inventory transfer

Abstract

The present invention relates to inventory transfers and specifically describes a system for managing inventory as it is transferred into a material handling facility, as it is transferred between locations within a material handling facility, and / or as it is transferred out of a material handling facility. In some instances, a user (e.g., a picker or a picking agent) can retrieve items from inventory locations and place the items into a cart. The system described herein detects the items as they are added to or removed from the cart.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Retailers, wholesalers, and other product distributors often maintain inventories of various items that can be ordered, purchased, rented, leased, borrowed, viewed, etc. by customers or patrons. For example, an e-commerce website can maintain an inventory at a fulfillment center. When a customer orders an item, the item is picked from inventory, routed to a packaging station, packaged, and shipped to the customer. Likewise, a brick-and-mortar store maintains an inventory in a customer-accessible area (e.g., a shopping area), and customers can pick items from the inventory and bring them to a cashier for purchase, rental, etc. Many such brick-and-mortar stores also maintain an inventory in a storage area or fulfillment center that can be used to replenish the inventory in the shopping area and / or to fulfill orders for items placed through other channels (e.g., e-commerce). Other examples of inventory-maintaining establishments include libraries, museums, rental centers, and the like. In each of these examples, for an item to be moved from one location to another, it is picked from its current location and transferred to the new location. It is often desirable to track the transfer of inventory and / or the location of inventory. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0002] The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the first occurrence of the reference number in the drawing. The use of the same reference numbers in different drawings indicates similar or identical items or features.

[0003] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a material handling facility according to some implementations.

[0004] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating additional details of a material handling facility according to some implementations.

[0005] Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 4 , Figure 5 illustrates an example cart configuration according to some implementations.

[0006] Figure 6 illustrates example functional components of a cart, such as the components illustrated in Figures 3A to 5 .

[0007] Figure 7 depicts a flowchart of a process for identifying adding an item identifier and / or removing an item identifier from a cart according to some implementations.

[0008] Figure 8 depicts a flowchart of a process for identifying adding an item identifier and / or removing an item identifier from a cart according to some implementations.

[0009] Figure 9A flowchart depicting a process for transferring items included in a cart in accordance with some implementations.

[0010] Figure 10 is a block diagram of an illustrative implementation of a server system that can be used in connection with various implementations.

[0011] While implementations are described herein by way of example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the implementations are not limited to the examples or figures described. It should be understood that the figures and detailed description are not intended to limit the implementations to the particular form disclosed but, to the contrary, serve as an example base on which those skilled in the art can use the disclosure to devise equivalent alternative implementations, forms, specifics, or equivalents without departing from the spirit or scope of the appended claims. The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words "include," "including," and "includes" mean including, but not limited to. Detailed Description

[0012] The present disclosure describes a system for managing inventory as it is transferred into a material handling facility, as it is transferred between locations within a material handling facility, and / or as it is transferred out of a material handling facility. In some instances, a user (e.g., a picker or a picking agent) can retrieve items from inventory locations and place the items into a cart. The system described herein detects items as they are added to the cart. Likewise, as items are removed from the cart, the removal of the items is detected.

[0013] In some implementations, a cart can include an item identifier reader, such as a radio frequency identifier ("RFID") reader, and a receiving component, such as one or more antennas that read item identifiers (e.g., RFID) as items are placed in and / or removed from the cart. The item identifier reader and receiving component can be part of the cart and can be in communication with a processor that adds item identifiers as items are added to the cart or removes item identifiers from the cart identification list as items are removed from the cart.

[0014] When the cart reaches a transfer area, such as a rebin station, a packing station, another inventory location, shipping, etc., the items on the cart identifier list can be used to transfer inventory to the new location. For example, if the items in the cart are leaving the material handling facility to be shipped to a customer by a carrier, the transfer area can be the area where the items leave the material handling facility, such as a loading dock, where the items are transferred to a carrier's truck or other transport. When the cart reaches the transfer area, the cart identifier list is retrieved, and optionally the cart is scanned again to confirm that the items identified in the cart identifier list match the items that are actually in the cart. Any discrepancies between the cart identifier list and the scan of the transfer area cart can be resolved by a user (e.g., a picker, a packer, a customer, a carrier) at the transfer area. For example, any discrepancies can be presented on a display at the transfer area, and the user can confirm whether the items are actually included in the cart.

[0015] Once any discrepancies have been resolved, the items are transferred. For example, if the items are leaving the material handling facility, they can be transferred from the material handling facility to the entity that is taking them away from the material handling facility. Continuing with the above example of a carrier taking the items away from the material handling facility to ship to a customer, the items can be transferred from the material handling facility to the carrier. As another example, if the transfer area is a rebin station within the material handling facility, the items can be transferred from the original storage location (or cart) to the rebin area. As yet another example, if the material handling facility is a retail location and a customer is purchasing the items, the items can be transferred from the material handling facility to the customer when the customer leaves the store (transfer area) and the customer can pay for the items. In a similar manner, if the material handling facility is a rental location or a library, the transfer area can be near the exit of the facility. When the user leaves with the items in the cart, the items are transferred from the material handling facility to the user carrying the items. In such a chase, a rental or borrowing time can be associated with the items and the user, identified by when the items are returned.

[0016] As used herein, a material handling facility can include, but is not limited to, a warehouse, a distribution center, a cross-docking facility, an order fulfillment facility, a packing facility, a shipping facility, a rental facility, a library, a retail store, a wholesale store, a museum, or other facility or combination of facilities used to perform one or more functions of material (inventory) handling.

[0017] An implementation of a material handling facility configured to store and manage inventory items is illustrated in Figure 1The material handling facility 100 includes a receiving area 120, a storage area 130 configured to store any number of inventory items 135A through 135N, and one or more transfer areas 140. The configuration of the various areas within the material handling facility 100 is depicted functionally and not schematically. For example, in some implementations, multiple different receiving areas 120, storage areas 130, and transfer areas 140 can be intermingled rather than segregated. In addition, the material handling facility 100 includes an inventory management system 150 configured to interact with each of the receiving area 120, the storage area 130, and the transfer area 140.

[0018] The material handling facility 100 can be configured to receive different kinds of inventory items 135 from various suppliers and store them until a customer orders or retrieves one or more items. The general flow of items through the material handling facility 100 is indicated using arrows. In particular, as illustrated in the present example, items 135 can be received from one or more suppliers, such as manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, etc., at the receiving area 120. In various implementations, depending on the nature of the business operating the material handling facility 100, the items 135 can include goods, merchandise, perishable items, or any appropriate type of item.

[0019] When received from a supplier at the receiving area 120, the items 135 can be prepared for storage. For example, in some implementations, the items 135 can be unpacked and otherwise reconfigured, and the inventory management system 150, which as described below can include one or more software applications executing on a computer system, can be updated to reflect the type, quantity, condition, cost, location, or any other appropriate parameter regarding the newly received items 135. It should be noted that the items 135 can be stored, managed, or distributed in countable, individual units or multiple units, such as packages, cartons, crates, pallets, or other appropriate aggregations. Alternatively, some items 135, such as bulk products, merchandise, etc., can be stored in continuous or any dividable quantities, which can not be inherently organized into countable units. These items 135 can be managed in measurable quantities, such as lengths, areas, volumes, weights, durations, or other dimensional properties characterized in units of measurement. In general, the quantity of an item 135 can refer to a countable number of individual or aggregate units of the item 135 or a measurable quantity of the item 135, as appropriate.

[0020] Upon arrival at the receiving area 120, the items 135 can be stored within the storage area 130. In some implementations, the same items 135 can be stored or displayed together in a bin, on a shelf, or via other suitable storage mechanisms, such that all items 135 of a given kind are stored in one location. In other implementations, the same items 135 can be stored in different locations. For example, to optimize retrieval of certain items 135 having high turnover within a large physical facility, the items 135 can be stored in several different locations to reduce congestion that can occur at a single storage point.

[0021] When a customer order specifying one or more items 135 is received, or when a user travels through the material handling facility 100, the corresponding items 135 can be selected or "picked" from the storage area 130. In various implementations, the range of item picking can vary from manual to fully automated picking. For example, in one implementation, a user can have a list of items they want, and can travel through the material handling facility to pick the items 135 from the storage area 130 and place the items 135 into a cart. In other implementations, when a material handling facility agent travels through the material handling facility 100, the material handling facility employee can use a handwritten or electronic pick list derived from a customer order to pick the items 135 and place the picked items into a cart.

[0022] As discussed in greater detail below, when items are picked and placed in a cart, the cart can be configured to identify the items placed in the cart and to manage a cart item identifier list that includes an identifier for each item. After the items 135 have been picked and placed in a cart, they can be processed at a transfer area 140. The transfer area can be any designated area within the material handling facility where items included in a cart are transferred from one location to another location or from one entity to another entity. For example, the transfer area can be a packaging station within the material handling facility, and when the cart arrives at the packaging station (transfer area), the items can be transferred from the storage area 130 to the packaging station. This information can be maintained by the inventory management system 150 to enable accurate tracking of items. In another example, if an item is leaving the material handling facility (e.g., a carrier takes the item for shipping, a customer purchases the item, or a customer rents the item), then when the cart arrives at the transfer area, the cart item identifier list is obtained and the item is transferred from the material handling facility to the new entity (e.g., carrier, customer).

