Autonomous luggage apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes an external conveyor and a storage area. The external conveyor is configured to convey baggage to and from the storage area. The baggage can be sorted to the storage area by a lateral sorter and a vertical sorter. The baggage is conveyed by a storage area conveyor from a front of the storage area to a back of the storage area.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62 / 896,482, filed September 5, 2019, and U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 17 / 014,903, filed September 8, 2020, wherein each of the patent applications listed above is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to the field of baggage and cargo handling in the aviation industry, and more particularly, to a device for automating baggage handling. Background Technology

[0004] Passengers bring their baggage through the airport terminal. The terminal receives passengers' baggage and registers it using a baggage tag. The baggage tag can be a ten-digit International Air Transport Association (IATA) baggage identifier, consisting of a leading digit, a three-digit airline code, and a six-digit baggage number. The baggage can then be directed to the baggage handling area. The baggage can then be loaded onto the aircraft from the baggage handling area using baggage trolleys, baggage trailers, and belt loaders. Similarly, the aircraft can be unloaded using baggage trolleys, baggage trailers, and belt loaders. Baggage trolleys may require baggage handlers to load and unload baggage. Baggage trolleys can be loaded and unloaded by belt loaders. Belt loaders must be positioned to receive baggage from the baggage handling area and output baggage to baggage trolleys. Belt loaders and baggage trolleys must be manually moved between various terminal locations. Belt loaders and baggage trolleys can also provide limited sorting capabilities to storage areas on baggage trolleys, if any storage areas actually exist. This reduces the airline's knowledge of the current storage location of baggage.

[0005] Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide a device that overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages. Summary of the Invention

[0006] An apparatus is disclosed according to one or more illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure. In one illustrative embodiment, the apparatus includes a storage portion. In another illustrative embodiment, the storage portion includes a first storage area, a second storage area, and a third storage area. In another illustrative embodiment, the first storage area is vertically adjacent to the second storage area and horizontally adjacent to the third storage area. In another illustrative embodiment, the first, second, and third storage areas are configured to receive baggage. In another illustrative embodiment, the apparatus includes an external conveyor having a first end and a second end. In another illustrative embodiment, the external conveyor is configured to convey baggage from the first end to the second end. In another illustrative embodiment, the apparatus includes a lateral sorting machine configured to laterally sort baggage between a plurality of lateral storage areas. In another illustrative embodiment, the apparatus includes a vertical sorting machine configured to vertically sort baggage between a plurality of vertical storage areas. In another illustrative embodiment, the external conveyor is pivotable about a pivotable connector. In another illustrative embodiment, the first end of the external conveyor can be selectively adjusted by pivoting the external conveyor around a pivotable connector. In another illustrative embodiment, the device includes a plurality of wheels configured to support the weight of the storage section. In another illustrative embodiment, the device includes a propulsion unit connected to the plurality of wheels, the propulsion unit being configured to selectively rotate the wheels. In another illustrative embodiment, the external conveyor is connected to a vertical sorting machine. Attached Figure Description

[0007] By referring to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can better understand the many advantages of this disclosure, in which:

[0008] Figure 1 A block diagram is shown illustrating a controller for a luggage storage system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0009] Figure 2 A perspective view of a luggage storage device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention is shown;

[0010] Figure 3A A front perspective view of a luggage storage device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention is shown;

[0011] Figure 3B A perspective view of a luggage storage device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention is shown;

[0012] Figure 3C A rear perspective view of a luggage storage device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention is shown;

[0013] Figure 4AA perspective view of a luggage storage device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention is shown;

[0014] Figure 4B A perspective view of a luggage storage device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention is shown;

[0015] Figure 5A A perspective view of a luggage storage device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention is shown;

[0016] Figure 5B A front view of a luggage storage device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention is shown;

[0017] Figure 5C A front view of a luggage storage device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention is shown;

[0018] Figure 6 A perspective view of a luggage storage device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention is shown;

[0019] Figure 7A A front view of a luggage storage device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention is shown;

[0020] Figure 7B A perspective view of a luggage storage device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention is shown;

[0021] Figure 8 A method for sorting luggage to a luggage storage area according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0022] Figure 9 A flowchart is shown according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 10 A luggage storage device for receiving luggage according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0024] Figure 11 A plurality of luggage storage devices according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are shown; and

[0025] Figure 12 A block diagram of a luggage storage system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The disclosed subject matter will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] Overall reference Figures 1 to 12 According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a baggage handling system 100, a baggage transport vehicle 101, and a method 800 are disclosed.

[0028] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to an apparatus for loading and unloading baggage from an aircraft. The apparatus may include multiple storage areas for storing baggage. The storage areas may be loaded with baggage from the aircraft or the ground. Baggage may be conveyed to the storage areas via external conveyor belts. Baggage may be selectively stored in one of the multiple storage areas using vertical sorting machines and horizontal sorting structures.

[0029] Figure 1 A block diagram of a baggage handling system 100 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0030] In one embodiment, the baggage handling system 100 includes a baggage carrier 101. The baggage carrier 101 includes an external transmitter 102. The external transmitter 102 may have a first end 104 and a second end 106 (e.g., ...). Figure 2 (As depicted). External conveyor 102 can be configured to receive baggage from the aircraft via a first end 104. External conveyor 102 can be configured to transfer baggage from the first end 104 to a second end 106. Baggage can also be transferred from the second end 106 to the first end 104 (e.g., a bidirectional conveyor). External conveyor 102 can transfer baggage via any suitable mechanism, such as, but not limited to, a conveyor belt, a powered roller conveyor, an omnidirectional conveyor, or a chain conveyor. External conveyor 102 allows baggage carrier 101 to automatically, semi-automatically, and / or manually (e.g., remotely) store baggage within baggage carrier 101.

[0031] The device may include a storage section 204 having one or more storage areas 108 for storing luggage. For example, the storage section 204 may include storage areas 108 (such as...) Figure 2 (as depicted) or may include multiple storage areas 108a-f (such as) Figure 3A As depicted. Multiple storage areas 108 can be configured to receive baggage. In this respect, storage area 108 may have one or more walls capable of receiving baggage to be stored. Baggage carrier 101 can be configured to transport baggage from external conveyor 102 to one or more storage areas via external conveyors or side-sorting machines 140 (e.g., multiple directional conveyors 202, sub-conveyors 502 connected to the horizontal loading platform 504, deflectors, or pushers).

[0032] In an embodiment, the external conveyor 102 can be configured to pivot about the pivotable connector 110. By pivoting, a first end 104 of the external conveyor 102 can be pivoted to a ground position (e.g., at an angle up to -15 degrees relative to the ground), to an aircraft position (e.g., at an angle up to 30 degrees relative to the ground), or to a storage position (e.g., at an angle of 90 degrees relative to the ground). In this respect, the height of the first end 104 can be controlled based on the angle about the pivotable connector 110. The external conveyor 102 can pivot about the pivotable connector 110 in any suitable manner, including but not limited to rotary actuators, linear actuators (e.g., actuator 702 as depicted in FIG. 7), hydraulic lifts, pneumatic lifts, or cable winches. The pivotable connector 110 can be configured on the baggage carrier 101 in any suitable manner, such as, but not limited to, pivoting between the lateral sorter 140 and the storage section 204 (e.g., ...). Figures 3A to 3B As depicted), or by pivoting between the external transmitter 102 and the frame 402 connected to the storage section 204 (as shown). Figure 4A As depicted).

