Cognitively-enabled rotatable item storage with automatic replenishment

Abstract

An item storage system (100) includes a shelving portion (102) and a replenishment portion (104). The shelving portion (102) includes a first shelf having an annular shape with a central axis and a second shelf having an annular shape spaced apart from the first shelf along the central axis. The replenishment portion (104) includes a lift portion (112) configured to deliver items to the first and second shelves, where at least a portion of the lift portion (112) is positioned at the center of the shelving portion (102) and surrounded by the shelving portion (102), and a storage portion (116) configured to load items into the lift portion (112), where the storage portion (116) is positioned above or below the shelving portion (102). The item storage system can reduce consumer time and energy.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] The present invention relates to product storage, and more particularly, to rotatable shelves with automatic replenishment.

[0002] Conventional retail locations use fixed, front-loaded shelving displays. When a consumer purchases a product, an employee of the store must notice that the item is missing, find another identical item in a stock room, and place the replacement item on the shelf. This process can cost the store time and money. Additionally, having fixed shelves means that the consumer must move themselves directly in front of each product they want to purchase. This can cost the consumer time and energy. SUMMARY

[0003] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, an item storage system includes a shelving portion and a replenishment portion. The shelving portion includes a first shelf having an annular shape with a central axis and a second shelf having an annular shape spaced apart from the first shelf along the central axis. The replenishment portion is surrounded by the shelving portion and includes a lift portion configured to deliver items to the first and second shelves, wherein at least a portion of the lift portion is positioned in the center of the shelving portion and surrounded by the shelving portion, and a storage portion configured to load items into the lift portion, wherein the storage portion is positioned above or below the shelving portion.

[0004] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, an item storage system includes a shelving portion and a replenishment portion. The shelving portion includes a first shelf rotatable about a central axis, a second shelf rotatable about the central axis and spaced apart from the first shelf, and an actuator connected to the first and second shelves, the actuator configured to rotate the first and second shelves. The replenishment portion is positioned adjacent to the shelving portion and includes a lift portion configured to deliver items to the first and second shelves, and a storage portion configured to load items into the lift portion.

[0005] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a method of operating an item storage system is disclosed, the item storage system comprising a shelf portion having a ring shape, a replenishment portion surrounded by the shelf, a controller, and a sensor connected to the controller. The method comprises monitoring, by the sensor, items on the shelf; determining, by the controller, whether there is a sufficient number of items positioned on the shelf; and causing, by the controller, the replenishment portion to add additional items to the shelf by: moving the additional items from a storage portion to an elevator portion surrounded by the shelf; moving the additional items to a height of the shelf via the elevator portion; and moving the additional items from the elevator portion to the shelf. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 is a partial cutaway perspective view of an item storage system array according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0007] Figure 2A is a cross-sectional top view of an item storage system along line A-A in Figure 1

[0008] Figure 2B is a cross-sectional top view of an item storage system along line A-A in Figure 1

[0009] Figure 2C is a cross-sectional side view of an item storage system along line B-B in Figure 2A

[0010] Figure 3 is a top view of an item storage system array according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view of an alternative embodiment of an item storage system array according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional side view of an alternative embodiment of an item storage system array according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 6 is a schematic view of a user communicating with a manager of an item storage system array according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 7A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an item storage system according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 7B is a top view of an alternative embodiment of an item storage system according to embodiments of the present disclosure. ​​​

[0016] Figure 8 is a series of cross-sectional side views along line C-C in Figure 7B of an alternative embodiment of an item storage system according to embodiments of the present disclosure, showing replenishment of items.

[0017] Figure 9A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an item storage system according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 9B is a top view of an alternative embodiment of an item storage system according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 10 shows a high-level diagram of an example computer system that can be used for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 11 shows a cloud computing environment according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 12 shows an abstraction model layer according to embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Figure 1 is a partial cutaway perspective view of an array of item storage systems (ISS) 100. The ISS 100 includes a shelving portion 102, a replenishment portion 104, and a controller 105. The shelving portion 102 includes shelves 106A-106D (collectively, shelves 106), a shelving actuator 108, and a sensor 110. The replenishment portion 104 includes an elevator portion 112, an elevator actuator 114, and a storage portion 116. Although the ISS 100 will be discussed in the context of a consumer retail environment, the ISS 100 is useful in any environment where users seek to find locally stored items.

