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WO2019236040A2 - Mobile product collection and placement platform and product collection and placement methods applied with the platform - Google Patents

Mobile product collection and placement platform and product collection and placement methods applied with the platform Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2019236040A2
WO2019236040A2 PCT/TR2019/050163 TR2019050163W WO2019236040A2 WO 2019236040 A2 WO2019236040 A2 WO 2019236040A2 TR 2019050163 W TR2019050163 W TR 2019050163W WO 2019236040 A2 WO2019236040 A2 WO 2019236040A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
product
phase
placement
products
user
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/TR2019/050163
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2019236040A3 (en
Inventor
Suleyman OYLUM
Fahrettin OYLUM
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Teknopalas Yuksek Teknoloji Sistemleri AS
Original Assignee
Teknopalas Yuksek Teknoloji Sistemleri AS
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Teknopalas Yuksek Teknoloji Sistemleri AS filed Critical Teknopalas Yuksek Teknoloji Sistemleri AS
Publication of WO2019236040A2 publication Critical patent/WO2019236040A2/en
Publication of WO2019236040A3 publication Critical patent/WO2019236040A3/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
    • G06Q10/08—Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
    • G06Q10/087—Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00—Commerce
    • G06Q30/06—Buying, selling or leasing transactions
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
    • B62B5/00—Accessories or details specially adapted for hand carts
    • B62B5/0026—Propulsion aids
    • B62B5/0063—Propulsion aids guiding, e.g. by a rail
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
    • B62B5/00—Accessories or details specially adapted for hand carts
    • B62B5/0096—Identification of the cart or merchandise, e.g. by barcodes or radio frequency identification [RFID]

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a mobile product collection and placement platform that directs the user to the shelf in which the product is located and automatically checks the products received from the shelf, in case of a product order or request in the places that have a large number of shelves, such as a library or warehouse.
  • the invention is more specifically about a mobile product collection and placement platform and a guided product collection method, a routing product storing method and a guided product collection-placement method which transfers the request of the product or products to the user via a screen and which holds the rack location information of different products on a central system where the location of the products are difficult to track, such as warehouses.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a mobile product collection and placement platform, which enables the control of registered products on the racks in places where there are a large number of racks such as libraries, warehouses, etc., a guided product collection method in which the said platform is used and a guided product collection method for determining the route of said platform.
  • Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the use of a single compartment mobile product collection and placement platform.
  • Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the use of a two-compartment mobile product collection and placement platform.
  • Figure 3 shows a front view of the mobile product collection and placement platform.
  • Figure 4 shows a bottom view of the mobile product collection and placement platform.
  • Figure 5 shows one of the ways in which the guided product collection method application as flow chart.
  • Figure 6 shows one of the ways in which the guided product placement method application as flow chart.
  • Figure 7 shows one of the ways of guided product collection-placement method application as flow chart. DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMBERS
  • the invention relates to a mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) and a guided product collection method (10) in coordination with this platform, which facilitates the collection of the products on the racks in the order or demand in places where there are a large number of racks, such as a library or warehouse.
  • the system is based on identification of the products (6) with RFID tags, which are taken from the respective racks by a user (5), by an RFID reader located in the of the hardware box (1.5) component of the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) and comparison with an existing list, where the system aims at both forwarding the user (5) and informing the user (5) and a central system (4) on whether the selected products (6) are available or out of stock.
  • RFID Radio Frequency Identification technology
  • the RFID consists essentially of a tag and a reader.
  • RFID tags can be programmed to receive, store and send object information such as the Electronic Product Code (EPC). Information about the supply chain management can be automatically saved or changed by reading the tags placed on the product by the reader.
  • the RFID tag consists of a silicon chip, an antenna, and a coating that allows receiving and answering queries with radio frequency.
  • the chip stores information about the object on the label.
  • the antenna transmits object information to the reader using radio frequency.
  • the coating surrounds the chip and antenna so that the label can be placed on an object.