[0033] In embodiments, one or more of the storage areas 108 may include a storage area conveyor 112. The storage area conveyor 112 may be housed within the storage area 108. The storage area conveyor 112 may be positioned along the entire length of the storage area 108 for conveying luggage between the front and rear portions of the storage area 108, or along a portion less than the entire length. The storage area conveyor 112 may also engage in opposite directions for unloading luggage from the storage area 108 to an external conveyor 102 (e.g., a bidirectional conveyor). According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the storage area conveyor 112 may be connected to a controller (e.g., controller 120).

[0034] In an embodiment, the baggage carrier 101 includes one or more laterally adjacent storage areas 108. For example, the device may include storage area 108a and storage area 108b laterally adjacent to storage area 108a. The baggage carrier 101 may utilize a lateral sorting machine 140 (such as, but not limited to, multiple directional conveyors 202, such as...) Figures 3A to 4B As depicted), the sub-transmitter 502 connected to the horizontal stage 504 (such as...) Figures 5A to 5C (As depicted), a steering mechanism (not depicted) or a pusher (not depicted) sorts the luggage into the laterally adjacent storage areas 108a, 108b.

[0035] In this embodiment, the baggage carrier 101 includes one or more vertically adjacent storage areas 108. For example, the baggage carrier 101 may include a storage area 108a and a storage area 108c disposed below the storage area 108a. The baggage carrier 101 can use a vertical sorting machine 114 to vertically sort baggage into the storage areas 108a and 108c (e.g., ...). Figures 3A to 5C As depicted.

[0036] In an embodiment, the baggage carrier 101 may include a controller 120. The controller 120 may include one or more storage media 122 and a processor 124, wherein the one or more processors 124 are configured to execute a set of program instructions stored in the memory 122, the set of program instructions being configured to cause the one or more processors 124 to perform one or more steps of the present disclosure. The controller 120 may be configured to control various components of the device, such as, but not limited to, external conveyors 102, pivotable connectors 110, storage area conveyors 112, vertical sorters (e.g., vertical sorter 114), lateral sorters 140 (e.g., multiple directional conveyors 202, secondary conveyors 502 and horizontal loading platforms 504, steering mechanisms, pushers, etc.), or propulsion units 134.

[0037] For example, controller 120 can control external conveyor 102 for conveying luggage to and from storage area 108. Controller 120 can also determine that storage area 108 at a first height is full and luggage must be stored in storage area 108 at another height. Controller 120 can control vertical sorter 114 to sort luggage into different vertical storage areas 108. Controller 120 can also control lateral sorter 140 to sort luggage into laterally adjacent storage areas 108. Controller 120 can also engage storage area conveyor 112 to convey luggage to the rear of the storage area. When external conveyor 102 is connected to vertical sorter 114, the controller can also adjust the height and angle of external conveyor 102 (e.g., ...). Figures 3A to 3B (As depicted). When the vertical sorter 114 adjusts the height of the second end 106 of the external conveyor 102, the first end 104 moves by a similar amount. The controller 120 can take this amount into account and rotate the external conveyor 102 about the pivotable connector 110 to compensate (e.g., to maintain the connection between the aircraft cabin and the first end of the conveyor). The controller 120 can also extend or retract the telescopic external conveyor 602. The controller 120 can also move the baggage carrier 101 forward or backward via the propulsion unit 134.

[0038] In this embodiment, the baggage carrier 101 may be coupled to the user interface 138. The user can use the user interface 138 to view baggage stored in the baggage carrier 101, set sorting plans, or view other information stored by the baggage carrier 101 in the memory 122. It should be noted herein that a single electronic device (e.g., a tablet, personal computer, etc.) may serve as both the controller 120 and the user interface 138.

[0039] In one embodiment, the baggage handling system 100 may include a network connection 126 connecting the baggage carrier 101 to a server 128 comprising one or more storage media 130 and a processor 132. The network 126 may include a network interface circuitry system. Note that the network interface circuitry system (not shown) of the baggage carrier 101 may include any network interface device suitable for interfacing with the server 128. For example, the network interface circuitry system may include wired-based interface devices (e.g., DSL-based interconnects, cable-based interconnects, T9-based interconnects, etc.). In another embodiment, the network interface circuitry system may include wireless-based interface devices employing GSM, GPRS, CDMA, EV-DO, EDGE, WiMAX, 3G, 4G, 4G LTE, 5G, WiFi protocols, RF, LoRa, etc. Through the network interface, a user can access various features of the controller 120, such as, but not limited to, providing sorting schemes to the controller 120 or viewing baggage stored by the baggage carrier 101. The server may also communicate with the baggage carrier 101 via one or more RF links (e.g., LF, HF, UHF, etc.). The baggage carrier 101 can also provide status reports (e.g., the number of onboard baggage or battery charging level) to the operator via one or more displays.

[0040] In this embodiment, controller 120 is configured to receive baggage identifiers. For example, the baggage may have a barcode reader-readable baggage tag (e.g., an IATA code). The barcode may be scanned by a barcode reader and provided to controller 120. Controller 120 can then identify the baggage by comparing the scanned barcode with a database of known baggage barcodes (e.g., via a connection to server 128). Controller 120 can then look up the baggage identifier in the database to determine the flight associated with the baggage. The baggage identifier may also indicate various data, such as, but not limited to, weight, one or more dimensions, destination, color, or the owner of the baggage. Although controller 120 has been described as receiving baggage identifiers from a barcode reader, this is not intended as a limitation of this disclosure. In this respect, controller 120 may receive baggage identifiers from any suitable source, such as, but not limited to, RFID tag readers, barcode readers, or visual machine learning algorithms.

[0041] In this embodiment, controller 120 is configured to autonomously sort baggage into various storage areas 108 of baggage carrier 101. Autonomous sorting may be based on a sorting scheme. The sorting scheme may include one or more factors evaluated during baggage sorting. The sorting scheme may include factors such as the availability of open spaces for baggage in the storage area (e.g., the storage area is not full of other baggage). The sorting scheme may include factors such as the size, weight, or destination of the baggage. The sorting scheme may include factors such as the passenger status of the passenger associated with the baggage (e.g., first-class passengers may receive priority storage treatment). The sorting scheme may include factors such as the type of baggage (e.g., fragile baggage may receive priority storage processing; US mail may be transported to the US mail storage area, etc.). The sorting scheme may include factors such as the flight delay time of the flight associated with the baggage. The sorting scheme may also be evaluated using a process improvement algorithm (not depicted). The process improvement algorithm may be configured to estimate the optimal storage area for multiple storage carriers based on baggage flight data and the current baggage status of multiple storage carriers. At this point, baggage can be sorted into storage areas to reduce the time baggage takes to reach the aircraft and / or terminal. Based on the sorting scheme, the controller 120 can determine the appropriate storage area 108 and sort the baggage from the main system by engaging the external conveyor 102, the side sorter 140, the vertical sorter 114, and the storage area conveyor 112.

[0042] The baggage carrier 101 may include a propulsion unit 134. The propulsion unit 134 may include a motor, such as, but not limited to, a diesel, gasoline, or electric motor. The propulsion unit 134 may be configured to move the baggage carrier 101 by rotating one or more wheels 136 on the device (e.g.,...). Figure 2 (As depicted). Wheel 136 can also be selectively steered by a steering system (not shown). In this respect, baggage carrier 101 can be configured to drive to a location for loading baggage into or unloading baggage from a storage area 108 of baggage carrier 101 (e.g., by autonomous sorting by controller 120, lateral sorter 140, and vertical sorter 114). Propulsion unit 134 can be controlled by a baggage handler (e.g., using a steering wheel housed in baggage carrier 101) or can be controlled autonomously by the controller.