[0023] In the illustrated embodiment, the ISS 100 has a shelving portion 102 above a floor 118, and a supplemental portion 104 above and below the floor 118 (i.e., a storage portion 116 is below the floor 118, while the elevator portion 112 extends through the floor 118). Items 120 are stored in the supplemental portion 104, and can be selectively delivered to the shelving portion 102 for display, and for a consumer (not shown) to pick up and purchase. This can occur because a controller 105 is communicatively connected to the shelving portion 102 and the supplemental portion 104. For example, the controller 105 can use a sensor 108 (e.g., a camera) to detect that there is an insufficient quantity of a given item 120 on a given shelf 106. The controller 105 can then require that the item 120 be picked and loaded into the elevator portion 112 (e.g., by structures and processes in the storage portion 116 known to those of ordinary skill in the art). The item 120 can then be raised to its destination shelf 106 by the elevator portion 112 being powered by the elevator actuator 114. Once the item 120 is delivered to a particular shelf 106, the shelf actuator 108 can rotate the shelf 106 about a shelf axis 122 in order to better position the item 120 for the consumer.

[0024] Figure 1 FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of the present disclosure, for which there are alternative embodiments. For example, the supplemental portion 104 can be on top of the shelving portion 102 (e.g., such that the storage portion 116 is above the ceiling). Moreover, the sensor 108 can be any suitable device that measures the presence or absence of an item 120, e.g., an optical sensor, an Internet of Things device, or a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader. In some embodiments, a corresponding equipment can be added to the item 120, such as an RFID tag. Additionally, the shelving portion 102 can have more or less than four spaced apart shelves 106.

[0025] Figure 2A is a cross-sectional top view of the ISS 100 along the A-A line of FIG. 1. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional top view of the ISS 100 along the A-A line of FIG. 1. Figure 2B is a cross-sectional top view of the ISS 100 along the A-A line of FIG. 1. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional top view of the ISS 100 along the A-A line of FIG. 1. Figure 2C is a cross-sectional side view of the ISS 100 along the B-B line of FIG. 1. FIGS. 2-5 will now be discussed in conjunction with one another. Figure 2A Figures 2A-2C