[0023] To further illustrate, Figure 2is a block diagram of additional details of a material handling facility 100 according to some implementations. A material handling facility agent, customer, or other individual can utilize a cart 202 to navigate the material handling facility 100 to pick items 135 from storage areas 130. As items 135 are picked and placed into the cart, item identifiers (e.g., RFID) located on the items are detected and added to a cart item identifier list that identifies items included in the cart 202. In some implementations, as discussed further below, the cart 202 can include an item identifier reader (such as an RFID reader) and a receiving component (such as one or more antennas for item identifier timing or continuous scanning of the interior of the cart). Generally, the item identifier reader and / or receiving component can utilize one or more wireless technologies (e.g., RFID, near field communication ("NFC"), Bluetooth, infrared) to detect item identifiers. As item identifiers are detected, a processor located on the cart 202 can receive the item identifiers and record the item identifiers in the cart item identifier list, which is maintained in a memory located on the cart 202 or by the inventory management system 150. Reference is made to Figures 3A to 6 An exemplary implementation of the cart 202 is provided in more detail.

[0024] In some instances, the cart 202 can operate in conjunction with or can otherwise utilize or communicate with one or more components of the inventory management system 150. Likewise, components of the inventory management system 150 can interact with and communicate with the cart 202, as well as identify users utilizing the cart 202 and / or communicate with other components of the material handling facility 100.

[0025] Generally, the inventory management system 150 can include one or more communication devices, such as wireless antennas 204, that facilitate wireless communication (e.g., Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth) between the inventory management system 150 and the cart 202. The inventory management system 150 can also include one or more server systems 102, which can be local to the material handling facility 100, remote from the material handling facility 100, or any combination thereof.

[0026] The inventory management system 150 can utilize antennas 204 within the material handling facility 100 to create a local wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi) such that the cart 202 can connect to and communicate with the inventory management system 150. Likewise, in instances when one or more components of the inventory management system 150 are remote from the material handling facility 100, they can communicate with other components of the inventory management system 150 and / or the cart 202 via a network 206.

[0027] In some implementations, a cart 202 can be provided to a user (e.g., a material handling facility agent) upon arrival of the user at the material handling facility 100. In such an example, the user can identify himself to the inventory management system 150, and the cart 202 can be associated with the user and / or user account by associating the unique identifier of the cart 202 with the identified user / user account. Once associated, the user can utilize the cart 202 to place picked items into the cart as the user moves through the material handling facility 100. When the user positions the cart in the transfer area 140 or moves through the transfer area 140 with the cart, the items in the cart 202 can be transferred from the material handling facility to the user, from the material handling facility to a carrier, from one location (e.g., storage) within the material handling facility 100 to another location (e.g., packaging) within the material handling facility 100, etc.

[0028] When the user leaves the cart 202, such as at the end of a work day, the association between the cart 202 and the user can be removed so that the cart 202 can be reissued to another user upon arrival of the user at the material handling facility 100.

[0029] The following is an example use case for utilizing a cart 202 in a material handling facility 100 to facilitate picking and transferring items from the material handling facility. In this example, the user is a material handling facility employee (e.g., a picking agent) who has a badge or other identifier that can be used to identify the user upon arrival of the user at the material handling facility.

[0030] Upon entry into the material handling facility 100, the user is identified by the inventory management system 150 via a wireless network and antennas 204 accessible within the material handling facility 100. When the user selects a cart 202 for picking, the cart 202 is identified by the inventory management system 150 and the unique identifier of the cart 202 is associated with the user.

[0031] As the user and the cart 202 move about the material handling facility 100 together, picking items 135 from the storage area 130 and placing the picked items into the cart 202, the cart identifies the items via the item identifiers and includes the added items to the cart item identifier list. The cart item identifier list can also be transmitted from the cart 202 to the inventory management system 150. For example, the cart 202 can communicate with the inventory management system 150 via the antennas 204 and provide the cart item identifier list to the inventory management system 150. In some implementations, the cart 202 can also send timed updates to the inventory management system 150 of the cart item identifier list as items are added to and removed from the cart 202 by the user.

[0032] When a user selects an item 135 from the storage location 130 and places the item in the cart 202, the cart 202 detects the addition of the item and identifies the item. Likewise, when an item is removed from the cart 202, the cart 202 detects the removal of the item and identifies the removed item. When an item is identified as being added to the cart 202, the item identifier is added to the cart item identifier list. Likewise, when an item is removed from the cart, the corresponding item identifier is removed from the cart item identifier list. This process of adding item identifiers and removing item identifiers from the cart item identifier list continues as the user navigates the material handling facility 100, adding and removing items. Item addition, removal, and identification are discussed further below.

[0033] When the user reaches the transfer area 140 within the material handling facility 100, the user and / or the cart 202 are identified, the cart item identifier list is retrieved, and the items are transferred. In some implementations, a confirmation that the items identified on the cart item identifier list are in fact in the cart 202 can be performed at the transfer area 140. For example, the transfer area 140 can also include item identifier readers and antennas 208 that scan the cart 202 to detect the item identifiers included in the cart 202. The detected item identifiers can be provided to the inventory management system 150 in the form of a confirmed item identifier list and compared to the identifiers in the cart item identifier list. If the item identifiers included in the confirmed item identifier list match the item identifiers of the cart item identifier list, the items can be transferred.

[0034] Any discrepancies between the confirmed item identifier list and the items in the cart item identifier list can be presented to the user or another operator located at the transfer area for resolution. For example, the discrepancies can be presented on the display 210 and the user and / or operator can verify the cart contents and interact with the inventory management system 150 to resolve the discrepancies. For example, if the cart item identifier list includes an item that was not detected at the transfer area 140, the item can be identified to the user / operator at the transfer area 140 via the display 210. The user can verify whether the item is in the cart 202. If the item is in the cart, the user can inform the inventory management system that the item is in the cart 202, such as by a receiving component that communicates with the inventory management system 150. Once identified, the discrepancy is resolved and the item is included in the transferred items (if the item was in the cart) or not included in the transferred items (if the item was not in the cart).

[0035] In some implementations, the transfer area 140 can also have other input / output components that are used to assist in verifying the items in the cart. For example, the transfer area 140 can include a scale 212 that is used to weigh the cart and the contained items. The total weight can then be compared to an expected total weight and used as another point of validation as to whether the items identified in the cart item identifier list are actually in the cart. For example, the inventory management system 150 can maintain weight information in the inventory data store 214 and be aware of the weight of the cart. Using this information and the cart item identifier list, the inventory management system 150 can calculate an expected total weight of the cart. The expected total weight of the cart can be compared to the weight determined by the scale 212. If the difference exceeds a predetermined threshold (positive or negative), then it can be determined that the items actually included in the cart do not match the items identified in the cart item identifier list.

[0036] In yet another example, the transfer area 140 can also include one or more imaging components (not shown) that capture images of the cart and the contained items. The images can be analyzed by the inventory management system 150 and compared to images maintained in the inventory data store 214 to assist in determining whether the items actually included in the cart correspond to the items identified in the cart item identifier list.

[0037] It will be appreciated that any number of analysis techniques can be used to assist in determining that the items included in the cart 202 correspond to the items identified in the cart item identifier list, and the techniques illustrated herein are provided merely as examples.

[0038] As described above, the cart 202 can communicate with the inventory management system 150 via a variety of communication paths. In general, the inventory management system 150 can include any number and combination of input components, output components, and server systems 102. The input components can include imaging devices, microphones, antennas 204, 208, or any other components capable of receiving input from the cart 202 and / or from the user regarding their surroundings. The output components can include projectors, displays 210, antennas 204, 208, speakers, and / or any other components capable of providing output to their surroundings, the cart, and / or the user.

[0039] The inventory management system 150 can also include a server system 102. The server system 102 can be local to the material handling facility 150, remote from the material handling facility 150, or any combination thereof. Likewise, the server system 102 can be configured to communicate with the input components, output components via the network 206 and / or directly with the cart 202.

[0040] As illustrated, the server system 102 can be remote from the material handling facility and implemented as one or more servers 102(1), 102(2),..., 102(N) and in some instances can form part of a network-accessible computing platform implemented as a computing infrastructure of processors, storage, software, data access, etc. that is maintained and accessed by components / devices of the inventory management system 150 and / or the cart 202 via a network 206 such as the Internet. The server system 102 need not be aware of the physical location and configuration of the system delivering the service to the end user. Common expressions associated with these remote server systems 102 include "on-demand computing," "software as a service (SaaS)," "platform computing," "network-accessible platform," "cloud services," "data center," and the like.