[0043] Wheel 136 may be connected to a load support shaft (not shown). Wheel 136 may be disposed on one or more sides of storage section 204. At this point, baggage carrier 101 may be configured to roll via wheel 136. Load support shaft may be connected to propulsion unit 134 via a drive system (not shown). At this point, wheel 136 may be controlled by propulsion unit 134 to drive baggage carrier between one or more areas to receive baggage. Baggage carrier may also include one or more brakes (not shown), such as, but not limited to, electric brakes, pneumatic brakes, or hydraulic brakes. At this point, movement of baggage carrier 101 may be stopped by the brakes. Load support shaft may also be coupled to one or more suspension components (not shown). For example, frame 402 may be coupled to load support shaft via one or more suspension components, such as, but not limited to, brackets, bearings, leaf springs, shock absorbers, or struts. At this point, wheel 136 may bear the load of various components of baggage carrier 101, such as the storage section 204, via the frame suspension components and load support shaft.

[0044] In this embodiment, controller 120 is configured to autonomously drive baggage carrier 101. Controller 120 may be configured to drive baggage carrier 101 by communicating with propulsion unit 134 and a steering system (not shown) connected to wheels 136. Baggage carrier 101 may include location tracking sensors (e.g., a GPS circuitry) and one or more vehicle sensors. The one or more vehicle sensors may include any suitable vehicle sensors, such as, but not limited to, automatic parking sensors, reversing collision sensors, intelligent parking assist sensors, radar sensors, lidar sensors, cameras, computer vision systems, or laser systems (e.g., distance sensors, photoelectric sensors, etc.). Baggage carrier 101 may also communicate with one or more other aircraft or air traffic control (e.g., via a wireless network at RF frequencies). Baggage carrier 101 may be configured to traverse airports via a preset map of the airport with one or more driving routes. Based on position data from location tracking and one or more vehicle vision sensors, the propulsion unit 134 can autonomously control at autonomous driving levels, such as, but not limited to, SAE Level 0 to 5 systems. For example, the baggage carrier 101 can provide warning and intervention control (e.g., autonomous braking) according to a Level 0 system. As another example, according to a Level 1 system, the baggage carrier 101 can provide driver assistance (e.g., parking assistance). As another example, according to a Level 2 system, the baggage carrier 101 can provide lane centering and adaptive cruise control. As another example, according to a Level 3 system, the baggage carrier 101 can include autonomous driving with user driver assistance. As another example, according to a Level 4 system, the baggage carrier 101 can include a pedal and / or steering wheel optional system. As another example, according to a Level 5 system, the baggage carrier 101 can include fully autonomous driving without a steering wheel required to operate the device.

[0045] Figure 2 A baggage transport vehicle 101 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is depicted.

[0046] In one embodiment, the baggage transport vehicle 101 includes a storage area 108 having a storage area conveyor 112. For example... Figure 2 As depicted, storage area 108 and storage area conveyor 112 can span the width of baggage carrier 101. In this respect, storage area 108 can be configured to receive a variety of large cargo, such as, but not limited to, aircraft parts, boxes, or tires. According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the device may also include a pivotable connector 110 and an external conveyor 102.

[0047] In one embodiment, the baggage carrier 101 includes a lateral sorting machine 140. The lateral sorting machine 140 may include a plurality of directional conveyors 202. The plurality of directional conveyors 202 may include one or more left-hand directional conveyors 202a and one or more right-hand directional conveyors 202b. The plurality of directional conveyors 202 may be positioned at one or more angles on the baggage carrier 101 (e.g., between ±30 and 60 degrees from the side of the storage section 204). The plurality of directional conveyors 202 may be selectively actuated to convey baggage to the storage area 108. Additionally, the plurality of directional conveyors 202 may be actuated in opposite directions to convey baggage from the storage area 108 to an external conveyor 102 (e.g., a bidirectional conveyor), thereby unloading the storage area 108.

[0048] Multiple directional conveyors 202 can also be configured to manipulate the orientation of luggage by varying the speeds of the various conveyors within the multiple directional conveyors 202. In this regard, luggage can be rotated by selectively engaging (multiple) left-hand conveyors 202a in one direction and (multiple) right-hand conveyors 202b in another direction. By manipulating the orientation of the luggage, it can be oriented to most efficiently fill the storage area (e.g., with the longest permissible dimension in the lateral direction). This manipulation can be determined based on data from one or more sensors received by the controller (e.g., luggage vision sensors approximating the width and length of the luggage).

[0049] The number and configuration of the directional conveyors 202 depicted are not intended to be limiting. At this point, any number and configuration of directional conveyors 202 can be used to sort luggage into storage area 108.

[0050] Figures 3A to 3B A baggage transport vehicle 101 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is depicted.

[0051] In one embodiment, storage section 204 may include laterally adjacent storage areas 108. The left-hand directional transmitter 202a may be guided to point towards the first column of storage areas (in... Figures 3A to 3B Depicted as 108a, 108c, and 108e), and the right-hand directional transmitter 202b can be guided to point to the second column storage area (in Figures 3A to 3B (Depicted as 102b, 102d, and 108f). At this point, the left-hand directional conveyor 202a can be selectively actuated to convey luggage to storage areas 108a, 108c, and 108e, while the right-hand directional conveyor 202b can be selectively actuated to convey luggage to storage areas 108b, 108d, and 108f. At this point, luggage can be loaded and unloaded from the side into adjacent storage areas 108.

[0052] In one embodiment, the baggage carrier 101 includes a vertical sorting machine 114. The vertical sorting machine 114 can vertically sort baggage between vertically adjacent storage sections 108a, 108c, and 108e, and / or vertically adjacent storage areas 108b, 108d, and 108f. The vertical sorting machine 114 can be configured to sort baggage by lifting and lowering it. The vertical sorting machine 114 can be configured to lift and lower baggage using any suitable mechanism, such as, but not limited to, scissor mechanisms, racks and pinions, lead screws, ball screws, forklift masts, cranes, hydraulic actuators, or winches and cables.

[0053] The lateral sorter 140 can also be combined with the vertical sorter 114 to store luggage in multiple storage areas that can be arranged laterally and / or vertically (e.g., storage areas 108a, 108b, 108c, 108d, etc.). The lateral sorter 140 can be configured to laterally sort luggage in any suitable manner, such as multiple directional conveyors 202, horizontal loading platforms 504 (e.g., ...). Figures 5A to 5C (shown), a steering mechanism (not depicted), or a pusher (not depicted). In this respect, the side sorter 140 can be connected to the vertical sorter 114.

[0054] In one embodiment, the external conveyor 102 may also be connected to the vertical sorter 114. In this respect, the height of the external conveyor 102 can be selectively adjusted by the vertical sorter 114. For example, the second end 106 of the external conveyor 102 may be selectively adjusted by the vertical sorter 114 to storage areas at different heights. As another example, the first end 104 of the external conveyor 102 may also be selectively adjusted by the vertical sorter 114 to the aircraft cargo hold or the ground level. According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the first end 104 may also pivot about the pivotable connector 110.

[0055] For example, luggage will be stored in the upper left storage area 108a. The external conveyor 102 and the side sorter 140 can remain in their original positions in the bottom storage area (e.g., Figure 3A As depicted). The controller can engage the vertical sorter 114 to raise the second end 106 of the multiple directional conveyors 202 and the external conveyor 102 to the height of the upper left storage area 108a (as shown). Figure 3B (As depicted). When the second end 106 of the external conveyor is raised, the first end 104 can be raised by a similar amount. To compensate for this amount, the external conveyor 102 can be rotated by the controller 120 to pivot the first end 104 downward about the pivotable connector 110. Baggage can then be loaded onto the first end 104 and conveyed to a plurality of directional conveyors 202. The left-hand directional conveyor 202a can then be engaged to sort the baggage into the upper left storage area 108a.