  • RFID tags can be of 3 types: passive, semi-active or active.
  • Passive labels which are the cheapest type of labels, do not have their own power sources, they work with the power of the reader’s antenna signals.
  • semi-passive labels have been added a small battery that will not require power from the incoming signal.
  • These labels which have a wider reading range, are more reliable and can respond more quickly to the reader.
  • Active labels have their own power sources, which enable them to run their circuits and produce a response signal, unlike other varieties. They have a high performance with these features, but they also have higher costs.
  • RFID can be used at low frequency, called LF, between 125-134 kHz, high frequency, called HF, at 13.56 MFIz or ultra high frequency, called UHF, between 860-960 MFIz.
  • LF low frequency
  • HF high frequency
  • UHF ultra high frequency
  • the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) of the invention can read products (6) with passive, semi-passive and active labels.
  • the RFID tag consists of a silicon chip, antenna, and coating that allows receiving and answering queries with radio frequency.
  • the chip stores information about the object on the label.
  • the antenna transmits object information to the reader using radio frequency.
  • the coating surrounds the chip and antenna so that the label can be placed on an object.
  • the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) shown in Figures 1 and 2 is pushed by a user (5).
  • the desired products (6) are collected by the user (5) according to an order or demand.
  • the collected products (6) are identified by the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) by means of the RFID tags they have on them, and the missing or excess products (6) are determined by a central system (4) in which the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) is connected wirelessly (4) and can warn the user (5) and other relevant personnel.
  • the case (1.1 ) which has all surfaces covered with conductors such as copper, serves as a faraday cage, so that the RFID antenna (1.3) in the casing (1.1 ) only reads the RFID tags of the objects placed inside the case (1.1 ).
  • a mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) which is docked to the racks, does not read the RFID tags of the products (6) on the racks and no confusion occurs.
  • the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) movement is provided via wheels (1.4) under the case (1.1 ) if needed.
  • the hardware box (1.5) which contains at least one battery and at least one RFID reader, is connected to the case (1.1 ).
  • a list of products (6) associated with a rack can be seen from the display (1.2) such as LED or LCD, shown in Figure 1 , which is connected to the case (1.1 ) and which is capable of accommodating a processor.
  • this information is obtained from a database where the current rack product (6) information is kept in the central system (4) by means of a wireless connection such as wi-fi.
  • the product (6) changes at the monitored racks are recorded simultaneously to the database on the central system (4) with the RFID tags on them.
  • the placement of the products (6) on the racks outside the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) is also recorded in the central system (4) database, whereby the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) obtains the information of which product (6) is located on which rack via the RFID tag called guide RFID tag (3), which is read by the RFID antenna (1.3) at the bottom of the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) as can be seen in Figure 1 and 2.
  • the guide RFID tags (3) are mapped on the central system (4) with respective racks. In this way, the guide RFID tag (3) gives information to the user (5) which rack is next to him/her and the information of the products (6) of the related rack is shown in the list on the screen (1.2).
  • the guide mark (2) is located in front of the racks for maintaining the vehicle route for the user (5) and for reading of the guide RFID tags (3).
  • the operation may include recording on the central system (4) with the RFID tag or enumeration of the sections in front of the racks with IPS.
  • the list of products (6) of the respective rack is reflected on the screen (1.2) from the central system (4) when it is reached to the areas determined in front of the racks. Then, the applied product collection method (10) and the missing or excess products (6), if any, appear in the central system (4) and are informed from the screen (1.2) or from the computers of the central system (4).
  • the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) which gives the route of the area to be inspected from the central system (4) to the user (5) via the screen (1.2), in which the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) may get position information with high accuracy indoor positioning systems such as local positioning system, indoor positioning system etc. which work with wi-fi, bluetooth etc.
  • the position information obtained by this method avoids the need to use any guide mark (2) or guide RFID tag (3).