[0041] The network 206 can utilize wired technologies (e.g., wire, USB, fiber optic cable, etc.), wireless technologies (e.g., RF, IR, NFC, cellular, satellite, Bluetooth, etc.), or other connection technologies. The network 206 is representative of any type of communication network, including data and / or voice networks, and can be implemented using wired infrastructure (e.g., cable, CAT5, fiber optic cable, etc.), wireless infrastructure (e.g., RF, cellular, microwave, satellite, Bluetooth, etc.), and / or other connection technologies.

[0042] The server system 102 can also include an inventory data store 214, a user data store 216, and a cart data store 218. As discussed further below, the data stores can include lists, arrays, databases, and other data structures for providing storage and retrieval of data. Also, while the present disclosure describes multiple data stores, in some implementations, the data stores can be configured as a single data store or multiple data stores.

[0043] The inventory data store 114 maintains information about the items 135 stored in the storage area 130 of the material handling facility 100. For example, the inventory data store 214 can store, for each item, the item weight, size, color, expiration date, volume, manufacturer, identifier (e.g., universal product identifier), number of items in storage, description of the item, and the like.

[0044] The user data store 216 includes information about users, such as material handling facility employees, customers, and the like. Any type of information can be stored in the user data store 216. For example, user profile information such as attributes, name, address, gender, purchase history, social network, and / or friends with whom the user interacts, and the like can be stored in the user profile data store 216. The user profile information can be provided directly by the user, such as when they are hired, can be collected from the user as they interact with the inventory management system 150 and / or the shopping cart 202, and the like.

[0045] The shopping cart item identifier list data store 218 can include a list of shopping cart item identifiers for each shopping cart within the material handling facility 100. Likewise, the shopping cart item identifier list data store 218 can include information about each shopping cart, such as a unique identifier, the weight of the shopping cart, the size of the shopping cart, and the like.

[0046] The inventory data store 214, the user data store 216, and the shopping cart data store 218 can be integral with or otherwise communicatively coupled with the server system 102. For example, one or more of the inventory data store 214, the user data store 216, and the shopping cart data store 218 can be located on a remote computing resource (not shown) and communicatively coupled with the server system 102. In some implementations, the inventory data store 214, the user data store 216, and the shopping cart data store 218 can include one or more CD-RW / DVD-RW drives, hard drives, solid state drives, tape drives, or other storage devices for storing digital content and information. The server system 102 can provide the inventory management system 150 separately from or with the inventory data store 214, the user data store 216, and the shopping cart data store 218.

[0047] The organization and operation of the material handling facility 100 described above is given as an example. In other implementations, the material handling facility 100 can be configured differently and operated differently than described above. For example, some implementations of the material handling facility 100 can not have a dedicated receiving area 120. In these implementations, received items can be placed directly into the storage area 130. In general, the material handling facility 100 can employ any organization and operational flow for handling inventory.

[0048] Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 An example shopping cart configuration is illustrated in accordance with some implementations. Reference is first made to FIG. 1, which illustrates a material handling facility 100 in accordance with some implementations. The material handling facility 100 includes a receiving area 120, a storage area 130, and a shipping area 140. The receiving area 120 is configured to receive items for storage in the storage area 130. The storage area 130 is configured to store the received items. The shipping area 140 is configured to ship the received items to a customer. The material handling facility 100 also includes a server system 102, which is communicatively coupled with the receiving area 120, the storage area 130, and the shipping area 140. The server system 102 is configured to manage the inventory of the material handling facility 100. The server system 102 includes an inventory management system 150, which is configured to manage the inventory of the material handling facility 100. The inventory management system 150 includes a shopping cart 202, which is configured to allow a user to select items for purchase from the inventory of the material handling facility 100. The shopping cart 202 is communicatively coupled with the inventory management system 150. Figure 3AThe cart 302 includes a bottom surface 303 and a plurality of side surfaces 304, 306, 308, 310 coupled to the bottom surface 303 and positioned to define a cavity in which items can be placed. In the examples described herein, the cart has four side surfaces 304-310 coupled to the bottom surface 303 to form a cavity having a cubical shape. In other implementations, different configurations, numbers, and shapes of bottom surface 303 and side surfaces 304-310 can be used to form any kind, shape, and size of cavity. Likewise, the surfaces and / or base of the cart can be any type of material and have any type of shape, texture, and / or size. For example, the surfaces and / or base can be steel, wire mesh, plastic, metal, etc. In some implementations, one or more of the surfaces and / or base can be different materials. Generally, the cart can be any structural element in which one or more items can be placed and / or stored. For example, the cart can be a bag, a box, a cart, a package, a case, a bowl, etc.

[0049] The cart 302 can also include one or more rollers 312, 314, 316, 318 or wheels to assist a user in propelling the cart 302 through the material handling facility. Likewise, in some implementations, the cart 302 can be motorized to assist in the propulsion of the cart 302. In still other implementations, the cart 302 can not include rollers 312-318 and instead can be carried by a user. For example, the cart 302 can be configured with one or more handles that enable a user to carry the cart 302 throughout the material handling facility.

[0050] Regardless of the configuration, the cart 302 can include one or more item identifier readers and receiving components 320. For example, the item identifier readers can be RFID readers, such as the Motorola FX7400, the Motorola MC3190-Z, the Skyetek Module M10, and similar readers. Likewise, the antennas can be one or more directional antennas, such as the Laird S9025P antenna.

[0051] The cart 302 can also include additional functional components 322, such as a processor, a computer-readable medium, a memory, a power source, etc. Reference is made to the description below for further details regarding the functional components 322. Figure 6Further example functional components 322 of the cart are discussed. The functional components can communicate with and provide power to the item identifier reader and receiving components 320. When an item identifier is detected by the item identifier reader and receiving components 320, it can be provided to the functional components 322 for additional processing. For example, the functional components can add the detected item identifier to a cart item identifier list maintained in memory of the functional components 322. In some implementations, the functional components 322 can also provide the cart item identifier list and / or the received item identifiers individually to the inventory management system 150.

[0052] The item identifier reader and receiving components 320 can be configured to detect the presence of item identifiers located within the cavity of the cart 302, but not detect item identifiers not located in the cavity of the cart 302. For example, if the item identifiers are passive RFID that receive power from the item identifier reader and receiving components 320, the transmitted power and / or receiving range of the receiving components 320 can be adjusted so that it will only provide power to item identifiers located within the cavity of the cart 302. For example, the power of the item identifier reader and receiving components 320 can be adjusted so that the radiated power only extends to the edge or sides of the cart 302. However, in some configurations, such as the configuration illustrated in FIG. 3, if the cart 302 is not circular, portions of the radiation pattern will extend beyond the cavity of the cart, which can result in item identifiers not within the cavity of the cart 302 being detected. Figure 3A

[0053] To reduce the likelihood of item identifiers not within the cavity of the cart 302 being detected, in some implementations, the sides 304-310 of the cart can include a radiation shield, such as aluminum, copper, or any other material that eliminates or reduces radio frequency radiation. The top-down view 324 of the cart 302 illustrates the radiation pattern from the item identifier reader and receiving components 320 when a shield is included on the sides of the cart 302. As illustrated, instead of the pattern propagating beyond the cavity of the cart 302, the shield included on the walls of the cart eliminates the radiation beyond the sides of the cart 302, so that item identifiers not located in the cavity of the cart will not be detected.

[0054] In other implementations, instead of or in addition to including a shield on the sides of the cart, multiple antennas can be used in conjunction with the item identifier reader. For example, Figure 3B is a block diagram of the cart 302 with multiple receiving components 340, 342 located on the bottom surface of the cart 302. By utilizing multiple receiving components positioned within the cart 302, the power radiated from each receiving component can be reduced, yet the radiation pattern will still cover the cavity of the cart and detect item identifiers included in the cavity of the cart. Reference is made to FIG. 3 for a description of the cart 302 and the item identifier reader and receiving components 320.​Figure 3B The top-down view 344 of FIG. 3 A, without shielding on the sides of the cart 302, using multiple receiving components 340, 342, the amount of area beyond the cart 302 within the radiation of the receiving components 340, 342 is reduced, thereby reducing the likelihood of detecting an item identifier that is not within the cavity of the cart 302. Although Figure 3B The example illustrated in FIG. 3 A utilizes two receiving components 340, 342, but any number of receiving components can be utilized.

[0055] In addition to shielding the sides of the cart and / or utilizing multiple antennas, in some implementations, additional techniques can be used to reduce the likelihood of an item that is not in the cavity of the cart 302 being included on the cart item identifier list. For example, the item identifier reader can be configured to only scan for items when the cart 302 is in motion. In such an implementation, the functional component 322 can include an accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, and / or other form of motion detection component and instruct the item identifier reader to only scan for item identifiers when the cart is in motion. In such an implementation, the likelihood of detecting an item identifier that is not in the cart 302 as the cart passes by the item identifier will be greatly reduced because the item identifier will only be likely to be within range of the item identifier reader and receiving component 320 (as a simple example). To further this implementation, it can also be possible to require that an item be detected for a certain period of time (e.g., 5 seconds) before the item is deemed to be within the cart cavity 302.