[0056] Figure 3C A rear view of a baggage carrier 101 is shown. The baggage carrier 101 may have one or more rear openings 304. The rear openings 304 may be associated with a storage area 108 of the device. For example, each rear opening 108 may have an associated rear opening 304. The baggage carrier 101 may be configured to unload baggage from the storage area 108 through the rear openings (e.g., through a storage area conveyor 112 or multiple rollers). The baggage carrier 101 may also include one or more rear opening covers 302. For example, Figure 3C A rear opening cover 302 is depicted, comprising a rear opening cover 302. The rear opening cover 302 can cover a rear opening 304, thereby preventing luggage from being transported from storage area 108. The rear opening cover 302 can be selectively raised so that luggage can then be transported through the rear opening 304 (e.g., via controller 120). The rear opening cover 302 is depicted as a roll-up rear opening cover, such as, but not limited to, a roller shutter door (e.g., a vinyl overhead door). This is not intended to be limiting. In this respect, the rear opening cover 302 can include any suitable mechanism configured to selectively cover the rear opening 304, such as, but not limited to, a roller shutter door mechanism, one or more combined panels, an integral track door, a single-piece door, or a hinged door.

[0057] Figures 4A to 4B A baggage transport vehicle 101 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is depicted.

[0058] Although the vertical sorter 114 has been described as being configured to raise and lower the external conveyor 102, this is not intended as a limitation of the present disclosure. For example, the external conveyor 102 may be connected to frame 402. Frame 402 may be connected to storage section 204. In this respect, the second end 106 of the external conveyor 102 may remain at a fixed height, while the first end 106 may be configured to be raised and lowered (e.g., raised and lowered to ground level or aircraft height) by pivoting about pivotable connector 110. A lateral sorter 140 may be connected to the vertical sorter 114 for raising and lowering the height of the lateral sorter 140.

[0059] For example, luggage will be stored in the upper left storage area (e.g., 108a) of the luggage carrier 101. Multiple directional conveyors 202 can be stored in the lowest storage area (e.g., Figure 3AThe luggage is in its original position at the height of 102e and 102f (as depicted). The luggage can be conveyed by external conveyor 102 to multiple directional conveyors 202. Vertical sorting machine 114 can then be engaged to lift the multiple directional conveyors 202 and the luggage to the height of the upper storage areas 102a and 102b (as shown). Figure 4B (As shown). (Multiple) left-hand directional conveyors 202a can then be engaged to convey luggage to the front of the upper left storage compartment 108a. The luggage can then be conveyed from the front to the rear of the upper left storage compartment 108a by the storage area conveyor 112. The multiple directional conveyors 202 can then be returned to their original positions by the vertical sorter 114.

[0060] Figures 5A to 5C A baggage transport vehicle 101 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0061] In one embodiment, the lateral sorter 140 includes a secondary conveyor 502 and a horizontal platform 504. The secondary conveyor 502 can be configured to load and unload storage areas 108 via any suitable mechanism (e.g., a bidirectional conveyor), such as, but not limited to, a conveyor belt, a powered roller conveyor, an omnidirectional conveyor, or a chain conveyor. The horizontal platform 504 can be configured to translate the secondary conveyor 502 in a lateral direction via its connection to the secondary conveyor 502. In this respect, the secondary conveyor 502 can translate between laterally adjacent storage areas (e.g., 108a, 108b). The horizontal platform 504 can include any suitable linear platform, including but not limited to rack and pinion, lead screw, ball screw, forklift mast, crane, or hydraulic actuator. The horizontal platform 504 can also be connected to the vertical sorter 114. In this respect, the secondary conveyor 502 can be positioned for different vertically or laterally arranged storage areas (e.g., 108a to 108d). The secondary conveyor 502 and the horizontal stage can also be controlled by the controller 120.

[0062] For example, luggage will be stored in the upper left storage area of ​​luggage carrier 101 (e.g., 108a). Sub-transmitter 502 can be in its original position (e.g., starting position; zero return position) located in the lower right storage area, such as... Figures 5A to 5B As shown. Luggage can be conveyed from external conveyor 102 to secondary conveyor 502. Then, vertical sorting machine 114 can be engaged to raise the horizontal platform 504, secondary conveyor 502, and luggage to the height of the upper left storage area (e.g., as shown). Figure 5C(As depicted). Then, the horizontal platform 504 can be engaged to move the secondary conveyor 502 and the luggage to the front opening of the upper left storage area. Then, the secondary conveyor 502 can be engaged to convey the luggage to the front of the upper left storage compartment. Then, the luggage can be conveyed from the front to the rear of the upper left storage compartment by the storage area conveyor 112. The secondary conveyor 502 can then be returned to its original position by the vertical sorter 114 and the horizontal platform 504.

[0063] Figure 6 A retractable external transmitter 602 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is depicted.

[0064] In one embodiment, the external conveyor 102 is configured as a telescopic 602. The telescopic external conveyor 602 can be configured to load and unload baggage over a wide range of aircraft altitudes. For example, the distance between the ground plane and the aircraft cargo door could be 148 inches. The telescopic external conveyor 602 can be extended to its maximum length and pivoted at an angle of 30 degrees relative to the ground to achieve such a height. As another example, the telescopic external conveyor 602 can be used to load and unload baggage from the ground. The telescopic external conveyor 602 can be extended to its shortest length and pivoted at an angle of -15 degrees relative to the ground. According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the telescopic external conveyor 602 can be configured to extend and retract via a controller 120. A telescopic conveyor is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,431,346, filed April 5, 2000, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0065] In one embodiment, the baggage carrier 101 can use a telescopic external conveyor 602, a pivotable connector 110, and a vertical sorter 114 to hold the first end 104 of the external conveyor 102 in the aircraft cabin while raising the second end 106. The first end 104 can be held in the aircraft cabin by retracting the telescopic external conveyor 602, raising the external conveyor 602 by the vertical sorter 114, and rotating the first end 104 downward about the pivotable connector 110.

[0066] Although the external transmitter 102 has been described as telescopic 602, this is not intended as a limitation of this disclosure. For example, the external transmitter 102 may be configured to fold (not depicted). By folding, the external transmitter 102 can be converted from a loading and unloading configuration to a transport configuration. The external transmitter may include a folding mechanism connecting the first and second transmitters of the external transmitter. The folding mechanism can fold the first and second transmitters together. A folding transmitter is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,708,814, filed September 30, 2002, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0067] Figures 7A to 7B The transport configuration of a baggage carrier 101 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is depicted.

[0068] In one embodiment, the baggage carrier 101 may include a transport configuration. When in transport configuration, the baggage carrier 101 may have a reduced transport size. The external transmitter 102 may be configured to pivot about the pivotable connector 110 toward the storage area. Figure 7A As depicted, the baggage carrier 101 may include an actuator 702. The actuator 702 may be configured to pivot the external conveyor 102 between one or more locations, such as, but not limited to, a vertical storage position (e.g., at a 90-degree angle relative to the ground), as... Figure 7A As depicted. This storage configuration can reduce the transport size of the baggage carrier 101.

[0069] Although baggage carrier 101 has been described as including actuator 702, this is not intended to be limiting. In this respect, external conveyor 102 can be configured to pivot about pivotable connector 110 in any suitable manner, such as, but not limited to, rotary actuators, linear actuators, hydraulic lifts, pneumatic lifts, or cable winches. Additionally, lateral sorting equipment (e.g., multiple directional conveyors 202) can also be configured to pivot to a transport configuration, such as... Figure 7B As described.

[0070] As discussed in one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the external transmitter 102 may be configured to be telescopic or foldable. The ability to telescopic or fold the external transmitter 102 can provide a reduced transport size of the device, while also providing an external transmitter 102 with a greater operating length.

[0071] Figure 8 A method 800 for sorting luggage into a storage area according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is described.