  • the RFID tags of the products (6) which can be read with a RFID antenna (1.3) that is placed inside the RFID wave absorbing case (1.1 ) made of metal coverings such as copper etc. and that has an orientation capable of scanning inside the case (1.1 ), can be matched with the RFID tag list of related rack on the central system (4).
  • the mismatched, missing, or excess products (6) are sent via the central system (4) to the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) to be displayed on the screen (1.2).
  • the RFID antenna (1.3) shown in Figure 1 below the case (1.1 ) may be in any position below the case (1.1 ), facing downwards according to the location of the guide RFID tags (3). In this way, the tags on the racks are prevented from reading, preventing confusion.
  • the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) sends and receives data to and from the central system (4) via the network connection module (1.6).
  • the received data can be displayed on the screen (1.2) via a processor, if the display (1.2) has a processor, otherwise via a processor located on the hardware box (1.5).
  • the invention is a mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) having at least two wheels (1.4) that maintains movement, a user (5), at least one guide mark (2) followed by said user (5) or one feature to be integrated to systems named as indoor positioning system, at least one RFID antenna (1.3) located below the case (1.1 ), at least one guide RFID tag (3), a network connection module (1.6) providing wireless data exchange further comprising; one case (1.1 ) covered all of its sides apart from its top side with radio wave blocking conductor material, one hardware box (1.5) having at least one battery that provides energy to the system and at least one RFID reader, one screen (1.2) and at least one compartment (1.1.1 ) having at least one RFID antenna (1.3).
  • the compartment (1.1.1 ), located inside the case (1.1 ) has the feature to have its all sides except its upper looking side covered with radio wave absorbing conductive material so that product collection, product placement or product collection-placement activities can be carried out.
  • the compartment (1.1.1 ) has the ability to enable that the collection or placement is done separately if there are two or more.
  • the RFID antenna (1.3) is located inside the compartment (1.1.1 ), it is located facing towards the inside of the compartment (1.1.1 ) mounted via screws etc., on edges, sides or corners of the compartment (1.1.1 ). In addition, if the RFID antenna (1.3) is located in the compartment (1.1.1 ), it is positioned to see the compartment (1.1.1 ) in which it is located. In this way, it is intended that all products (6) inserted into the compartment (1.1.1 ) can be read.
  • the RFID antennas (1.3) are intended to be circularly polarized. As the RFID antennas (1.3) are circularly polarized, tag reading can be carried out at short distance without any tag axis alignment.
  • the RFID antenna (1.3) is used for the detection of guide RFID tags(3), it is positioned somewhere below the case (1.1 ), facing downwards.
  • Each of said RFID antennas (1.3) is capable of transmitting data to the RFID reader in the hardware box (1.5) by means of cables.
  • the obtained RFID antenna (1.3) data can be divided into different channels.
  • operations can be performed more easily by the data which is separable by the software on the central system (4) .
  • the hardware box (1.5) comprises a microcomputer connected to the screen (1.2) when the system requires it.
  • This computer contains computer components such as a processor, internal memory, which can perform standard computer functions.
  • the hardware box (1.5), if the guide RFID tags (3) are not used, according to the location determination technique used by the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ), includes indoor positioning system components such as beacon, magnetic sensor etc. or GPS sensor. In this way, methods classified under the name of indoor positioning system that allows high precision detection of locations in closed environments, become available for the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ).
  • the screen (1.2) comprises at least one processor capable of displaying the incoming data on the screen (1.2) in a format specified in communication with the central system (4), in the absence of a microcomputer in the hardware box (1.5).
  • the wheel (1.4) has the feature to be connected to the case (1.1 ) as located between the case (1.1 ) and the floor. In this way, it can carry the weight that is transmitted to the ground by the case (1.1 ).
  • the case (1.1 ) may have a protrusion at the same height as the wheels (1.4) and in contact with the ground if the wheel (1.4) number is two.
  • the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) can be transported by the user (5) in the form of a trolley.