[0056] In still other implementations, it can be required that an item identifier be detected a number of times before it is included in the cart item identifier list. For example, if the item identifier reader and antenna are timed to scan for item identifiers, a count of the number of times the item identifier is detected is maintained. In such an implementation, a predetermined threshold can exist and the item identifier can only be added to the cart item identifier list when the count of the number of times the item identifier has been detected meets or exceeds the predetermined threshold.

[0057] Figure 4Yet another block diagram of a cart 402 that can be used in connection with various implementations described herein is provided. In this example, the cart 402 can include two receiving components 404, 406. In one implementation, the receiving components can be loop antennas, such as a Times-7 Slimline A8060 antenna. The receiving components 404, 406 can be coupled to the sides of the cart such that the radiation pattern of each antenna defines a plane within the cavity of the cart 402 that is substantially parallel to the bottom surface 403 of the cart 402. In one implementation, the uppermost or top receiving component 404 can be positioned on or near the top of the cart 402, and the second receiving component 406 can be positioned at a point that is separate from and below the first receiving component. For example, the second receiving component 406 can be positioned around the side of the cart 402 at a midpoint between the top of the cart and the bottom surface of the cart. In other implementations, the second receiving component 406 can be positioned only a few centimeters from the first receiving component 404. The only limitation on positioning the receiving components 404, 406 is that there is sufficient separation such that a time difference can be determined as to when an item passes by the receiving components.

[0058] In the example illustrated in Figure 4 when an item is placed into or removed from the cart 402, it will pass through each plane of the receiving components 404, 406, thereby activating the receiving components 404, 406. The receiving components 404, 406 detect the item identifier as it passes through the respective plane. When the plane is broken, and the item identifier is detected, this information can be provided to the functional components 422 of the cart. In this example, in addition to providing the detected item identifier, a time stamp can also be provided that identifies the time at which the item passed through the plane of the receiving components 404, 406. As discussed further below with respect to Figure 8 , based on the time stamps received from the respective receiving components 404, 406, it can be determined whether the detected item identifier was added to the cart 402 or removed from the cart 402. For example, if the plane of the top receiving component 404 is broken before the plane of the lower receiving plane 406, then it can be determined that the item was added to the cart 402. In contrast, if the plane of the lower receiving component 406 is broken before the plane of the top receiving plane 404, then it can be determined that the item was removed from the cart 402.

[0059] In some implementations, in addition to or as an alternative to using receiving components to detect item identifiers, in some implementations the cart 402 can also include a receiving component on the bottom surface of the cart that is used by the item identifier reader to detect item identifiers, as shown in Figure 5 . Figure 5is a block diagram of a cart 502 including two receiving assemblies 504, 506 positioned around the sides of the cart 502, each receiving assembly defining a plane that is generally parallel to the bottom surface 503 of the cart 502. In addition, the cart 502 includes a receiving assembly 520 that is in communication with an item identifier reader included in a functional assembly 522 of the cart 502. As with other examples, the item identifier reader can be included with the receiving assembly 520 or include the receiving assembly 520 rather than being separate from the receiving assembly 520.

[0060] While the above examples refer to the planes of the receiving assemblies being generally parallel to the bottom surface of the cart, in other implementations, the planes can not be generally parallel to the bottom surface of the cart. In general, the planes can be at any angle relative to the bottom surface of the cart and / or relative to each other. The only limitation is that the planes of the receiving assemblies are positioned such that when an item identifier is added to or removed from the cart, it will pass through at least two of the planes.

[0061] In the example illustrated in Figure 5 , the addition and removal of items can be detected by activating the planes of the receiving assemblies 504, 506, and the receiving assembly 520 can be used to detect the addition of a new item identifier (when an item is added to the cart) or the removal of an item identifier (when an item is removed from the cart). In such an implementation, the receiving assemblies 504, 506 can be any assembly capable of detecting whether an item identifier has passed over its surface and providing information to the functional element assembly 522, identifying a time stamp or other identifier that can be used to determine whether an item identifier passed over the plane of the top receiving assembly first or the bottom receiving assembly.

[0062] The receiving assembly 520 can be in communication with an item identifier reader and operate in a manner similar to that discussed above with reference to Figure 3A , Figure 3B The receiving assembly 520 can be in communication with an item identifier reader and operate in a manner similar to that discussed above with reference to Figure 3A , Figure 3B Similarly, as with the cart described with reference to Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 4 and Figure 5 the configurations and examples described with reference to can be used in combination with the implementations described herein and / or independently of the implementations described herein. Figures 7 to 9Additional examples and descriptions relating to the implementations described herein for utilizing a cart in conjunction with an inventory management system 150 to manage inventory within a materials handling facility are provided.

[0063] Figure 6 FIG. 13 illustrates example functional components of a cart 602, such as Figures 3A to 5 The functional components of the cart 602 include one or more processors 603 and computer-readable media 604. The computer-readable media 604 can include volatile and nonvolatile memory, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, cart item inventory lists, user profiles, or other data. Such memory includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology. The computer-readable media 604 can be implemented as computer-readable storage media ("CRSM"), which can be any available physical medium that can be accessed by the processor 602 to execute instructions stored on the media 604. In one basic implementation, the CRSM can include random access memory ("RAM"), and flash memory. In other implementations, the CRSM can include, but is not limited to, read-only memory ("ROM"), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory ("EEPROM"), or any other tangible medium for storage of data and which can be accessed by the processor 602.

[0064] A number of modules such as instructions, data stores, and the like can be stored within the computer-readable media 604 and configured to execute on the processor 602. Some example functional modules are shown as being stored within the computer-readable media 604, but the same functionality can alternatively be implemented in hardware, firmware, or as a system on a chip (SOC).

[0065] An operating system module 606 can be configured to manage hardware and services within the cart 602 and coupled to the cart 602 for the benefit of other modules. A communications module 610 facilitates communications such as cellular communications, RF communications, Wi-Fi communications, Bluetooth communications, NFC, satellite-based communications, and the like. For example, the communications module 610 can facilitate communications with the inventory management system 150 via the network 206 or via another wired and / or wireless communications path. Likewise, the communications module 610 can facilitate communications and detection of item identifiers. Other local modules 612 can also be present on the cart 602 depending on the implementation and configuration of the cart 602.

[0066] The cart 602 can also include a plurality of applications 614 stored on the computer readable medium 604 or otherwise accessible to the cart 602. In this implementation, the applications 614 include an item identifier discovery 616 and other applications 618. However, the cart 602 can include any number or type of applications and is not limited to the specific examples shown herein. The item identifier discovery 616 application can facilitate item identifier discovery as items are added to and / or removed from the cart 602. Data stores can also be stored locally on the medium 604, including a cart item identifier list data store 624 and one or more user profiles 626 of users that have interacted with and / or used the cart 602. The cart item identifier list data store 624 can include a list of item identifiers that have been detected as present within the cavity of the cart 602 and / or a count of the number of times each item identifier 602 has been detected. The user profile data store 626 can include user characteristics, preferences, pick lists, usage history, purchase history, and other information specific to individual users.

[0067] The cart 602 can also include a display, such as a touch screen display 628, and other input devices, like a keypad, control buttons, a microphone, motion detection components, etc. The output devices 632 can include a display, lighting elements (e.g., LEDs), a vibrator for creating a tactile sensation, a microphone, or the like. The cart 602 can further include an item identifier reader 633, such as an RFID reader, coupled to the receiving assembly 630 to facilitate detection of item identifiers. Likewise, the cart 602 can include a wireless unit 634 coupled to another antenna to facilitate wireless connections to one or more networks, such as the network 206. The wireless unit 634 can implement one or more different wireless technologies, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RF, etc.

[0068] The cart 602 can also include an embedded unique identifier 636. The unique identifier can be embedded in the memory 604 of the wearable device 305 or otherwise stored and accessible to the cart 602.

[0069] The cart 602 can also be equipped with a plurality of active components 638. Any number of components can be used. Representative components include imaging elements 640, sensors 642, and other active components 644. The cart 602 can also include some form of power source 646, such as a battery, solar power, or other form of power source for providing power to the cart 602 and its components during operation.

[0070] While the functional components of the example cart 602 are discussed herein as part of the cart 602, in other implementations, one or more of the functional components can be distributed throughout the material handling facility 100 and / or implemented as part of the inventory management system 150. For example, one or more applications, such as the item identifier discovery application 616, can be implemented as part of the inventory management system 150. In such an example, when an item identifier is detected by the item identifier reader 433, it can be provided directly to the inventory management system 150, and the inventory management system can discover the item and add the item identifier to the cart item identifier list. Likewise, the cart item identifier list 624 can be maintained in the computer readable medium 604 of the cart 602 and / or in the cart item identifier list data store 218 of the inventory management system 150.

[0071] Figure 7 A flowchart depicting an example process 700 for identifying the addition of items and / or the removal of items from a cart, according to some implementations, is depicted. The example process 700 can be implemented in conjunction with any of the cart configurations discussed above. Figure 7 The processes of FIG. 6 and each other process discussed herein can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. In the context of software, the described operations represent computer-executable instructions stored on one or more computer-readable media that, when executed by one or more processors, perform the recited operations. Generally, computer-executable instructions include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, and the like that perform particular functions or implement particular abstract data types.