[0072] like Figure 8 As shown, method 800 includes: determining baggage associated with a baggage identifier in step 810; determining a storage area for the baggage in step 820; transferring the baggage from a first end of an external conveyor to a second end of an external conveyor in step 830; vertically sorting the baggage to a vertical position in the storage area in step 840; laterally sorting the baggage to a lateral position in the storage area in step 850; and transferring the baggage within the storage area in step 860.

[0073] Method 800 may include step 810 for identifying baggage associated with a baggage identifier. Step 810 may also include receiving the baggage identifier via at least one of an RFID tag, a barcode, or a visual machine learning algorithm. The baggage identifier may be received from a component of a baggage vehicle (e.g., baggage vehicle 101) or from a component detached from the baggage vehicle (such as a handheld reader). In response to receiving the baggage identifier, the baggage identifier may be looked up in a database hosted on a server (e.g., server 128) via a network connection.

[0074] Method 800 may include step 820 for determining a storage area for baggage. Determining the storage area in step 820 may be based on at least one of the baggage's size, weight, or destination. Determining the storage area in step 820 may also be based on determining that the storage area has space to accommodate baggage. In this regard, a database may include the capacity of the storage area and the current amount of baggage filling the storage area. Subtracting the amount of baggage from the capacity provides the amount of available space. If the size of the baggage to be received is smaller than the available space, it can be determined that the storage area can receive the baggage.

[0075] Method 800 may include step 830 for transferring baggage from a first end of an external conveyor to a second end of an external conveyor. The baggage may be received by the first end of the external conveyor from at least one of an aircraft, the ground, or a baggage handling area.

[0076] Method 800 may include step 840 for vertically sorting baggage to a vertical position in a storage area. Baggage may be vertically sorted by any suitable mechanism, such as, but not limited to, scissor mechanisms, racks and pinions, lead screws, ball screws, forklift masts, cranes, hydraulic actuators, or winches and cables.

[0077] Method 800 may include step 850 for laterally sorting baggage to a lateral location in a storage area using a horizontal sorting machine. Baggage may be vertically sorted using any suitable mechanism, such as, but not limited to, a horizontal platform connected to a sub-conveyor, multiple directional conveyors, a deflector, a pusher, or an omnidirectional conveyor.

[0078] Method 800 may include step 860 for transporting luggage within a storage area. The luggage may be transported within the storage area by a storage area conveyor.

[0079] Similarly, method 800 can be executed in the opposite direction. At this point, luggage stored in the storage area can be transported to the first end of the external transporter.

[0080] Figure 9 A flowchart 900 depicts one or more embodiments according to this disclosure.

[0081] In this embodiment, the baggage handling system 100 is configured to execute flowchart 900.

[0082] The baggage handling system 100 can be configured to receive baggage 910 from customers.

[0083] Baggage handling system 100 can identify baggage identifier 920. Baggage may have a baggage tag (e.g., IATA code) that can be read by a barcode reader. The barcode can be scanned by the barcode reader and provided to the system. The system can then identify the baggage by comparing the scanned barcode with a database of known baggage barcodes.

[0084] The baggage handling system 100 can then look up the baggage identifier in the database to determine the flight 930 associated with the baggage.

[0085] If there is no known flight for the baggage, the baggage handling system 100 can notify the baggage handler 945.

[0086] If the baggage has a known flight, the baggage handling system 100 can transport the baggage to the appropriate handling area 940. The baggage can be transported by one or more conveyors (in... Figure 10 (Further details will be provided below). Appropriate handling areas can be associated with specific flights.

[0087] The baggage handling system 100 can then determine an appropriate storage area 950 for the storage vehicle. The storage vehicle may include baggage vehicle 101. Determining an appropriate storage area for the storage vehicle 950 may be based on a sorting scheme. The sorting scheme may include one or more factors evaluated when determining the appropriate storage area 950. The sorting scheme may include factors such as the storage area having open spaces for baggage (e.g., the storage area is not full of other baggage). The sorting scheme may include factors such as the size, weight, or destination of the baggage. The sorting scheme may include factors such as the passenger status of the passenger associated with the baggage (e.g., first-class passengers may receive priority storage treatment). The sorting scheme may include factors such as the type of baggage (e.g., fragile baggage may receive priority storage processing; US mail may be transported to the US mail storage area, etc.). The sorting scheme may include factors such as the flight delay time of the flight associated with the baggage. The sorting scheme may also be evaluated using a process improvement algorithm (not depicted). The process improvement algorithm may be configured to estimate the optimal storage area for multiple storage vehicles based on baggage flight data and the current baggage status of multiple storage vehicles. In this regard, luggage can be sorted into storage areas to reduce the time it takes for luggage to reach the aircraft and / or terminal.

[0088] If the baggage handling system 100 determines that there is no available storage area, the system 100 may provide a notification 965 to the baggage handlers.

[0089] If the baggage handling system 100 determines that a storage area is available, the baggage can be transported to the storage area 960. According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the baggage can be transported to the storage area. For example, the storage vehicle may include one or more of an external conveyor, a lateral sorter, a vertical sorter, and a storage area conveyor.

[0090] The baggage handling system 100 can then autonomously control the movement of the storage vehicle to the aircraft 970 associated with the flight. Autonomous control 970 can be performed by one or more propulsion units on the storage vehicle. Autonomous control 970 can be at a level of autonomous driving, such as, but not limited to, SAE Level 0 to 5 systems. For example, autonomous control 970 can provide warning and intervention controls (e.g., autonomous braking) according to a Level 0 system. As another example, according to a Level 1 system, autonomous control 970 can provide pilot assistance (e.g., parking assistance). As another example, according to a Level 5 system, autonomous control 970 can include fully autonomous driving without the need for a steering wheel to operate the device. Any of the various SAE levels of autonomous control described can be performed by controller 120. Autonomous control 970 can be based on data from various sensors, such as, but not limited to, position tracking sensors (e.g., GPS circuitry) or one or more vehicle sensors (e.g., automatic parking sensors, reversing collision sensors, intelligent parking assist sensors, etc.). Autonomous control 970 can be facilitated by communication with one or more aircraft (e.g., via a wireless network at RF frequencies). The autonomous control 970 can be based on a preset map of an airport with one or more driving routes.

[0091] Figure 10 A baggage transport vehicle 101 is depicted receiving baggage 1006 from a conveyor belt 1002 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0092] In this embodiment, baggage carrier 101 is configured to receive baggage from conveyor 1002. The depicted conveyor 1002 is merely illustrative. Conveyor 1002 may be a component of an aircraft baggage handling system (e.g., system 100 depicted in flowchart 900). System 100 may selectively transfer baggage 1006 to conveyor 1002 according to any method known in the art. The baggage can then be transferred from conveyor 1002 to baggage carrier 101. Figure 10A deflector 1004 is depicted to divert baggage to baggage carrier 101, but this is not intended to be limiting. Baggage carrier 101 can receive baggage from conveyor 1002 via a first end 106 of external conveyor 102. According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, baggage carrier 101 can then sort the baggage to a selected storage area 108.

[0093] Figure 11 The present disclosure describes a first baggage carrier 101a unloading baggage to a second baggage carrier 101b and a third baggage carrier 101c, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0094] In an embodiment, the baggage carrier 101a may include baggage (e.g., baggage 1006) in its storage area 108. The baggage carrier 101a can unload baggage by engaging the storage area conveyor 112 and transferring the baggage through the rear opening 304. Figure 3C (Further description follows). If the device includes a rear opening cover 302, the rear opening cover 302 must be raised before baggage can be conveyed through the rear opening 304. The second baggage carrier 101b can be moved to the rear opening 304. Similarly, the third baggage carrier 101c can be moved to another rear opening 304. In this respect, the first baggage carrier 101a can be considered a sorting device and the second and third baggage carriers 101b and 101c can be considered receiving devices. The description of the sorting and receiving devices is not intended to be limiting. For example, any of the baggage carriers 101a, 101b, or 101c can be configured to sort baggage from the rear opening and receive baggage via the external conveyor 102. Additionally, as... Figure 11 As depicted, the second baggage carrier and / or the third baggage carrier 101b, 101c may be positioned at the rear of the first baggage carrier 101a in various configurations, such as, but not limited to, parallel to or perpendicular to the first baggage carrier 101a.