  • the user (5) has the ability to be a standard personnel or to be a robot that has an artificial intelligence and has the ability to grasp and carry any product (6) of its own.
  • the invention is a guided product collection method (10) comprising;
  • a guidance phase (103) wherein the route drawn at the route determination phase (102) is notified on the screen (1.2) by arrow images such as forward, backward, right and left pointing to the direction to be navigated on a map or by voice commands via loudspeakers located on the screen (1.2), in which the instant location of the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) is indicated, or by voice commands via loudspeakers located on the screen (1.2),
  • a product notification phase (104) in which products (6) to be collected are listed on the screen (1.2) when the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) is close to the racks which are located on the determined route, where mobile product collection and placement platform’s (1 ) location is acquired by techniques such as LPS, indoor IPS or reading of guide RFID tags (3) located near the guide mark (2) via RFID reader located inside the hardware box (1.5) which is connected to the RFID antenna (1.3) located under the case (1.1 ).
  • a comparison phase (106) where data gathered from reading of RFID tag/tags of product (6) or products (6) that are put into the compartment (1.1.1 ) in the product placement phase (105) are compared with the products in the list coming from the central system (4), wherein the RFID tag/tags of products (6) inside the compartment (1.1.1 ) are read via one or more RFID antenna (1.3) facing towards inside the case (1.1 ) and RFID reader located inside the hardware box (1.5), - a control phase (107) where collection from the rack by the user (5) if there are any missing products (6) according to the comparison phase (106) or if there is no related product (6) in the rack, notification to the central system (4) or if there is an excess product (6) received by the user (5), placement of the related product (6) back to the rack operation is carried out,
  • the start (100) has the feature to include a process which guided product collection method (10) initiation decision is made by the user (5) or the central system (4).
  • the start (100) has the feature to be implemented after the end (110) process step, which terminates the guided product collection method (10).
  • the invention is a routing product storing method (20) comprising;
  • a rack routing phase (203) which is applied after a storing route determination phase (202) or if the answer of the“Will another product be placed on a rack?" query, following a storing control phase (206) is“Yes”, where the real-time location of the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) is placed on a map on the screen (1.2) and directions are notified to the user (5) via arrows on the screen (1.2) or via voice commands transmitted with speakers located on the screen (1.2),
  • a product rack placement phase (205), in which the products (6) notified at the product storing notification phase (204) being taken from the relevant compartment (1.1.1 ) to the rack by the user (5) or if the answer of the "Will the placement be done in a designated rack?" query is“No”, all products (6) are randomly placed on the racks,
  • a storing control phase in which the product/products (6), which have been placed on the rack with the product rack placement phase (205) that needs to be delisted from the product (6) list that its information is gathered real-time via one or more RFID antennas (1.3) located inside the compartment (1.1.1 ) and RFID reader located inside the hardware box (1.5), and the products (6), which needs to be removed from the list coming from the central system (4) via software, are compared,
  • a store return phase (208), in which the user (5) takes the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) back to the product (6) delivery point if the answer of the“Will another product be placed on a rack?" query, which is applied after the storing control phase (206) is“No”,
  • Start 2 (200) comprises the decision making process to start the routing product storing method (20) by the user (5) or the central system (4).
  • Start 2 (200) has the feature to be implemented after an end 2 (209) step, where a routing product storing method (20) is terminated.