[0072] The computer-readable medium can include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that can include a hard disk drive, a floppy diskette, a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a read only memory (ROM), a programmable read only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), an electronically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, a magnetic or optical card, a solid state memory device, or any other type of storage medium suitable for storing electronic instructions. Additionally, in some embodiments, the computer-readable medium can include a transitory computer-readable signal (in compressed or uncompressed form). Examples of computer- readable signals include, but are not limited to, signals that a computer system or other computing device can access, which can include signals downloaded through the Internet or other networks. Finally, the order in which the operations are described is not intended to be limiting, and any number of the described operations can be combined in any order and / or in parallel to implement a process.

[0073] The example process 700 begins by scanning a carton identifier as in 702. For example, a cart can be configured to include a carton identifier reader and one or more receiving components (e.g., antennas) that can be used to scan carton identifiers. In some implementations, the carton identifiers utilized in the material handling facility can be passive RFID readers. The carton identifier reader and antennas can scan for carton identifiers, and carton identifiers within range of the receiving components can receive power from the receiving components such that they can be detected. In other implementations, the carton identifiers can be self-powered, or partially self-powered, such that they can be detected.

[0074] Based on the carton identifiers detected during the scan, a list of detected carton identifiers can be generated or updated if a list already exists, as in 704. The list of detected carton identifiers can include each carton identifier detected while scanning for carton identifiers and a count of the number of times the carton identifier has been detected. For each detected carton identifier already in the list of detected carton identifiers, its identifier count can be incremented, as in 706. Likewise, a determination can be made as to whether any new carton identifiers were detected during the scan, as in 708. A new carton identifier can be any detected carton identifier that was not already included on the list of detected carton identifiers.

[0075] If it is determined that a new carton identifier was detected during the scan, the carton identifier is added to the list of detected carton identifiers and a corresponding carton identifier count is set to one, as in 710. If it is determined that no new carton identifiers were detected, or after a new carton identifier is added to the list of detected carton identifiers, a determination can be made as to whether the count of any carton identifiers not already included on the cart's list of carton identifiers exceeds an add-to-cart threshold, as in 712. As discussed above, to improve the accuracy of the cart's list of carton identifiers, an add-to-cart threshold can be established and carton identifiers can only be added to the cart's list of carton identifiers if the count of the carton identifier exceeds the threshold. The add-to-cart threshold can be any determined value. In some implementations, the add-to-cart threshold can be zero, such that when a carton identifier is first detected, it is added to the cart's list of carton identifiers. In other implementations, the add-to-cart threshold can be any number greater than zero, and carton identifiers will only be added to the cart's list of carton identifiers if the identifier count meets or exceeds the threshold.

[0076] If it is determined that the identifier count for a product identifier that is not already included on the cart product identifier list meets or exceeds the add-to-cart threshold, the product identifier can be added to the cart product identifier list, as in 714. However, if it is determined that the identifier count does not meet or exceed the threshold, or after adding a product with an identifier count that does meet or exceed the product identifier threshold to the cart product identifier list, a determination can be made as to whether any product identifiers on the list of detected product identifiers are not detected, as in 716. If there are no missing product identifiers, the example process 700 can return to block 702 and continue. However, if it is determined that a product identifier included on the list of detected product identifiers was not detected during the scanning of product identifiers, the identifier count for the product identifier can be decreased, as in 718, and a determination made as to whether the count for any product identifiers on the cart product identifier list has fallen below the remove-from-cart threshold, as in 720.

[0077] In some implementations, the add-to-cart threshold and the remove-from-cart threshold can be the same value and / or the same threshold. In other implementations, the value of the add-to-cart threshold and the value of the remove-from-cart threshold can be different. Like the add-to-cart threshold, the remove-from-cart threshold can be any determined value. For example, the remove-from-cart threshold can have a value of zero. As long as the identifier count for a product identifier that has been added to the cart product identifier list is greater than zero, the product identifier will remain in the cart product identifier list. In other implementations, the removal from the cart product identifier list can be any value greater than zero. In still other implementations, instead of a count value, the remove-from-cart threshold can consider how many scans in which the product identifier has not been detected have been performed in succession. For example, the remove-from-cart threshold can be set such that, in the event that a product identifier scan (block 702) is performed five times and the product identifier is not detected in any of the scans, the product identifier will be removed from the cart product identifier list.

[0078] If it is determined that the count of product identifiers included on the cart product identifier list falls below the remove-from-cart threshold, the product identifiers are removed from the cart product identifier list, as in 722. After removing product identifiers from the cart product identifier list, or if it is determined that the identifier count has not fallen below the remove-from-cart threshold, the example process returns to block 702 and continues. The example process 700 can be timed, continuous, or performed upon the occurrence of a particular event (e.g., the cart is moved, an addition and / or removal of a product is detected).

[0079] Figure 8 A flowchart depicting an example process 800 for identifying the addition of a product and / or the removal of a product from a cart, according to some implementations. The example process 800 can be combined with the example process 700 described above with reference to FIG. 7. The example process 800 can be performed by a computing device, such as the computing device 102 described above with reference to FIG. 1.Figure 4 and Figure 5 A shopping cart configuration implementation is discussed. The example process 800 begins when two or more receiving components of a shopping cart are activated, as in 802. For example, if a shopping cart has two loop antennas (receiving components) positioned within the shopping cart such that each loop antenna defines a plane that is generally parallel to the bottom surface of the shopping cart, then the two loop antennas will be activated when an item passes through the respective planes as the item is added to or removed from the shopping cart.

[0080] Upon detecting that two or more receiving components of a shopping cart are activated, the item identifiers that caused the receiving components to be activated are identified, as in 804. For example, if the receiving components are loop antennas that communicate with item identifier receivers, then the item identifiers can be detected as the item passes through each plane. In alternative implementations, the item identifiers can be determined using the example process 700. In addition to identifying the item identifiers, it can be determined whether the top receiving component was activated first, as in 806. For example, timestamps or other identifiers that indicate when the receiving components were activated can be compared to determine which receiving component was activated first. If it is determined that the top receiving component was activated first (which means that an item was added to the shopping cart), then the identified item identifiers can be added to a shopping cart item identifier list, as in 808. However, if it is determined that the top receiving component was not activated first (which means that an item was removed from the shopping cart), then the item identifiers can be removed from the item identifier list, as in 810.

[0081] Figure 9 A flowchart depicting an example process 900 for transferring items included in a shopping cart, according to some implementations, is shown. The example process begins when a shopping cart enters a transfer area, as in 902. The shopping cart can be identified in the transfer area based on a unique identifier associated with the shopping cart and / or based on a user associated with the shopping cart. Upon identifying the shopping cart, a shopping cart item identifier list for the shopping cart is obtained, as in 904. In some implementations, a user identifier and / or a user account can also be determined. In some implementations, the shopping cart item identifier list is maintained in a memory of the shopping cart, and the shopping cart item identifier list can be provided to an inventory management system when the shopping cart is identified as being in the transfer area. In other implementations, the shopping cart item identifier list can be maintained by the inventory management system. In still other implementations, the shopping cart item identifier list can be maintained by both the shopping cart and the inventory management system.

[0082] The example process 900 can also determine whether to confirm the items in the cart correspond to the items identified on the cart item identifier list, as in 906. If it is determined that the cart contents are to be confirmed, the cart can be scanned and a confirmed item identifier list can be generated, as in 910. For example, a higher power item identifier reader and antenna can be located within the transfer area that scans the cart to identify item identifiers located in the cart, in communication with the inventory management system. In some implementations, the antenna can be positioned on the ceiling, floor, and / or walls of the transfer area such that it can scan the cart for item identifiers as the cart enters the transfer area.

[0083] Once the cart has been scanned in the transfer area and a confirmed item identifier list has been generated, the item identifiers on the confirmed item identifier list can be compared to the items on the cart item identifier list and a determination made as to whether the items on both lists match, as in 912. If there are discrepancies between the confirmed item identifier list and the item identifiers listed on the cart item identifier list, the discrepancies can be presented to the user or / and operator located in the transfer area, as in 914. For example, any discrepancies can be presented on a display located in the transfer area and the user and / or operator can manually resolve the discrepancies by selecting whether the item is included in the cart, as in 916.

[0084] Once any discrepancies have been resolved, if it is determined that all of the items on the confirmed item identifier list and the cart item identifier list match, or if it is determined that the contents of the cart are not to be confirmed, the items identified in the cart item identifier list are transferred, as in 908. For example, if the item is leaving the material disposition facility, the item can be transferred from the material disposition facility to a new owner, carrier, etc. that takes the item from the material disposition facility. If the item is being transferred from one location to another location within the material disposition facility, the item can be transferred between the locations.

[0085] Figure 10 FIG. 1 is a diagram of an illustrative implementation of a server system, such as server system 102, that can be used in implementations described herein. Server system 102 can include a processor 1000, such as one or more redundant processors, a video display adapter 1002, a hard disk drive 1004, an input / output interface 1006, a network interface 1008, and a memory 1012. Processor 1000, video display adapter 1002, hard disk drive 1004, input / output interface 1006, network interface 1008, and memory 1012 can be communicatively coupled to each other by a communication bus 1010.