[0095] The first, second, and third baggage carriers 101a to 101c can also be controlled by the baggage system 100 (e.g., by the controller of the system 100). At this point, the system 100 can determine that baggage held by the first baggage carrier 101a should be on a certain flight. The second baggage carrier 101b can be associated with this flight. The system 100 can sort baggage from the first baggage carrier 101a to the second baggage carrier 101b by engaging the storage area conveyor 112 of the first baggage carrier 101a. The baggage can then be sorted to the storage area 108 on a second device associated with the baggage destination.

[0096] Although baggage carrier 101a is described as unloading baggage through rear opening 304, this is not intended as a limitation of the present disclosure. As discussed in one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the secondary conveyor 112 and the external conveyor 102 may be bidirectional conveyors. In this respect, baggage carrier 101a can unload baggage from storage area 108 by engaging storage area conveyor 112 and external conveyor 102 in opposite directions.

[0097] Figure 12 A system 100 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is described.

[0098] As discussed, system 100 may include a baggage carrier 101 connected to server 128 via network 126. System 100 may also include one or more auxiliary devices 1202. Auxiliary devices 1202 may be connected to server 128 via network 126.

[0099] The auxiliary device 1202 may include a transmitter 1002 or a deflector 1004. At this point, the transmitter 1002 and the deflector 1004 can communicate with the server 128 regarding baggage being transported by the transmitter 1002 and deflected by the deflector 1004. The server 128 can then transmit this information communication to the baggage carrier 101 via network 126.

[0100] The auxiliary equipment 1202 may also include a second baggage carrier 101b and a third baggage carrier 101c. In this respect, system 100 can perform... Figure 11 The various loading and unloading operations are depicted. Each of the baggage carriers 101a to 101c can be configured to communicate via network 126. In this respect, system 100 may include a plurality of baggage carriers 101.

[0101] Overall reference Figures 1 to 12 They have released a baggage handling system 100.

[0102] although Figures 1 to 2 The lateral sorter 140 described herein is depicted as a secondary conveyor 502 or a plurality of directional conveyors 202 connected to a horizontal platform 504, but this is not intended to be a limitation of the invention. For example, the lateral sorter 140 may include any suitable mechanism, such as, but not limited to, a steering mechanism, a pusher, or omnidirectional wheels.

[0103] In one embodiment, the lateral sorting machine 140 of the baggage carrier 101 includes a steering mechanism (not shown). The steering mechanism can pivot between one or more locations via an electronic or pneumatic actuator. The steering mechanism can then direct baggage from the conveyor to one or more sub-conveyors (e.g., sub-conveyor 502). The steering mechanism can be pneumatic or electric. Additionally, according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the steering mechanism can be controlled by a controller 120. A steering mechanism is described in U.S. Patent No. 4,711,357, filed December 18, 1985, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0104] In one embodiment, the lateral sorting machine 140 of the baggage carrier 101 includes a pusher (not shown) and a sub-transfer 502. The sub-transfer 502 may span the width of the storage area 108. The pusher may be positioned above the sub-transfer 502. The pusher may be driven by any suitable mechanism, such as, but not limited to, a hydraulic actuator or a cam. According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the pusher may be controlled by a controller 120. The controller may actuate the pusher to push baggage in a lateral direction along the sub-transfer 502 (e.g., to push baggage between laterally adjacent storage areas). A pusher is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,837,359, filed February 17, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0105] The pusher can also be connected to the vertical sorter 114. In this case, when the sub-conveyor is raised (e.g., raised to storage area 108), the pusher can be raised together with the sub-conveyor 502. The pusher can then laterally sort luggage by engaging the pusher and pushing the luggage laterally along the sub-conveyor. Alternatively, the pusher can be connected to equipment (e.g., to the storage section or to the external conveyor 102) via a connection other than to the vertical sorter. In this case, the pusher can remain stationary while the sub-conveyor 502 is changed in height to storage area 108 by the vertical sorter. Luggage can be pre-sorted laterally on the sub-conveyor 502 by the pusher before the height of the sub-conveyor 502 is changed.

[0106] In an embodiment, the lateral sorting machine 140 of the baggage carrier 101 includes any suitable mechanism for laterally sorting baggage between lateral storage areas 108. For example, the lateral sorting machine 140 may include omnidirectional wheels (not depicted).

[0107] In embodiments, the storage area 108 of the baggage carrier 101 may be associated with the category of items to be stored. For example, the storage of baggage in storage area 108 has been discussed extensively in this disclosure. This is not intended to be a limitation of this disclosure. In this regard, baggage should be interpreted to include various types of goods, such as, but not limited to, general cargo, special cargo, goods, consumer baggage, or US mail.

[0108] Although storage area 108 has been described as including storage area conveyor 112, this is not intended as a limitation of this disclosure. For example, storage area 108 may include one or more wheels (not shown). At this point, luggage can be loaded into storage area 108 and rolled to the rear of storage area 108. Storage area 108 can then unload luggage by pushing and / or pulling along the wheels.

[0109] like Figures 3A to 5C As depicted, the baggage carrier 101 may include three rows of vertically adjacent storage areas 108 and two columns of laterally adjacent storage areas 108 (a total of six storage areas). This description is not intended to be limiting. In this respect, the device may include any number of rows and columns of storage areas. Additionally, the storage areas may include storage areas of different sizes (e.g., storage areas twice the height, storage areas twice the width, etc.). By including storage areas of different sizes, larger items, such as skis or golf clubs, can be stored using the device.

[0110] In this embodiment, baggage carrier 101 includes one or more sensors (not depicted). The sensors can be configured to identify baggage (e.g., via RFID tags, barcodes, visual machine learning algorithms, etc.). The sensors can include any suitable sensors, such as, but not limited to, RFID sensors, barcode scanners, or computer vision sensors (with visual recognizers). For example, the sensor can include a barcode scanner configured to scan baggage tags. The tag can include a barcode identifying the baggage. The barcode can be stored in a baggage database that includes various data about the baggage, such as, but not limited to, the baggage owner, the baggage's destination, the owner's flight details, the owner's seat number, the baggage's priority, the owner's layover time, the owner's postal code, the baggage's color, or the baggage's weight. A baggage handler can scan the barcode, or baggage carrier 101 can scan the barcode autonomously. The scanned data can then be provided to controller 120. Controller 120 can determine, based on flight details, that the baggage should be stored in storage area 108 (e.g., storage area 108a is currently being used for a flight to Los Angeles). The controller 120 can then autonomously control the device to store baggage in the appropriate storage area 108 via the vertical sorter 114 and the lateral sorter. Although the baggage carrier 101 has been described as including sensors, this is not intended as a limitation of this disclosure. For example, the controller 120 can receive baggage identifiers through communication with the server 128.

[0111] Although the baggage carrier 101 is described as originating from the bottom storage areas 108e, 108f, this is not intended as a limitation of this disclosure. For example, the origin can be located in any lateral or vertical position of the device. The starting position can be optimized to reduce the travel time between the origin and each of the storage areas. In this respect, a centralized origin can have a minimized travel time.

[0112] In an embodiment, baggage carrier 101 may include one or more digital displays (e.g., LED, OLED, etc.) formed / attached to one or more surfaces (e.g., top surface) of the device for messaging / advertising purposes.