[0026] ​​In the illustrated embodiment, the shelves 106 have a flattened annular shape (e.g., the shape can be described as a rotation of a rectangle spaced apart from the shelf axis 122) such that there is an outer side 124 and an inner side 126. While the outer side 124 is depicted as circular, for the purposes of the present disclosure, the outer side 124 can have other shapes and still be considered to have an annular shape. For example, if the outer side 124 has at least six sides, it is equivalent to a circular configuration. Similarly, while the inner side 126 is depicted as circular, for the purposes of the present disclosure, the inner side 126 can have other shapes and still be considered to have an annular shape. For example, if the inner side 126 has at least six sides, it is equivalent to a circular configuration.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, the shelves 106 are open on the outer side 124 and connected to the elevator shaft 128 at the inner side 126. Additionally, the shelves 106 are sectioned by dividers 129 that extend between adjacent shelves 106. The elevator shaft 128 is a hollow tube with automatic doors 130 (controlled by the controller 105) at each different height of the shelves 106. As such, the shelves 106 and the elevator shaft 128 surround a top portion of the elevator portion 112 such that the elevator portion 112 is in the center of the shelves 106 and the elevator shaft 128, and the inner side 126 and the elevator shaft 128 are adjacent to the outer side of the elevator portion 112. While the elevator portion 112 is depicted as being completely surrounded by the shelves 106 and the elevator shaft 128, for the purposes of the present disclosure, the shelves 106 and / or the elevator shaft 128 can surround the elevator portion 112 by less than three hundred sixty degrees and still be considered to be surrounding. For example, if the shelves 106 and / or the elevator shaft 128 surround (continuously or discontinuously) the elevator portion 112 by at least two hundred seventy degrees, it is equivalent to being completely surrounded.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the elevator portion 112 includes an auger 132, and the shelf portion 104 includes rails 134 that extend parallel to the shelf axis 122 along the interior surface of the elevator shaft 128. Thus, an item 120 positioned on the auger 132 (e.g., by the storage portion 116) can be moved vertically by the auger 132. More specifically, the item 120 can be forced slightly past the outer edge of the auger 132 (e.g., by the auger 132 having an upper surface that slopes downward from the center or by centrifugal force from the auger 132 turning) to contact one of the rails 134. The particular rail 134 will prevent the item 120 from merely rotating with the auger 132 (as friction between the item 120 and the auger 132 would otherwise prevent the item 120 from moving up or down the auger 132), such that rotation of the auger 132 can move the item 120 up (or down) in the elevator shaft 128. Once the item 120 reaches its destination shelf 106, the corresponding door 130 can be opened to allow the item 120 to slide onto the shelf 106. This can occur, for example, by the shelf 106 having an upper surface that slopes downward from the interior side 126 or by centrifugal force from the auger 132 and the shelf portion 102 turning together at the same speed. Thus, the item 120 can be placed at the outermost (or outermost available) radial position on the shelf 106 so that it can be easily accessed by a consumer.

[0029] Figure 3 is a top view of an array 136 of ISS 100A-100I (collectively, ISS 100). In the illustrated embodiment, the array 136 is controlled by a manager 138, which is a computer system that is communicatively coupled to the controller 105 of each ISS 100 (illustrated). The manager 138 can instruct any ISS 100 to turn in any direction and / or to stop at any given location. These actions can be used for display purposes, to reduce consumer movement (e.g., if two sought items 120 are located on opposite sides of the same ISS 100), and / or as a coordinated plan to help consumers find products they can desire. Figure 1

[0030] ​In some embodiments, the manager 138 includes an interface (e.g., a software application) for the consumer to input their shopping list. In some embodiments, the manager 138 includes machine learning techniques to learn the shopping habits of the consumer, enabling the prediction of what the consumer will be looking to purchase based on what the consumer has picked up and / or what products are most often selected. In any of these embodiments, the manager 138 can plot a path 140 through the array 136 that allows the customer to pick up all of the items they can be looking for while minimizing the distance the customer needs to travel. This can be done using information from each ISS 100, such as from the sensors 110 Figure 1 illustrated), about what items 120 are located on what shelves 106 Figure 1 illustrated), and the circumferential location on those shelves 106.

[0031] According to one example, if the consumer has items 120A-120C on their shopping list, it can be assumed that the consumer can be looking for items 120A-120C. Additionally, if item 120D would complement some or all of items 120A-120C (and / or if item 120D is generally a very popular item), it can be assumed that the consumer can also be looking for item 120D. Thus, the manager 138 can instruct ISSs 100B, 100F, and 100I to rotate as instructed. This places items 120B-120D on their respective ISSs 100 at a particular circumferential location close to the path 140 (and when item 120A enters the array 136, it is already in the correct location close to the consumer, so no change in its circumferential location is needed). This control of the array 136 by the manager 138 can provide the best shopping experience for the consumer, as well as targeted advertising based on what the consumer is looking for and / or has picked up.

[0032] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view of an alternative embodiment array 142 of an alternative embodiment ISS 144. In the embodiment illustrated, there is a ceiling 146, so there is space below each floor 148. This allows for a storage portion 150 to be located above a shelving portion 152. In such embodiments, the elevator portion 154 moves items 120 downward, and the elevator portion can include radial ridges along their augers (not shown) to prevent items 120 from sliding downward due to gravity.