[0086] Video display adapter 1002 provides display signals to a local display (not shown Figure 10The input / output interface 1006 allows for operator control of and communication with the server system 102. The input / output interface 1006, which allows an operator of the server system 102 to monitor and configure the operation of the server system 102 and / or resolve discrepancies between the shopping cart item identifier list and the items identified in the confirmation item identifier list, is in communication with an external input / output device (such as a mouse, keyboard, scanner, or other input and output devices) not shown in Figure 10 Figure 2

[0087] The memory 1012 generally includes random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM) and / or other volatile or non-volatile memory. The memory 1012 is shown as storing an operating system 1014 for controlling the operation of the server system 102. A binary input / output system (BIOS) 1016 for controlling the low-level operation of the server system 102 is also stored in the memory 1012.

[0088] The memory 1012 additionally stores program code and data for providing a web service that implements the shopping cart and / or inventory management system 150. Thus, the memory 1012 can store a browser application 1018. The browser application 1018 includes computer executable instructions that, when executed by the processor 1000, generate or otherwise obtain a configurable markup document, such as a web page. The browser application 1018 is in communication with a data store manager application 1020 to facilitate the exchange of data between the inventory data store 214, the user data store 216 and / or the shopping cart item identifier list data store 218.

[0089] As used herein, the term "data store" refers to any device or combination of devices capable of storing, accessing and retrieving data, which can include any combination and number of data servers, databases, data storage devices and data storage media, in any standard, distributed or clustered environment. The server system 102 can include any suitable hardware and software for integrating with the data stores 214-218 as needed to execute aspects of one or more applications of the shopping cart 202 and / or the inventory management system 150.

[0090] ​​Data stores 214-218 can include a number of separate data tables, databases or other data storage mechanisms and media for storing data relating to a particular aspect. For example, the data stores 214-218 illustrated include an inventory information, user information, shopping cart item identifier list, shopping cart information, etc. that can be used to generate and deliver information to the shopping cart 202, inventory management system 150, and / or a user.

[0091] It should be appreciated that many other aspects can exist that can be stored in the data stores 214-218. The data stores 214-218 can receive instructions from the server system 102, and in response thereto, generate, update, or otherwise process the data.

[0092] In addition to maintaining information about inventory, users, and shopping carts, the inventory management system 150 can also provide usage information back to the user. For example, the inventory management system 150 can provide usage information back to the user through communications between the server system 102 and the shopping cart. Such information can include a list of items included in the shopping cart, the cost of items included in the shopping cart, the materials handling facility within which the items will be picked, the location within the materials handling facility where the items will be picked, and similar information.

[0093] The memory 1012 can also include the inventory management system 150 discussed above. The inventory management system 150 can be executed by the processor 1000 to implement one or more functions of the server system 102. In one implementation, the inventory management system 150 can represent instructions embodied in one or more software programs stored in the memory 1012. In another implementation, the inventory management system 150 can represent hardware, software instructions, or a combination thereof.

[0094] In one implementation, the server system 102 is a distributed environment utilizing a number of computer systems and components interconnected via communication links, using one or more computer networks or directly using a connection. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that such a system can operate in a distributed environment. Figure 10 The depiction of the illustrative environment in FIG. 1 is intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of remote computer(s) and Figure 10 The depiction of the illustrative environment in FIG. 1 is intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of remote computer(s) and

[0095] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the claims.

[0096] Clause

[0097] A1. A material handling facility item management system comprising:

[0098] an antenna configured to detect a plurality of item identifiers located in a cart;

[0099] a computing system in communication with the receiving component, the computing system comprising:

[0100] one or more processors; and

[0101] memory coupled to the one or more processors storing program instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to:

[0102] receive first information from the antenna, the first information comprising the plurality of item identifiers;

[0103] compare the plurality of item identifiers to a cart item list; and

[0104] for each item identifier of the plurality of item identifiers included in the first information and the cart item list, transfer a storage location of an item associated with the item identifier from a first location within the material handling facility to a second location.

[0105] A2. The material handling facility item management system of clause A1, wherein the cart item list is provided by a second computing system positioned within the cart.

[0106] A3. The material handling facility item management system of clause A1, wherein the first location within the material handling facility is a storage location.

[0107] A4. The material handling facility item management system of clause A1, wherein the second location is within the material handling facility.

[0108] A5. The material handling facility item management system of clause A1, wherein the second location is outside of the material handling facility.

[0109] A6. The material handling facility item management system of clause A1, wherein the second location is an entity that removes items from the material handling facility.

[0110] A7. A computing system comprising:

[0111] one or more processors; and

[0112] memory coupled to the one or more processors storing program instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to:

[0113] obtaining a cart item list for a cart located in a material handling facility;

[0114] identifying a plurality of item identifiers included in the cart and the cart item list; and

[0115] transferring a storage location of an item identifier from the material handling facility for each of the plurality of item identifiers.

[0116] A8. The computing system of clause A7, the program instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, further cause the one or more processors to:

[0117] identifying an item identifier included in the identified plurality of item identifiers that is not in the cart item list;

[0118] receiving a confirmation that the item identifier is included in the cart; and

[0119] transferring a storage location of the item identifier from the material handling facility.

[0120] A9. The computing system of clause A8, wherein the program instructions which, when executed by one or more processors to cause the one or more processors to confirm that an item identifier is included in a cart, further cause the one or more processors to:

[0121] presenting the item identifier to a user; and

[0122] receiving a confirmation that the item identifier is included in the cart.

[0123] A10. The computing system of clause A7, the program instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, further cause the one or more processors to:

[0124] identifying an item identifier included in the identified plurality of item identifiers that is not in the cart item list;

[0125] receiving a confirmation that the item identifier is not included in the cart; and

[0126] not transferring a storage location of the item identifier from the material handling facility.

[0127] A11. The computing system of clause A10, wherein the program instructions which, when executed by one or more processors to cause the one or more processors to determine that an item identifier is not included in a cart, further cause the one or more processors to:

[0128] presenting the item identifier to a user; and

[0129] receiving confirmation that the item identifier is included in the cart; and

[0130] A12. The computing system of clause A7, the program instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the one or more processors to:

[0131] identifying item identifiers included in the cart item list that are not in the identified plurality of item identifiers;

[0132] receiving confirmation that the item identifier is included in the cart; and

[0133] transferring the storage location of the item identifier from the material handling facility.

[0134] A13. The computing system of clause A12, wherein the program instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to receive confirmation that an item identifier is included in a cart further cause the one or more processors to:

[0135] presenting a representation of the item associated with the item identifier to a user; and

[0136] receiving confirmation that the item identifier is included in the cart.

[0137] A14. The computing system of clause A7, the program instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the one or more processors to:

[0138] identifying item identifiers included in the cart item list that are not in the identified plurality of item identifiers;

[0139] receiving confirmation that the item identifier is included in the cart; and

[0140] not transferring the storage location of the item identifier from the material handling facility.

[0141] A15. The computing system of clause A14, wherein the program instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to receive confirmation that an item identifier is not included in a cart further cause the one or more processors to:

[0142] presenting the item identifier to a user; and

[0143] receiving confirmation that the item identifier is included in the cart.

[0144] A16. A computer-implemented method for transferring items of a material handling facility, comprising:

[0145] under the control of one or more computing systems configured with executable instructions,

[0146] detecting a presence of the cart within the transfer zone;

[0147] identifying a product identifier included in the cart, wherein the product identifier is associated with a product;

[0148] confirming that the product identifier is included on a cart product list; and

[0149] transferring a storage location of the product identifier from a first inventory location within the material handling facility to a second inventory location.

[0150] A17. The computer-implemented method of clause A16, further comprising:

[0151] identifying a second product identifier included in the cart, wherein the second product identifier is associated with a second product;

[0152] determining that the second product identifier is not included on the cart product list; and

[0153] informing the agent that the second product identifier included in the cart is not included in the cart product list.

[0154] A18. The computer-implemented method of clause A17, wherein informing the agent comprises presenting the product identifier on a display located in the transfer zone.

[0155] A19. The computer-implemented method of clause A17, further comprising:

[0156] receiving a resolution from the agent confirming that the second product is included in the cart; and

[0157] transferring a storage location of the second product from a third inventory location within the material handling facility to the second inventory location.

[0158] A20. The computer-implemented method of clause A16, further comprising:

[0159] identifying a second product identifier included in the cart product list, wherein the second product identifier is associated with a second product;

[0160] determining that the second product identifier is not included in the cart; and

[0161] informing the agent that the second product identifier included in the cart product list is not included in the cart.

[0162] A21. The computer-implemented method of clause A20, further comprising:

[0163] receive the solution from the agent, confirming that the second item is included in the cart; and

[0164] transfer the storage location of the second item from a third inventory location within the material handling facility to the second inventory location.