[0113] Although the vertical sorter 114 has been described as vertically sorting baggage between one or more vertically adjacent storage areas (e.g., 108a to 108f), this is not intended to be limiting. In this respect, the vertical sorter 114 can be configured to vertically sort baggage within a single storage area 108 via a connection to a lateral sorter 140 (not depicted). For example, storage area 108 may include a first baggage at floor height. Baggage carrier 101 can then receive a second baggage. The vertical sorter 114 can lift the second baggage to a height above the first baggage (e.g., based on the height of the first baggage). The lateral sorter 140 can then place the second baggage on top of the first baggage.

[0114] Baggage carrier 101 has been described as a baggage carrier having a propulsion unit 134 for moving the baggage carrier 101 via one or more wheels 136. This is not intended to be a limitation of this disclosure. For example, baggage carrier 101 may be configured to be coupled to an external propulsion unit (not shown), such as, but not limited to, a tractor. Baggage carrier 101 may be configured to be coupled in any suitable manner, such as, but not limited to, a pivot-mounted trailer connection (not depicted). In this respect, baggage carrier 101 can be deployed to the baggage handling area by a baggage handler controlling the baggage carrier 101 via a baggage tractor.

[0115] One or more processors in a control system may include any one or more processing elements known in the art. Generally, the term "processor" can be broadly defined to encompass any device having one or more processing elements that execute program instructions from a non-transitory storage medium. One or more processors may include any microprocessor type device configured to execute software algorithms and / or program instructions. In one embodiment, one or more processors may be configured to execute a set of program instructions to perform one or more steps described throughout this disclosure. It should be appreciated that the steps described throughout this disclosure may be performed by a single control system or alternatively by multiple control systems. Memory may include any storage medium known in the art suitable for storing program instructions executable by one or more associated processors of a control system. For example, memory may include, but is not limited to, read-only memory, random access memory, solid-state drives, etc. In another embodiment, it is noted herein that memory is configured to store one or more results from one or more different subsystems of the system.

[0116] In some embodiments described herein, logical and similar implementations may include software or other control structures. For example, an electronic circuit system may have one or more current paths constructed and arranged to implement the various functions described herein. In some embodiments, one or more media may be configured to carry device-detectable implementations when such media holds or transmits device-detectable instructions operable to be performed as described herein. For example, in some variations, implementations may include updates or modifications to existing software or firmware, or gate arrays or programmable hardware, such as by receiving or transmitting one or more instructions related to the execution of one or more operations described herein. Alternatively or additionally, in some variations, implementations may include dedicated hardware, software, firmware components, and / or general-purpose components that execute or otherwise invoke dedicated components. Specifications or other implementations may be transmitted by one or more instances of the tangible transmission media described herein, optionally via packet transmission or otherwise by transmission through a distributed medium at different times.

[0117] Alternatively or additionally, implementations may include executing a dedicated sequence of instructions or invoking a circuit system to enable, trigger, coordinate, request, or otherwise cause one or more occurrences of virtually any of the functional operations described herein. In some variations, the operations or other logical descriptions herein may be expressed as source code and compiled or otherwise invoked as a sequence of executable instructions.

[0118] Those skilled in the art will recognize that, for conceptual clarity, the component operations, devices, objects, and accompanying discussions described herein are used as examples, and various configuration modifications are envisioned. Therefore, as used herein, the specific paradigms illustrated and the accompanying discussions are intended to represent their more general categories. In general, the use of any particular paradigm is intended to represent its category, and the exclusion of specific components, operations, devices, and objects should not be considered limiting.

[0119] As used herein, directional terms (such as “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” “upper,” “upward,” “lower,” “toward,” and “downward”) are intended to provide relative positions for descriptive purposes and are not intended to specify an absolute frame of reference. Various modifications to the described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments.

[0120] Regarding the use of virtually any plural and / or singular terms in this document, those skilled in the art can convert from plural to singular and / or from singular to plural where appropriate for the context and / or application. For clarity, various singular / plural permutations are not explicitly described herein.

[0121] The topics described herein sometimes illustrate different components contained within or connected to other components. It should be understood that the architectures depicted are merely exemplary, and many other architectures can indeed be implemented to achieve the same functionality. Conceptually, any arrangement of components that achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated” to achieve the desired functionality. Therefore, any two components combined herein to achieve a particular function can be considered “associated” with each other to achieve the desired functionality, regardless of the architecture or intermediate components. Similarly, any two components so associated can also be considered “connected” or “coupled” to each other to achieve the desired functionality, and any two components that can be so associated can also be considered “coupled” to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Specific examples of coupling include, but are not limited to, physically matable and / or physically interactive components and / or wirelessly interactive and / or logically interactive components.

[0122] Furthermore, it should be understood that the invention is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will understand that, generally, the terminology used herein, particularly in the appended claims (e.g., the body of the appended claims), is intended to be “open-ended” (e.g., the term “comprising” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “at least having,” the term “including” should be interpreted as “comprising but not limited to,” etc.). Those skilled in the art will further understand that if a particular number of the introduced claim statements are anticipated, such anticipation will be explicitly stated in the claims, and without such anticipation, there is no such anticipation. For example, to aid understanding, the following appended claims may contain the use of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce the claim statements. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed as implying that a claim statement introduced by the indefinite article “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such an introduced claim statement to an invention containing only one such statement, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrase “one or more” or “at least one” along with an indefinite article (such as “a” or “an”) (e.g., “a” and / or “an” should generally be interpreted as meaning “at least one” or “one or more”); the same applies to the use of definite articles used to introduce claim statements. Furthermore, even when a specific number of introduced claim statements are explicitly stated, those skilled in the art will recognize that such a statement should generally be interpreted as indicating at least the number stated (e.g., a simple statement of “two statements” without other modifiers generally indicates at least two statements, or two or more statements). Furthermore, in cases where conventions such as "at least one of A, B, and C" are used, this configuration is generally contemplated in the sense that a person skilled in the art would understand the convention to be (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" will include, but is not limited to, systems having only A, only B, only C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). In cases where conventions such as "at least one of A, B, or C" are used, this configuration is generally contemplated in the sense that a person skilled in the art would understand the convention to be (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" will include, but is not limited to, systems having only A, only B, only C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). Those skilled in the art will further understand that any separating words and / or phrases that actually represent two or more alternative terms, whether in the specification, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibility of including one, any, or both of the terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” would be understood to include the possibility of “A” or “B” or “A and B”.

[0123] It is believed that this disclosure and its many accompanying advantages will be understood from the foregoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes can be made in the form, construction, and arrangement of the components without departing from the disclosed subject matter or sacrificing all its substantial advantages. The forms described are merely illustrative, and the following claims are intended to encompass and include these variations. Furthermore, it should be understood that the invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A baggage transport vehicle, comprising: The storage section includes a storage area configured to receive luggage; An external conveyor having a first end and a second end, the external conveyor being configured to convey the baggage from the first end to the second end, the external conveyor being configured to pivot about a pivotable connector to change the angle of the first end of the external conveyor relative to the ground, wherein the external conveyor includes a telescopic external conveyor, wherein the external conveyor is configured in a transport configuration by pivoting and telescopically extending about the pivotable connector; a lateral sorting machine configured to receive the baggage from the second end of the external conveyor and adjust the lateral position of the baggage; A vertical sorting machine, configured to adjust the vertical position of the baggage by adjusting the vertical position of the lateral sorting machine; and A controller, communicatively coupled to the external conveyor, the lateral sorter, and the vertical sorter, the controller including one or more processors and a memory, wherein the one or more processors are configured to execute a set of program instructions held in the memory, wherein the set of program instructions is configured to cause the one or more processors to: Receive the baggage identifier associated with the baggage; In response to receiving the baggage identifier, the external conveyor is directed to transfer the baggage from the first end to the second end; Guide the vertical sorting machine to adjust the vertical position of the luggage; and Guide the lateral sorting machine to adjust the lateral position of the luggage; The pivotable connector is located between the lateral sorter and the storage section, and the vertical sorter is also connected to the external conveyor for adjusting the height of the first end and the second end of the external conveyor. The height of the first end can be controlled based on the angle around the pivotable connector; When the vertical sorting machine adjusts the height of the second end of the external conveyor, the controller configures the first end of the external conveyor to be at a fixed height by extending and retracting the external conveyor and pivoting the external conveyor around the pivotable connector.