  • the method of guided product collection-placement method (30) is characterized in that;
  • a request or product loading phase (301 ), which is applied after start 3 (300) step that initiates the guided product collection-placement method (30), wherein the demanded products (6) are sent to the central system (4) or if there is any demand product (6) demand on the central system (4), placement of the RFID tagged products (6) by the user (5) to the compartment (1.1.1 ) or if there are more than one compartment (1.1.1 ), to the compartment (1.1.1 ) which is allocated for placement,
  • a general route determination phase (302) wherein the racks for the demanded product placements or collections are determined by the central system (4) and shortest route for the user (5) is determined, and wherein if any other demand comes to the central system (4) repetition of shortest route determination is applied, - a general routing phase (303), wherein the route drawn at the general route determination phase (302) is notified on the screen (1.2) by arrow images such as forward, backward, right and left pointing to the direction to be navigated on a map or by voice commands via loudspeakers located on the screen (1.2), in which the instant location of the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) is indicated, and which is repeated if the answer of“Is there another product placement?” query is“Yes”,
  • a product placement or collection phase (305), wherein the products (6) displayed at the general product notification phase (304) are taken from the related rack/racks and put into the compartment/compartments (1.1.1 ), which is/are located inside the case (1.1 ) of the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) for product (6) collection, or taken from the compartment/compartments (1.1.1 ), which are allocated for product (6) placement, and put into the related rack/racks by the user (5),
  • a general control phase (307) wherein according to the general comparison phase (306), if there are any missing products (6) determined to be collected, said missing products (6) are collected from the racks if any, or in the event of the related product/products (6) is/are out of stock, the central system (4) is notified, and wherein if any excess product/products (6) is/are collected, said product/products (6) is/are put back to the rack/racks by the user (5), or if any different product/products (6) is/are put to the rack/racks or more than a predetermined number of products (6) are located on a predetermined rack, excessively or incorrectly placed product/products (6) is/are placed back to the compartment (1.1.1 ) which is allocated for placement,
  • the general comparison phase (306) is determined to be collected from the product (6) if there are missing the shelf from the shelf or if the shelf does not exist in the central system (4) in this regard to be given, in the event that more products (6) collected in excess of the product (6) user (5) placing the product (6) on a different shelf of a different product (6) or placing the product (6) on the shelf in a designated rack (6) or the product placed on the wrong shelf (6).
  • the general control phase (307) in which it is put back into the compartment (1.1.1 ) reserved for placement;
  • the start 2 (200) step comprises the step of applying the decision to start the routing product storing method (20) by the user (5) or the central system (4).
  • the start 3 (300) step has the property of being implemented following the end 3 (301 ) step where the guided product collection-placement method (30) is terminated.
  • the collection and placement operations are provided in separate compartments (1.1.1 ), aiming user’s (5) ease of operation.
  • the compartment (1.1.1 ) has the property of to be used separately as at least one of them to be used as placement and at least one of them to be used as collection in the case where the guided product collection-placement method (30) is applied.
  • two separate lists are provided for the user (5) in the comparative application with the collection and placement operations indicated on the screen (1.2).

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Abstract

The invention is about a mobile product collection and placement platform (1) and a guided product collection method (10), a routing product storing method (20) and a guided product collection-placement method (30) which transfers the request of the product or products to the user via a screen and which holds the rack location information of different products on a central system where the location of the products are difficult to track, such as warehouses.

Description

MOBILE PRODUCT COLLECTION AND PLACEMENT PLATFORM AND PRODUCT COLLECTION AND PLACEMENT METHODS APPLIED WITH THE PLATFORM
Technical Field
The invention relates to a mobile product collection and placement platform that directs the user to the shelf in which the product is located and automatically checks the products received from the shelf, in case of a product order or request in the places that have a large number of shelves, such as a library or warehouse.
The invention is more specifically about a mobile product collection and placement platform and a guided product collection method, a routing product storing method and a guided product collection-placement method which transfers the request of the product or products to the user via a screen and which holds the rack location information of different products on a central system where the location of the products are difficult to track, such as warehouses.
Summary and Brief Information of the Invention
The object of the present invention is to provide a mobile product collection and placement platform, which enables the control of registered products on the racks in places where there are a large number of racks such as libraries, warehouses, etc., a guided product collection method in which the said platform is used and a guided product collection method for determining the route of said platform.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the use of a single compartment mobile product collection and placement platform.
Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the use of a two-compartment mobile product collection and placement platform.
Figure 3 shows a front view of the mobile product collection and placement platform.