[0165] A22. The computer-implemented method of clause A20, further comprising:

[0166] receive the solution from the agent, confirming that the second item is not included in the cart.

[0167] B1. A cart configured to identify items contained in the cart, the cart comprising:

[0168] a bottom surface;

[0169] a plurality of side surfaces coupled to the bottom surface and positioned to bound a cavity;

[0170] an antenna positioned in the cavity, the antenna configured to detect an item identifier when the item identifier is positioned in the cavity;

[0171] a computing system in communication with the antenna, the computing system comprising:

[0172] one or more processors; and

[0173] a memory coupled to the one or more processors and storing program instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to:

[0174] receive first information from the antenna, the first information comprising an item identifier;

[0175] determine that a count associated with the item identifier exceeds an add-to-cart threshold, wherein the count identifies a number of times the item identifier has been identified; and

[0176] based at least in part on the determination that the count associated with the item identifier exceeds the add-to-cart threshold, add the item identifier to a cart item list.

[0177] B2. The cart of clause B1, wherein the cart is at least one of a bag, a box, a cart, a package, a case, or a bowl.

[0178] B3. The cart of clause B1, wherein the item identifier is encoded in a radio frequency identifier tag of the item.

[0179] B4. The cart of clause B1, wherein the program instructions further cause the one or more processors to:

[0180] determine whether the item identifier is included on a list of item identifiers; and

[0181] based at least in part on a determination that the item identifier is included on the item identifier list, incrementing a count associated with the item identifier.

[0182] B5. The cart of clause B4, wherein based at least in part on a determination that the item identifier is not included on the item identifier list, adding the item identifier to the item identifier list.

[0183] B6. A cart item list management system comprising:

[0184] a receiving component configured to detect a plurality of item identifiers when the plurality of item identifiers are located in a cart;

[0185] a computing system in communication with the receiving component, the computing system comprising:

[0186] one or more processors; and

[0187] a memory coupled to the one or more processors and storing program instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to:

[0188] receive first information from the receiving component, the first information comprising the plurality of item identifiers;

[0189] determine, based at least in part on the first information, that there is a change in the plurality of item identifiers located in the cart; and

[0190] in response to determining that there is a change in the plurality of item identifiers located in the cart, perform an action.

[0191] B7. The cart item list management system of clause B6, wherein the difference is determined based on a comparison of the first information to a cart item list, wherein the cart item list comprises item identifiers previously identified as included in the cart.

[0192] B8. The cart item list management system of clause B6, wherein the difference is a determination that a first item identifier has been added to the plurality of item identifiers located in the cart.

[0193] B9. The cart item list management system of clause B8, wherein the action is adding the first item identifier to the cart item list, wherein the cart item list comprises the plurality of item identifiers.

[0194] B10. The cart item list management system of clause B6, wherein the difference is a determination that a first item identifier has been removed from the plurality of item identifiers located in the cart.

[0195] B11. The cart item list management system of clause B10, wherein the action is removing the first item identifier from the cart item list, wherein the cart item list comprises a plurality of item identifiers.

[0196] B12. The cart item list management system of clause B6, wherein the cart comprises:

[0197] a bottom; and

[0198] a plurality of side surfaces coupled to the bottom and positioned to bound the cavity.

[0199] B13. The cart item list management system of clause B12, wherein the receiving component is positioned within the cavity and configured to detect the plurality of item identifiers when the plurality of item identifiers are located in the cavity of the cart.

[0200] B14. The cart item list management system of clause B6, wherein the receiving component comprises a first receiving component and a second receiving component.

[0201] B15. The cart item list management system of clause B6, wherein the computing system is coupled to the cart.

[0202] B16. A computer-implemented method for maintaining a cart item list of items contained in a cart, comprising:

[0203] under the control of one or more computing systems configured with executable instructions,

[0204] detecting a first item identifier, wherein the first item identifier represents a first item positioned within the cart;

[0205] determining that the first item identifier is not included in the cart item list;

[0206] based at least in part on the determination that the first item identifier is not included in the cart item list, adding the first item identifier to the cart item list;

[0207] determining that a second item has been removed from the cart; and

[0208] based at least in part on the determination that the second item has been removed from the cart, removing the second item identifier from the cart item list.

[0209] B17. The computer-implemented method of clause B16, further comprising:

[0210] incrementing a first item identifier count associated with the first item identifier;

[0211] wherein determining that the first item identifier is not included in the cart item list further comprises determining whether a count associated with the first item identifier exceeds an add-to-cart threshold; and

[0212] wherein adding the first item identifier to the cart item list further comprises adding the first item identifier to the cart item list based at least in part on a determination that the count associated with the first item identifier exceeds the add-to-cart threshold.

[0213] B18. The computer-implemented method of clause B16, wherein determining that the second item has been removed from the cart further comprises:

[0214] determining that a second item identifier included in the cart item list is not detected as positioned within the cart.

[0215] B19. The computer-implemented method of clause B18, further comprising:

[0216] decreasing a second count associated with the second item identifier based at least in part on a determination that the second item identifier is not detected as positioned within the cart;

[0217] determining that the second count is below a remove-from-cart threshold; and

[0218] wherein removing the second item identifier from the cart item list is based at least in part on a determination that the second count is below the remove-from-cart threshold.

[0219] B20. The computer-implemented method of clause B16, wherein detecting the first item identifier is performed while the cart is in motion.

[0220] B21. The computer-implemented method of clause B16, wherein detecting the first item identifier comprises scanning a cavity of the cart for the item identifier.

[0221] B22. The computer-implemented method of clause B21, wherein scanning the cavity of the cart is performed at least in part with an antenna positioned within the cavity of the cart.

[0222] B23. The computer-implemented method of clause B21, wherein scanning the cavity of the cart is performed at least in part with an antenna positioned remotely from the cart.

[0223] C1. A cart configured to identify items contained in the cart, the cart comprising:

[0224] a bottom surface;

[0225] a plurality of side surfaces coupled to the bottom surface and positioned to define a cavity;

[0226] a first antenna coupled to the at least one side surface and defining a first plane that is substantially parallel to the bottom surface, the first antenna configured to detect a truncation of the first plane as the item passes through the first plane;

[0227] a second antenna coupled to the at least one side surface and defining a second plane that is substantially parallel to the bottom surface, the second antenna configured to detect a truncation of the second plane as the item passes through the second plane;

[0228] a computing system coupled to the cart and in communication with the first antenna and the second antenna, the computing system comprising:

[0229] one or more processors; and

[0230] a memory coupled to the one or more processors and storing program instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to:

[0231] receive first information from the first antenna, the first information identifying the truncation of the first plane;

[0232] receive second information from the second antenna, the second information identifying the truncation of the second plane;

[0233] determine, based at least in part on the first information and the second information, that the item was added to the cart or removed from the cart; and

[0234] based on a determination that the item was added to the cart, add an item identifier for the item to a cart item list.

[0235] C2. The cart of clause CI, wherein at least one of the first antenna and the second antenna is a radio frequency loop antenna.

[0236] C3. The cart of clause CI, wherein at least one of the first antenna and the second antenna is configured to detect an item identifier as the item passes through one or more of the first plane or the second plane.

[0237] C4. The cart of clause CI, wherein:

[0238] the first information comprises a time at which the first plane was truncated;

[0239] the second information comprises a time at which the second plane was truncated; and

[0240] the program instructions further cause the one or more processors to:

[0241] determine to add the item to the cart based at least in part on a determination that the truncation of the first plane occurred before the truncation of the second plane.

[0242] C5. The cart of clause C1, wherein:

[0243] the first information comprises a time at which the first plane is truncated;

[0244] the second information comprises a time at which the second plane is truncated; and

[0245] the program instructions further cause the one or more processors to:

[0246] determine to remove the item from the cart based at least in part on a determination that the truncation of the second plane occurs before the truncation of the first plane.

[0247] C6. The cart of clause C1, further comprising:

[0248] a third antenna coupled to the cart, the third antenna configured to detect the item identifier when the item identifier is positioned in the cavity.

[0249] C7. An apparatus comprising:

[0250] a bottom surface;

[0251] a plurality of side surfaces coupled to the bottom surface and positioned to bound a cavity;

[0252] a first receiving component positioned within the cavity and bounding a first plane, the first receiving component configured to detect a truncation of the first plane when an item passes through the first plane;

[0253] a second receiving component positioned within the cavity and bounding a second plane, the second receiving component configured to detect a truncation of the second plane when the item passes through the second plane;

[0254] a computing system coupled to the apparatus and in communication with the first receiving component and the second receiving component, the computing system comprising:

[0255] one or more processors; and

[0256] a memory coupled to the one or more processors and storing program instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to:

[0257] receive first information from the first receiving component, the first information identifying a time at which the first plane is truncated;

[0258] receive second information from the second receiving component, the second information identifying a time at which the second plane is truncated;

[0259] determine whether the item is added to the apparatus or removed from the apparatus based at least in part on the first information and the second information; and

[0260] Based on a determination that an item is added to the device, an item identifier is added to the cart item list.

[0261] C8. The device of clause C7, wherein at least one of the first receiving component and the second receiving component is a loop antenna.