[0033] Figure 5is a cross-sectional side view of an array 156 of alternative embodiment ISS 158. In the illustrated embodiment, ISS 158 spans two levels 160 of a building 162 vertically. As such, a storage portion 164 can be directly beneath (or above) a shelving portion 166. Such an embodiment does not require additional space in the ceiling or floor for components of ISS 158. Additionally, seating 168 can be positioned around storage portion 164 to allow consumers (not shown) to benefit from the presence of shelving portion 166 in the middle of levels 160.

[0034] Figure 6 is a schematic of a consumer 170 in communication with a manager 172 of an array 174 of alternative embodiment ISS 176. In the illustrated embodiment, consumer 170 uses a software application 178 to indicate that they are looking for a particular item (e.g., one of a plurality of items in a shopping list). Software application 178 can communicate with manager 172 of ISS 176 to determine where the sought item is located. These locations are then reflected in a graphical user interface (GUI) of software application 178. In alternative embodiments, software application 178 can communicate directly with each controller (not shown) of each ISS 176.

[0035] Figure 7A is a perspective view of another embodiment ISS 180, Figure 7B is a top view of ISS 180. Figure 8 is a series of cross-sectional side views of ISS 180 along Figure 8 line C-C in FIG. 1 IB, showing replenishment of items 120. FIGS. 1 ID, Figure 9A , Figure 9B and Figure 7A will now be discussed in conjunction with one another.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, shelving portion 184 is adjacent to (i.e., beside and interior to) shelving portion 182. More specifically, shelving portion 184 includes a storage portion 186 beside shelving portion 182 and an elevator portion 188 interior to shelving portion 182. Because shelving portion 182 can rotate, a consumer can access shelving portion 182 from three sides. Additionally, storage portion 186 is easily accessible (because it is not in the ceiling or floor), so it can be loaded from behind or the side by an operator in the shopping area.

[0037] To replenish items 120 in shelving portion 182, storage portion 186 moves items 120 to elevator portion 188, as shown in Figure 7BViews I, II, and III. Then, the elevator portion 188 moves the item 120 upward to its destination shelf 190, as shown in View IV. In the illustrated embodiment, the elevator portion 188 includes a linear actuator 192 that moves linearly up and down (as opposed to using a screw auger, a guide rod, and a gate) to transport the item 120. Once the item 120 is brought to the height of the destination shelf 190, the elevator portion 188 pushes the item 120 onto the destination shelf 190, as shown in View V. Then, the shelf portion 184 can rotate the item 120 to the appropriate circumferential position for pickup by a consumer, as shown in View VI.

[0038] Figure 8 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment ISS 194, Figure 8 is a top view of the alternative embodiment ISS 194. The ISS 194 can be similar to the ISS 180 Figure 9A and Figure 9B shown in FIGS. 1-3, although the storage portion 196 of the ISS 194 covers both sides of the shelf portion 198. In addition, the ISS 194 is configured to function as a standalone vending machine, so the ISS 194 includes two interfaces 200 for users to, for example, control the rotation of the shelf portion 198, find the location of a particular item 120 (which can be located on this ISS 194 or other ISS 194), and pay for any selected item 120. Also, the shelf portion 198 is not open, but covered, to prevent theft. Instead, the ISS 194 can include a finger 202 to retrieve a selected item 120 from the shelf portion 198, so that the item 120 can be transported to a pickup bin 204. In an alternative to the pickup bin 204, the shelf portion 198 can have an automatic outer door that can open after a purchase has been made. Thus, the finger 202 can push a purchased item 120 out of the ISS 194 for a consumer to receive.

[0039] Reference is now made to Figure 7A , showing a high-level block diagram of an example computer system (i.e., computer) 11 that can be used to implement one or more of the methods or modules described herein, as well as any related functionality or operations (e.g., using one or more processor circuits or computer processors of the computer). For example, the computer system 11 can be used for the controller 105, the manager 138, and the manager 172 (respectively in Figure 7B , Figure 10 and Figure 1The components of computer system 11 can include, in some embodiments, one or more CPUs 12, memory subsystem 14, terminal interface 22, storage interface 24, I / O (input / output) device interface 26, and network interface 29, all of which can be communicatively coupled, directly or indirectly, for inter-component communication via memory bus 13, I / O bus 19, and I / O bus interface unit 20.