2. The baggage transport vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising: A storage area conveyor spanning the length of the storage area, the storage area conveyor being configured to convey the luggage from the front to the rear of the storage area. The controller is communicatively coupled to the memory region transmitter, and the group program instructions are further configured to engage the one or more processors with the memory region transmitter.

3. The baggage transport vehicle according to claim 2, wherein, The side sorting machine is configured to receive the luggage from the storage area via a storage area conveyor. The lateral sorting machine is configured to adjust the lateral position of the baggage to transfer the baggage from the second end of the external conveyor to the first end of the external conveyor so as to unload the baggage from the baggage carrier.

4. The baggage transport vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The baggage identifier is received from at least one of an RFID reader or a barcode reader.

5. The baggage transport vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The storage section includes multiple vertical storage areas and multiple lateral storage areas. The vertical sorting machine is configured to adjust the vertical position of the luggage to sort it between the vertical storage areas. The lateral sorting machine is configured to adjust the lateral position of the luggage to sort the luggage between the lateral storage areas.

6. The baggage transport vehicle according to claim 5, wherein, The controller is configured to engage the vertical sorting machine to adjust the vertical position of the baggage based on the baggage identifier. The controller is configured to engage the lateral sorting machine to adjust the lateral position of the baggage based on the baggage identifier.

7. The baggage transport vehicle according to claim 6, wherein, The baggage tag is associated with at least one of the following: the weight of the baggage, one or more dimensions of the baggage, the destination of the baggage, the flight of the baggage, or the owner of the baggage.

8. The baggage transport vehicle according to claim 6, wherein, The lateral sorting machine includes a plurality of directional conveyors configured to adjust at least one of the lateral position of the baggage or the orientation of the baggage, wherein the orientation of the baggage is adjusted by changing the speed of one or more of the plurality of directional conveyors.

9. The baggage transport vehicle according to claim 6, wherein, The lateral sorting machine includes at least one of a deflector or a pusher.

10. The baggage carrier of claim 1, further comprising a propulsion unit configured to move the baggage carrier by means of one or more wheels.

11. The baggage transport vehicle according to claim 10, wherein, The controller is communicatively connected to the propulsion unit, wherein the program instructions are further configured to engage the one or more processors with the propulsion unit to autonomously control the baggage transport vehicle.

12. The baggage transport vehicle according to claim 11, wherein, The program instructions are based on GPS data or at least one of one or more vehicle sensors and are used to control the baggage carrier.

13. The baggage transport vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising an opening at the rear end of the storage area, wherein, The storage area is configured to be offloaded via the backend.

14. A baggage transport vehicle, comprising: The storage section includes multiple storage areas configured to receive luggage; An external conveyor having a first end and a second end, the external conveyor being configured to convey the luggage from the first end to the second end; A side sorting machine configured to side sort the luggage among multiple storage areas of the side sorting machine; A vertical sorting machine configured to vertically sort the luggage between the plurality of storage areas by adjusting the height of the lateral sorting machine; Multiple wheels, the multiple wheels being configured to support the weight of the storage section; The external conveyor is configured to pivot about a pivotable connector to change the angle of a first end of the external conveyor relative to the ground. The external conveyor includes a telescopic external conveyor, which is configured in a transport configuration by pivoting and telescoping about the pivotable connector. The pivotable connector is located between the lateral sorter and the storage section. The vertical sorter is also connected to the external conveyor for adjusting the height of the first and second ends of the external conveyor, wherein the height of the first end can be controlled based on the angle about the pivotable connector. Controller When the vertical sorting machine adjusts the height of the second end of the external conveyor, the controller configures the first end of the external conveyor to be at a fixed height by extending and retracting the external conveyor and pivoting the external conveyor around the pivotable connector.

15. The baggage transport vehicle according to claim 14, wherein, At least one of the plurality of storage areas includes a storage area transmitter.

16. The baggage carrier of claim 14, further comprising a rear opening and a door covering the rear opening, wherein, The plurality of storage areas includes a first storage area, wherein the rear opening is located at the rear of the first storage area, and the first storage area can be configured to unload the luggage through the rear opening.

17. The baggage transport vehicle according to claim 14, wherein, The external conveyor is configured to transport the luggage from the first end to the second end via at least one of a conveyor belt, a powered roller conveyor, an omnidirectional conveyor, or a chain conveyor.

18. The baggage transport vehicle according to claim 14, wherein, The external transmitter is configured to pivot around the pivotable connector via at least one of a rotary actuator, a linear actuator, a hydraulic lift, a pneumatic lift, or a cable winch.

19. The baggage transport vehicle according to claim 14, wherein, The side sorting machine includes multiple directional conveyors.

20. The baggage transport vehicle according to claim 14, wherein, The lateral sorting machine includes at least one of a deflector or a pusher.

21. The baggage carrier of claim 14, further comprising a propulsion unit connected to the plurality of wheels, the propulsion unit being configured to selectively rotate the plurality of wheels to move the baggage carrier.

22. A baggage handling system, comprising: The server includes a database of multiple baggage identifiers, which include associated flights and baggage weights; as well as Baggage transport vehicle, the baggage transport vehicle comprising: Multiple wheels; A propulsion unit configured to selectively engage the plurality of wheels to move the baggage carrier; The storage portion includes a storage area; An external conveyor having a first end and a second end, the external conveyor being configured to convey the baggage from the first end to the second end, the external conveyor being configured to pivot about a pivotable connector to change the angle of the first end of the external conveyor relative to the ground, wherein the external conveyor includes a telescopic external conveyor, wherein the external conveyor is configured to be in a transport configuration by pivoting and telescopically extending about the pivotable connector. A lateral sorting machine configured to receive the baggage from a second end of the external conveyor and adjust the lateral position of the baggage; A vertical sorting machine configured to adjust the vertical position of the baggage by adjusting the vertical position of the lateral sorting machine; wherein a pivotable connector is located between the lateral sorting machine and the storage section; wherein the vertical sorting machine is also connected to an external conveyor for adjusting the height of a first end and a second end of the external conveyor, wherein the height of the first end can be controlled based on an angle around the pivotable connector; and A controller, communicatively coupled to the server via a network connection, includes one or more processors and memory, wherein the one or more processors are configured to execute a set of program instructions held in the memory, wherein the set of program instructions is configured to cause the one or more processors to: Receive baggage identifiers associated with the baggage; The baggage identifier is provided to the server via the network connection; Receive the flight associated with the baggage identifier and the baggage weight; Autonomously sorts the luggage into the storage area; and The baggage transport vehicle is autonomously driven; When the vertical sorting machine adjusts the height of the second end of the external conveyor, the controller configures the first end of the external conveyor to be at a fixed height by extending and retracting the external conveyor and pivoting the external conveyor around the pivotable connector.

23. The baggage handling system according to claim 22 further includes a secondary device that is communicatively connected to the server via the network connection.

24. The baggage handling system according to claim 23, wherein, The auxiliary equipment includes at least one of a conveyor, a steering mechanism, an additional baggage carrier, or a baggage trailer.

Images