Figure 4 shows a bottom view of the mobile product collection and placement platform. Figure 5 shows one of the ways in which the guided product collection method application as flow chart.
Figure 6 shows one of the ways in which the guided product placement method application as flow chart.
Figure 7 shows one of the ways of guided product collection-placement method application as flow chart. DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMBERS
1 Mobile product collection and placement platform
1.1 Case
1.1.1 Compartment
1.2 Screen
1.3 RFID antenna
1.4 Wheel
1.5 Hardware box
1.6 Network connection module
2 Guide mark
3 Guide RFID tag
4 Central system
5 User
6 RFID-tagged product (hereinafter referred to as“product”). 10 Guided product collection method
100 Start
101 Demand phase
102 Route determination phase
103 Guidance phase
104 Product notification phase
105 Product placement phase
106 Comparison phase
107 Control phase
108 “Going to another shelf?" Query
109 Product delivery phase
110 End
20 Routing product storing method
200 Start 2
201 Product storing/matching phase
210 “Will the placement be done in a designated rack?”
202 Storing route determination phase
203 Rack routing phase
204 Product storing notification phase
205 Product rack placement phase 206 Storing control phase
207 “Will another product be placed on a rack?" Query
208 Store return phase
209 End 2
30 Guided product collection-placement method
300 Start 3
301 Request or product loading phase
302 General route determination phase
303 General routing phase
304 General product notification phase
305 Product placement or collection phase
306 General comparison phase
307 General control phase
308 “Is there another product placement?” Query
309 Return phase
310 End 3
Detailed Description of the Invention
The invention relates to a mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) and a guided product collection method (10) in coordination with this platform, which facilitates the collection of the products on the racks in the order or demand in places where there are a large number of racks, such as a library or warehouse.
Using the method of automatic detection of objects known as radio frequency identification, the system is based on identification of the products (6) with RFID tags, which are taken from the respective racks by a user (5), by an RFID reader located in the of the hardware box (1.5) component of the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) and comparison with an existing list, where the system aims at both forwarding the user (5) and informing the user (5) and a central system (4) on whether the selected products (6) are available or out of stock.
Radio Frequency Identification technology, called RFID is a method of detecting objects individually and automatically using radio frequency. The RFID consists essentially of a tag and a reader. RFID tags can be programmed to receive, store and send object information such as the Electronic Product Code (EPC). Information about the supply chain management can be automatically saved or changed by reading the tags placed on the product by the reader. The RFID tag consists of a silicon chip, an antenna, and a coating that allows receiving and answering queries with radio frequency. The chip stores information about the object on the label. The antenna transmits object information to the reader using radio frequency. The coating surrounds the chip and antenna so that the label can be placed on an object. RFID tags can be of 3 types: passive, semi-active or active. Passive labels, which are the cheapest type of labels, do not have their own power sources, they work with the power of the reader’s antenna signals. On the other hand, semi-passive labels have been added a small battery that will not require power from the incoming signal. These labels, which have a wider reading range, are more reliable and can respond more quickly to the reader. Active labels have their own power sources, which enable them to run their circuits and produce a response signal, unlike other varieties. They have a high performance with these features, but they also have higher costs.
RFID can be used at low frequency, called LF, between 125-134 kHz, high frequency, called HF, at 13.56 MFIz or ultra high frequency, called UHF, between 860-960 MFIz.
The mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) of the invention can read products (6) with passive, semi-passive and active labels.
The RFID tag consists of a silicon chip, antenna, and coating that allows receiving and answering queries with radio frequency. The chip stores information about the object on the label. The antenna transmits object information to the reader using radio frequency. The coating surrounds the chip and antenna so that the label can be placed on an object. By reading the labels placed on the product (6), information about the supply chain management can be automatically saved or changed.
The mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) shown in Figures 1 and 2 is pushed by a user (5). By the system in which the user (5) is automatically guided by the guided product collection method (10), the desired products (6) are collected by the user (5) according to an order or demand. The collected products (6) are identified by the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) by means of the RFID tags they have on them, and the missing or excess products (6) are determined by a central system (4) in which the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) is connected wirelessly (4) and can warn the user (5) and other relevant personnel.
In Figures 1 and 2, the case (1.1 ), which has all surfaces covered with conductors such as copper, serves as a faraday cage, so that the RFID antenna (1.3) in the casing (1.1 ) only reads the RFID tags of the objects placed inside the case (1.1 ). In this way, for example a mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) which is docked to the racks, does not read the RFID tags of the products (6) on the racks and no confusion occurs. The mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) movement is provided via wheels (1.4) under the case (1.1 ) if needed. The hardware box (1.5), which contains at least one battery and at least one RFID reader, is connected to the case (1.1 ). A list of products (6) associated with a rack can be seen from the display (1.2) such as LED or LCD, shown in Figure 1 , which is connected to the case (1.1 ) and which is capable of accommodating a processor. In the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ), this information is obtained from a database where the current rack product (6) information is kept in the central system (4) by means of a wireless connection such as wi-fi.
The product (6) changes at the monitored racks are recorded simultaneously to the database on the central system (4) with the RFID tags on them. The placement of the products (6) on the racks outside the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) is also recorded in the central system (4) database, whereby the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) obtains the information of which product (6) is located on which rack via the RFID tag called guide RFID tag (3), which is read by the RFID antenna (1.3) at the bottom of the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) as can be seen in Figure 1 and 2. Here, the guide RFID tags (3) are mapped on the central system (4) with respective racks. In this way, the guide RFID tag (3) gives information to the user (5) which rack is next to him/her and the information of the products (6) of the related rack is shown in the list on the screen (1.2).
The guide mark (2) is located in front of the racks for maintaining the vehicle route for the user (5) and for reading of the guide RFID tags (3).
Although the method of partitioning the racks depends on the choice of the user, the operation may include recording on the central system (4) with the RFID tag or enumeration of the sections in front of the racks with IPS.
In one application, using the location detection systems such as GPS, LPS and IPS, the list of products (6) of the respective rack is reflected on the screen (1.2) from the central system (4) when it is reached to the areas determined in front of the racks. Then, the applied product collection method (10) and the missing or excess products (6), if any, appear in the central system (4) and are informed from the screen (1.2) or from the computers of the central system (4).
In another embodiment, instead of the guide mark (2), the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ), which gives the route of the area to be inspected from the central system (4) to the user (5) via the screen (1.2), in which the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) may get position information with high accuracy indoor positioning systems such as local positioning system, indoor positioning system etc. which work with wi-fi, bluetooth etc. The position information obtained by this method avoids the need to use any guide mark (2) or guide RFID tag (3).
After the placement of the products (6) from the racks to the case (1.1 ), the RFID tags of the products (6), which can be read with a RFID antenna (1.3) that is placed inside the RFID wave absorbing case (1.1 ) made of metal coverings such as copper etc. and that has an orientation capable of scanning inside the case (1.1 ), can be matched with the RFID tag list of related rack on the central system (4). The mismatched, missing, or excess products (6) are sent via the central system (4) to the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) to be displayed on the screen (1.2).
In another embodiment, if any entrance of the geometric center of the case (1.1 ) to the registered areas in front of the racks, which are recorded of the central system (4), is detected via technologies known as local positioning system, indoor positioning system that use high accuracy positioning with wi-fi, bluetooth etc., the product (6) list of the related rack is displayed. In this embodiment, there is no guide route system, but the user (5) scans the rack section he/she desires.
The RFID antenna (1.3) shown in Figure 1 below the case (1.1 ) may be in any position below the case (1.1 ), facing downwards according to the location of the guide RFID tags (3). In this way, the tags on the racks are prevented from reading, preventing confusion.
The mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) sends and receives data to and from the central system (4) via the network connection module (1.6). The received data can be displayed on the screen (1.2) via a processor, if the display (1.2) has a processor, otherwise via a processor located on the hardware box (1.5).