[0040] Computer system 11 can include one or more general-purpose programmable central processing units (CPUs) 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D, collectively referred to as processor(s) 12, in this disclosure. In some embodiments, computer system 11 can include a plurality of processors typical of relatively large-scale systems; however, in other embodiments, computer system 11 can alternatively be a single CPU system. Each CPU 12 can execute instructions stored in memory subsystem 14, and can include one or more levels of on-board cache.

[0041] In some embodiments, memory subsystem 14 can include random access semiconductor memory, storage devices, or storage media (volatile or non-volatile) for storing data and programs. In some embodiments, memory subsystem 14 can represent the entire virtual memory of computer system 11, and can also include virtual memory of other computer systems coupled to computer system 11 or connected via a network. Memory subsystem 14 can be conceptually a single monolithic entity, but in some embodiments, memory subsystem 14 can be a complex arrangement, such as a hierarchy, of caches and other memory devices. For example, memory can be present in multiple levels of caches, and these caches can further be partitioned by function so that one cache holds instructions while another cache holds non-instruction data used by one or more processors. Memory can also be distributed, and associated with different CPUs or groups of CPUs, as known in any of various so-called non-uniform memory access (NUMA) computer architectures. In some embodiments, main memory or memory subsystem 14 can include elements for controlling and flowing memory used by processor(s) 12. This can include memory controller 15.

[0042] Although memory bus 13 is shown in Figure 3While shown as a single bus structure providing a direct communication path between CPU 12, memory subsystem 14, and I / O bus interface 20, in some embodiments, memory bus 13 may include multiple different buses or communication paths, which may be arranged in any of a variety of forms, such as hierarchical point-to-point links, star or mesh configurations, multi-layer buses, parallel and redundant paths, or any other suitable type of configuration. Furthermore, although I / O bus interface 20 and I / O bus 19 are shown as a single corresponding unit, in some embodiments, computer system 11 may include multiple I / O bus interface units 20, multiple I / O buses 19, or both. Additionally, although multiple I / O interface units are shown separating I / O bus 19 from various communication paths to various I / O devices, in other embodiments, some or all I / O devices may be directly connected to one or more system I / O buses.

[0043] In some embodiments, computer system 11 may be a multi-user mainframe computer system, a single-user system, a server computer, or a similar device that has little or no direct user interface but receives requests from other computer systems (clients). Furthermore, in some embodiments, computer system 11 may be implemented as a desktop computer, portable computer, laptop or notebook computer, tablet computer, pocket computer, telephone, smartphone, mobile device, or any other suitable type of electronic device.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the storage subsystem 14 also includes item storage system control software 30. Execution of the item storage system control software 30 (e.g., using an execution module) enables the computer system 11 to perform one or more of the functions described above, such as operating the item storage system, including replenishing items, communicating with the administrator and / or user application software, and receiving input from an interface.

[0045] It should be noted that Figure 6 This is intended to depict representative components of an exemplary computer system 11. However, in some embodiments, individual components may have more... Figure 10 The complexity represented in the text, whether greater or lesser, may differ from or be additional to the complexity. Figure 10 The components shown are variable in number, type, and configuration.

[0046] This invention can be a system, method, and / or computer program product at any possible level of technical detail integration. The computer program product may include a computer-readable storage medium (or media) having computer-readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to perform aspects of the invention.

[0047] The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. The computer readable storage medium can be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of the computer readable storage medium includes the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such as punch cards or

[0048] The computer readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded to respective computing / processing devices from a computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or external storage device via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network and / or a wireless network. The network can comprise copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and / or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each computing / processing device receives computer readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer readable program instructions into the respective computing / processing device for storage in a computer readable storage medium within the respective computing / processing device.