[0262] C9. The device of clause C7, wherein the first plane and the second plane are substantially parallel.

[0263] C10. The device of clause C9, wherein the first plane is substantially parallel to a bottom of the device.

[0264] C11. The device of clause C7, wherein at least one of the first information and the second information comprises an item identifier representative of an item.

[0265] C12. The device of clause C7, wherein:

[0266] the first information comprises a first time identifying when the first plane is interrupted;

[0267] the second information comprises a second time identifying when the second plane is interrupted; and

[0268] the program instructions further cause the one or more processors to determine, based at least in part on a comparison of the first time and the second time, whether the item is added to the device or removed from the device.

[0269] C13. The device of clause C12, wherein the item is determined to be added to the device in the event that the first time precedes the second time.

[0270] C14. The device of clause C12, wherein the item is determined to be removed from the device in the event that the second time precedes the first time.

[0271] C15. A computer-implemented method for managing a cart item list of a cart, comprising:

[0272] under control of one or more computing systems configured with executable instructions,

[0273] scanning a cavity of the cart to identify a plurality of item identifiers included in the cart;

[0274] identifying one of the plurality of item identifiers included in the cart that is not included in the cart item list;

[0275] determining that at least one of the identified plurality of item identifiers is not included in the cart item list; and

[0276] updating the cart item list to include the at least one item identifier.

[0277] C16. The computer-implemented method of clause C15, wherein identifying one of the plurality of item identifiers included in the cart includes incrementing a count associated with the item identifier.

[0278] C17. The computer-implemented method of clause C15, wherein scanning the cavity of the cart using the at least one antenna positioned in the cavity of the cart.

[0279] C18. The computer-implemented method of clause C15, wherein updating the cart item list includes adding to the cart item list an item identifier included in the identified plurality of item identifiers included in the cart that is not in the cart item list.

[0280] C19. The computer-implemented method of clause C15, wherein determining a difference between the identified plurality of item identifiers included in the cart and the cart item list includes identifying one of the item identifiers of the cart item list that is not in the identified plurality of item identifiers included in the cart.

[0281] C20. The computer-implemented method of clause C19, wherein updating the cart item list includes removing from the cart item list the item identifier of the cart item list that is not in the identified plurality of item identifiers included in the cart.

[0282] C21. The computer-implemented method of clause C19, wherein determining a difference between the identified plurality of item identifiers included in the cart and the cart item list further includes decrementing a count of an item identifier included in the cart item list that is not in the identified plurality of item identifiers included in the cart.

[0283] C22. The computer-implemented method of clause C21, wherein updating the cart item list includes:

[0284] determining that the count of the item identifier is less than a threshold; and

[0285] removing from the cart item list the item identifier of the cart item list that is not in the identified plurality of item identifiers included in the cart.

Claims

1. A method for obtaining a cart item identifier list associated with a cart, comprising: obtaining a cart item identifier list associated with the user or the cart indicating items picked by a user or contained in the cart by detecting item identifiers with an item identifier reader and a receiving component of the cart in response to detecting at least one of the user or the cart, further comprising: receiving first information during a first scan of the cart to determine item identifiers placed in the cart, the first information including the item identifiers; adding (704) the item identifiers to a detected item identifier list in response to receiving the first information, the detected item identifier list indicating item identifiers detected in the cart and a count indicating a number of times each item identifier has been detected in the cart; receiving second information from an antenna during a second scan of the cart after the first scan of the cart, the second information including the item identifiers; in response to receiving the second information: incrementing (706) a count associated with the item identifiers in the detected item identifier list; determining (712) that the count associated with the item identifiers in the detected item identifier list exceeds a threshold, wherein the threshold is greater than zero; and adding (714) the item identifiers to a cart item list based at least in part on the determination that the count associated with the item identifiers exceeds the threshold, the addition of the item identifiers to the cart item list indicating that the items have been added to the cart.

2. A computer-implemented material handling facility item management method, comprising: detecting at least one of a user or a cart in a transfer area of a material handling facility; scanning the cart using an item identifier reader located in the transfer area to determine one or more items located in the cart; generating an item identifier list indicating the one or more items based at least in part on the scanning; presenting the item identifier of the one or more items to the user; transferring the one or more items to the user, wherein the transferring includes charging the user for the one or more items; the method further comprising: obtaining a cart item identifier list associated with the user or the cart in response to detecting at least one of the user or the cart in accordance with the method of claim 1; comparing the cart item identifier list and the item identifier list to determine whether the one or more items indicated on the item identifier list correspond to items indicated on the cart item identifier list; determining a difference between at least one item indicated on the item identifier list and the cart item identifier list; and resolving the difference prior to transferring the one or more items to the user in response to determining the difference.

3. A cart (202, 302) configured to identify items included in the cart, comprising: an antenna positioned in the cart configured to detect item identifiers included within the cart; a computing system in communication with the antenna, the computing system comprising: one or more processors; and memory coupled to the one or more processors and storing program instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: in response to detecting at least one of the user or the cart, obtain a cart item identifier list associated with the user or the cart by using the cart's item identifier reader and receiving components to detect item identifiers, the cart item identifier list indicating items picked by the user or included in the cart; obtaining the cart item identifier list comprises: receiving first information during a first scan (702) of the cart to determine item identifiers positioned in the cart, the first information including the item identifiers; in response to receiving the first information, adding (704) item identifiers to a detected item identifier list, the detected item identifier list indicating item identifiers detected in the cart and a count indicating a number of times each item identifier has been detected in the cart; receiving second information from the antenna during a second scan of the cart after the first scan of the cart, the second information including the item identifiers; in response to receiving the second information: incrementing (706) a count associated with the item identifiers in the detected item identifier list; determining (712) that the count associated with the item identifiers in the detected item identifier list exceeds a threshold, wherein the threshold is greater than zero; and based at least in part on the determination that the count associated with the item identifiers exceeds the threshold, adding (714) the item identifiers to a cart item list, the addition of the item identifiers to the cart item list indicating that the items have been added to the cart.

4. A material handling facility item management system, comprising: the cart (202, 302) of claim 3; an antenna positioned in a transfer area configured to detect item identifiers included within the cart; a computing system in communication with the antenna, the computing system comprising: one or more processors; and memory coupled to the one or more processors and storing program instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to at least: scan the cart in the transfer area with the antenna to determine one or more items positioned in the cart; generate an item identifier list indicating the one or more items based at least in part on the scan; present item identifiers of the one or more items to a user; transferring the one or more items to a user, wherein the transferring includes charging the user for the one or more items; comparing the list of item identifiers to a list of cart item identifiers associated with at least one of the user or the cart to determine whether one or more items indicated on the list of item identifiers correspond to items indicated on the list of cart item identifiers obtained in the cart; and presenting a difference between the list of item identifiers and the list of cart item identifiers to at least one of the user or a carrier in response to determining the difference.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the program instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the one or more processors to at least: detect at least one of a user or a cart in the transfer area.

6. The system of claim 4, wherein each of the one or more items includes a radio frequency identifier detectable by the antenna.

7. The system of claim 4, wherein the transferring of the one or more items is part of a purchase of the one or more items by the user.

8. The system of claim 4, wherein the transferring of the one or more items is part of a rental of the one or more items.

9. The system of claim 4, wherein the transfer area is at an exit of a material handling facility.

10. The system of claim 4, wherein the program instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the one or more processors to at least: receive a resolution of the difference in response to the presenting of the difference.

11. The system of claim 4, wherein the program instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, transfer the one or more items to the user further comprise instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the one or more processors to at least transfer an association of an item identifier of each of the one or more items from an inventory location within a material handling facility to a user.

12. The system of claim 4, wherein the program instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, present the item identifier of the one or more items further comprise program instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the one or more processors to present at least the information on a display located in the transfer area.

13. A computer-implemented method for transferring items of a material handling facility, comprising: under control of one or more computing systems configured with executable instructions, receiving, from an antenna of a transfer area, one or more lists of cart item identifiers corresponding to one or more items located within a cart of the transfer area of the material handling facility, wherein the list of cart item identifiers is obtained in accordance with the method of claim 1 ; determining a user located within the transfer area; transferring an association of the cart item identifier list from a first inventory location within the material handling facility to a user, wherein the transferring includes charging the user for the one or more items; the method further comprising: presenting the user with item identifiers of the one or more items; generating an item identifier list including one or more item identifiers; comparing the item identifier list to a cart item identifier list associated with the user, wherein the cart item identifier list includes item identifiers of items determined to have been picked by the user while the user was located within the material handling facility; determining a difference between the item identifiers indicated on the item identifier list and the cart item identifier list; and presenting the difference to the user.

14. The computer-implemented method of claim 13, further comprising: receiving a resolution from the user that the item corresponding to the item identifier was in the transfer area; and transferring a second association of the item identifier to the user.

15. The computer-implemented method of claim 13, further comprising: detecting a cart identifier corresponding to a cart located within the transfer area; and wherein determining the user includes determining the user based at least in part on the cart identifier.

Images