, wherein the machine-readable instructions are to cause one or more of the at least one processor circuit to: determine a first lateral position of the ATLS relative to the first reference; compare the first lateral position to a lateral target threshold; and adjust the ATLS to a second lateral position in response to determining that the second lateral position exceeds the lateral target threshold.

15. The at least one non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 14, wherein the lateral target threshold is approximately between one inch and three inches.

16. The at least one non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 14, wherein the machine-readable instructions are to cause one or more of the at least one processor circuit to cause a conveyor of the ATLS to move between a stored position and an extended position relative to a cargo area of the vehicle when (i) the second angular position satisfies the angular target threshold and (ii) the second lateral position satisfies the lateral target threshold.

17. The at least one non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 14, wherein the machine-readable instructions are to cause one or more of the at least one processor circuit to: determine a third lateral position of the vehicle relative to a second reference, the second reference corresponding to a centerline associated with the ATLS; compare the third lateral position of the vehicle to a lateral operating limit; and when the third lateral position exceeds the lateral operating limit, transmit a notification.

18. The at least one non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 11, wherein the machine-readable instructions are to cause one or more of the at least one processor circuit to: detect an obstruction in a cargo area of the vehicle; and transmit a notification in response to detecting the obstruction.

19. The at least one non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 11, wherein the machine-readable instructions are to cause one or more of the at least one processor circuit to: determine a length of a cargo area of the vehicle; compare the length to a threshold length; and when the length exceeds the threshold length, transmit a notification.

20. The at least one non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 19, wherein the machine-readable instructions are to cause one or more of the at least one processor circuit to determine a deployment distance of a conveyor of the ATLS based on the determined length of the cargo area.

21. A method comprising: determining, by at least one processor circuit programmed by at least one instruction, a first angular position of an automated trailer loading system (ATLS) relative to a first reference, the first reference corresponding to a position of a vehicle adjacent to the ATLS; comparing, by one or more of the at least one processor circuit, the first angular position to an angular target threshold; and adjusting, by one or more of the at least one processor circuit, the ATLS to a second angular position in response to determining that the first angular position exceeds the angular target threshold.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the angular target threshold is approximately between one degree and five degrees.

23. The method of claim 21, further including determining a third angular position of the vehicle relative to a second reference, the second reference corresponding to a centerline associated with the ATLS; comparing the third angular position to an operating angular limit; and when the third angular position exceeds the operating angular limit, transmitting a notification.

24. The method of claim 21, further including: determining a first lateral position of the ATLS relative to the first reference; comparing the first lateral position to a lateral target threshold; and adjusting the ATLS to a second lateral position in response to determining that the second lateral position exceeds the lateral target threshold.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the lateral target threshold is approximately between one inch and three inches.

26. The method of claim 24, further including causing a conveyor of the ATLS to move between a stored position and an extended position relative to a cargo area of the vehicle when (i) the second angular position satisfies the angular target threshold and (ii) the second lateral position satisfies the lateral target threshold.

27. The method of claim 24, further including: determining a third lateral position of the vehicle relative to a second reference, the second reference corresponding to a centerline associated with the ATLS; comparing the third lateral position of the vehicle to a lateral operating limit; and when the third lateral position exceeds the lateral operating limit, transmitting a notification.

28. The method of claim 21, further including: detecting an obstruction in a cargo area of the vehicle; and transmitting a notification in response to detecting the obstruction.

29. The method of claim 21, further including: determining a length of a cargo area of the vehicle; comparing the length to a threshold length; and when the length exceeds the threshold length, transmitting a notification.

30. The method of claim 29, further including determining a deployment distance of a conveyor of the ATLS based on the determined length of the cargo area.