[0049] Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations of the present application can be assembly instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine- related instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, configuration data for an integrated circuit, or source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object-oriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, and a procedural programming language such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. The computer readable program instructions can execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer can be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection can be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) can execute the computer readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present application.

[0050] The computer readable program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0051] These computer readable program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructions can also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and / or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the computer readable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises an article of manufacture including

[0052] The computer readable program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0053] The computer program product of the present application can be implemented by a variety of means. For example, and by way of non-limiting example, aspects of the present application can be implemented on a machine as software, hardware, firmware, microcode, or any combination thereof.

[0054] It should be appreciated that while the present disclosure includes a detailed description on cloud computing, implementation of the teachings recited herein are not limited to a cloud computing environment. Rather, embodiments of the present application are capable of being implemented in conjunction with any other type of computing environment now known or later developed.

[0055] Cloud computing is a model of service delivery for enabling convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g. networks, network bandwidth, servers, processing, memory, storage, applications, virtual machines, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or interaction with a provider of the service. This cloud model can include at least five characteristics, at least three service models, and at least four deployment models.

[0056] The characteristics are as follows:

[0057] On-demand self-service: cloud consumers can unilaterally provision computing capabilities, such as server time and network storage, as needed automatically (without human interaction with the service's provider).

[0058] Broad network access: capabilities are available over a network and accessed through standard mechanisms that promote use by heterogeneous thin or thick client platforms (e.g., mobile phones, laptops, and PDAs).

[0059] Resource pooling: the provider's computing resources are pooled to serve multiple consumers using a multi-tenant model, with different physical and virtual resources dynamically assigned and reassigned according to consumer demand. There is a sense of location independence in that the consumer generally has no control or knowledge over the exact location of the provided resources but can be able to specify location at a higher level of abstraction (e.g., country, state, or datacenter).

[0060] Fast elasticity: in some cases, capabilities can be quickly and elastically provisioned, in others, the capabilities can be quickly scaled out or in. For consumers, the capacity available for provision often appears to be unlimited and can be purchased in any quantity at any time.

[0061] Measured service: cloud systems automatically control and optimize resource use by leveraging utilization of capacity, often on a transient basis, with providers being able to quickly scale up and down capabilities, at a fine level of granularity.

[0062] Service models are as follows:

[0063] Software as a Service (SaaS): the capability provided to the consumer is to use the provider's applications running on a cloud infrastructure. The applications are accessible from various client devices through a thin client interface such as a web browser (e.g., web-based e-mail). The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure including network, servers, operating systems, storage, or even individual application capabilities, with the possible exception of limited user-specific application configuration settings.

[0064] Platform as a Service (PaaS): the capability provided to the consumer is to deploy onto the cloud infrastructure consumer-created or acquired applications created using programming languages and tools supported by the provider. The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure including networks, servers, operating systems, or storage, but has control over the deployed applications and possibly application hosting environment configurations.

[0065] Infrastructure as a Service (laaS): the capability provided to the consumer is to provision processing, storage, networks, and other fundamental computing resources where the consumer is able to deploy and run arbitrary software, which can include operating systems and applications. The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure but has control over operating systems, storage, deployed applications, and possibly limited control of select networking components (e.g., host firewalls).

[0066] Deployment models are as follows:

[0067] Private cloud: the cloud infrastructure is operated solely for the organization. It can be managed by the organization or a third party and can exist on-premises or off-premises.

[0068] Community cloud: the cloud infrastructure is shared by several organizations and supports mission-oriented business objectives by providing a common configuration for a specific community of consumers. It can be managed by the organizations or a third party and can exist on-premises or off-premises.

[0069] Public cloud: the cloud infrastructure is made available to the general public or a large industry group and is owned by an organization selling cloud services.

[0070] Hybrid cloud: the cloud infrastructure is a composition of two or more clouds (private, community, or public) that remain unique entities but are bound together by standardized or proprietary technologies that enable data and application portability.

[0071] A cloud computing environment is service-oriented with a focus on statelessness, low coupling, modularity, and semantic interoperability. At the heart of cloud computing is an infrastructure of interconnected nodes, including end-points carried by the network.

[0072] Referring now to the drawing Figure 10 , an illustrative cloud computing environment 50 is depicted. As shown, cloud computing environment 50 includes one or more cloud computing nodes 10 with which local computing devices used by cloud consumers, such as, for example, personal digital assistant (PDA) or cellular telephone 54A, desktop computer 54B, laptop computer 54C, and / or automobile computer system 54N can communicate. Nodes 10 can communicate with one another. They can be grouped (not shown) physically or virtually, in one or more networks, such as Private, Community, Public, or Hybrid clouds as described hereinabove, or a combination thereof. This allows cloud computing environment 50 to offer infrastructure, platforms and / or software as services with Figure 10 The types of computing devices 54A-N shown in FIG. 1 1 are intended to be illustrative only and computing nodes 10 and cloud computing environment 50 can communicate with any type of computerized devices over any type of network and / or network addressable connection (e.g., using a web browser).

[0073] Referring now to FIG. 1 2, Figure 11 a set of functional abstraction layers provided by cloud computing environment 50 Figure 11 It should be previously understood that the components, layers and functions shown in FIG. 1 2 are intended to be illustrative only and embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto. As shown, the following layers and respective functions are provided: Figure 12 Figure 11 Figure 12

[0074] Hardware and software layer 60 includes hardware and software components. Examples of hardware components include: mainframes 61; RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) architecture based servers 62; servers 63; blade servers 64; storage devices 65; and networks and networking components 66. In some embodiments, software components include network application server software 67 and database software 68.

[0075] ​Virtualization layer 70 provides an abstraction layer from which the following examples of virtual entities can be provided: virtual servers 71 ; virtual storage 72; virtual networks 73, including virtual private networks; virtual applications and operating systems 74; and virtual clients 75.

[0076] In one example, management layer 80 can provide the functions described below. Resource provisioning 81 provides dynamic procurement of computing resources and other resources that are utilized to perform tasks within the cloud computing environment. Metering and Pricing 82 provide cost tracking as resources are utilized within the cloud computing environment, and billing or invoicing for consumption of these resources. In one example, these resources can include application software licenses. Security provides identity verification for cloud consumers and tasks, as well as protection for data and other resources. User portal 83 provides access to the cloud computing environment for consumers and system administrators. Service level management 84 provides cloud computing resource allocation and management such that required service levels are met. Service Level Agreement (SLA) planning and fulfillment 85 provide pre-arrangement for, and procurement of, cloud computing resources for which future usage is anticipated in accordance with an SLA.

[0077] Workloads layer 90 provides examples of functionality for which the cloud computing environment can be utilized. Examples of workloads and functions which can be provided from this layer include: mapping and navigation 91 ; software development and lifecycle management 92; virtual classroom education delivery 93; data analytics processing 94; transaction processing 95; and content storage and delivery 96.

[0078] The description of the various embodiments of the present application have been presented for purposes of illustration, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An article storage system comprising: a shelving portion comprising: a first shelf having an annular shape with a central axis; and a second shelf having an annular shape spaced apart from the first shelf along the central axis, wherein the shelving portion is positioned between a floor and a ceiling; and a replenishment portion comprising: an elevator portion configured to deliver articles to the first and second shelves, wherein at least a portion of the elevator portion is positioned in the center of the shelving portion and is surrounded by the shelving portion; and a storage portion configured to load articles into the elevator portion, wherein the storage portion is positioned above or below the shelving portion and the storage portion is positioned below the floor or above the ceiling, wherein the elevator portion comprises an auger, the shelving portion comprises a plurality of rails extending parallel to the central axis along the elevator portion, the auger forces an article past an outer edge of the auger to contact one of the plurality of rails, thereby causing the article to move vertically to the first or second shelf.

2. The article storage system of claim 1, further comprising: an actuator connected to the first and second shelves, the actuator configured to rotate the first and second shelves.

3. The article storage system of claim 2, further comprising: a controller communicatively connected to the actuator, wherein the controller is configured to position articles on the first shelf at an outermost radial position and a particular circumferential position.

4. The article storage system of claim 3, wherein, the controller is communicatively connected to a manager that controls an array of article storage systems to which the article storage system belongs.

5. The article storage system of claim 1, further comprising: a sensor to monitor a quantity of articles on the first shelf.

6. The article storage system of claim 5, further comprising: a controller communicatively connected to the sensor and the replenishment portion, wherein the controller is configured to cause the replenishment portion to bring articles to the first shelf if the quantity of articles is insufficient.

7. The article storage system of claim 1, wherein, the elevator portion comprises a linear actuator to move articles to the first shelf.

8. An article storage system comprising: a shelving portion comprising: a first shelf rotatable about a central axis; a second shelf rotatable about the central axis and spaced apart from the first shelf, wherein the shelving portion is positioned between a floor and a ceiling; and an actuator connected to the first and second shelves, the actuator configured to rotate the first and second shelves; and a replenishment portion positioned adjacent to the shelving portion, the replenishment portion comprising: an elevator portion configured to deliver articles to the first and second shelves; and a storage portion configured to load items into the elevator portion, wherein the storage portion is positioned below the floor or above the ceiling, wherein the elevator portion includes an auger, the shelf portion includes a plurality of rails extending parallel to the central axis along the elevator portion, the auger forces an item past an outer edge of the auger to contact one of the plurality of rails, thereby causing the item to move vertically to the first shelf or the second shelf.

9. The item storage system of claim 8, further comprising: a controller communicatively connected to the actuator, wherein the controller is configured to position an item on the first shelf at an outermost radial position and a particular circumferential position.

10. The article storage system of claim 9, wherein, the controller is communicatively connected to a manager that controls an array of item storage systems to which the item storage system belongs.

11. The item storage system of claim 8, further comprising: a sensor to monitor a quantity of items on the first shelf.

12. The item storage system of claim 11, further comprising: a controller communicatively connected to the sensor and the replenishment portion, wherein the controller is configured to cause the replenishment portion to bring items to the first shelf if the quantity of items is insufficient.

13. The article storage system of claim 8, wherein, the elevator portion includes a linear actuator to move an item to the first shelf.

14. A method of operating an item storage system, the item storage system including a shelf having a ring shape between a floor and a ceiling, a replenishment portion at least partially surrounded by the shelf, a controller, and a sensor connected to the controller, the method comprising: monitoring, by the sensor, items on the shelf; determining, by the controller, whether there is an insufficient quantity of items positioned on the shelf; and causing, by the controller, the replenishment portion to add additional items to the shelf by: moving the additional items from a storage portion positioned below the floor or above the ceiling to an elevator portion surrounded by the shelf; moving the additional items to a height of the shelf via the elevator portion; and moving the additional items from the elevator portion to the shelf, wherein the elevator portion includes an auger, the shelf includes a plurality of rails extending parallel to a central axis of the shelf along the elevator portion, the auger forces an item past an outer edge of the auger to contact one of the plurality of rails, thereby causing the item to move vertically to the shelf.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: rotating the shelf to position the additional items at an outermost radial position; and rotating the shelf to position the additional items at a particular circumferential position.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein: the item storage system is one of an array of item storage systems; the particular circumferential position is determined by the controller based on a location of a user. ​ 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: receiving, by the controller, a shopping list of the user; wherein the additional item is included in the shopping list.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising: receiving, by the controller, a description of a previous item obtained by the user from another item storage system in the array of item storage systems; and in response to monitoring the items on the shelf and determining that the additional item is likely sought by the user, adding the additional item to the shelf.

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