The invention is a mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) having at least two wheels (1.4) that maintains movement, a user (5), at least one guide mark (2) followed by said user (5) or one feature to be integrated to systems named as indoor positioning system, at least one RFID antenna (1.3) located below the case (1.1 ), at least one guide RFID tag (3), a network connection module (1.6) providing wireless data exchange further comprising; one case (1.1 ) covered all of its sides apart from its top side with radio wave blocking conductor material, one hardware box (1.5) having at least one battery that provides energy to the system and at least one RFID reader, one screen (1.2) and at least one compartment (1.1.1 ) having at least one RFID antenna (1.3). The compartment (1.1.1 ), located inside the case (1.1 ) has the feature to have its all sides except its upper looking side covered with radio wave absorbing conductive material so that product collection, product placement or product collection-placement activities can be carried out. The compartment (1.1.1 ) has the ability to enable that the collection or placement is done separately if there are two or more.
If the RFID antenna (1.3) is located inside the compartment (1.1.1 ), it is located facing towards the inside of the compartment (1.1.1 ) mounted via screws etc., on edges, sides or corners of the compartment (1.1.1 ). In addition, if the RFID antenna (1.3) is located in the compartment (1.1.1 ), it is positioned to see the compartment (1.1.1 ) in which it is located. In this way, it is intended that all products (6) inserted into the compartment (1.1.1 ) can be read.
In one embodiment, the RFID antennas (1.3) are intended to be circularly polarized. As the RFID antennas (1.3) are circularly polarized, tag reading can be carried out at short distance without any tag axis alignment.
If the RFID antenna (1.3) is used for the detection of guide RFID tags(3), it is positioned somewhere below the case (1.1 ), facing downwards.
Each of said RFID antennas (1.3) is capable of transmitting data to the RFID reader in the hardware box (1.5) by means of cables. Thus, the obtained RFID antenna (1.3) data can be divided into different channels. By separating the signals from different compartments (1.1.1 ) or directories, operations can be performed more easily by the data which is separable by the software on the central system (4) .
The hardware box (1.5) comprises a microcomputer connected to the screen (1.2) when the system requires it. This computer contains computer components such as a processor, internal memory, which can perform standard computer functions.
In addition, the hardware box (1.5), if the guide RFID tags (3) are not used, according to the location determination technique used by the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ), includes indoor positioning system components such as beacon, magnetic sensor etc. or GPS sensor. In this way, methods classified under the name of indoor positioning system that allows high precision detection of locations in closed environments, become available for the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ).
The screen (1.2) comprises at least one processor capable of displaying the incoming data on the screen (1.2) in a format specified in communication with the central system (4), in the absence of a microcomputer in the hardware box (1.5).
If there are more than two wheels (1.4), all the wheels (1.4) after two is 360° rotatable on the axis perpendicular to the ground. In addition, the wheel (1.4) has the feature to be connected to the case (1.1 ) as located between the case (1.1 ) and the floor. In this way, it can carry the weight that is transmitted to the ground by the case (1.1 ). The case (1.1 ) may have a protrusion at the same height as the wheels (1.4) and in contact with the ground if the wheel (1.4) number is two. Thus, the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) can be transported by the user (5) in the form of a trolley.
The user (5) has the ability to be a standard personnel or to be a robot that has an artificial intelligence and has the ability to grasp and carry any product (6) of its own.
The invention is a guided product collection method (10) comprising;
- a demand phase (101 ), in which the products (6) demanded to be collected from the racks after the start (100) step where the guided product collection method (10) is started, is transmitted to the central system (4),
- a route determination phase (102) where the shortest path route to the racks containing the products (6) requested by the central system (4) is determined by a processor located in the central system (4) or hardware box (1.5) or a processor located on the screen (1.2),
- a guidance phase (103) wherein the route drawn at the route determination phase (102) is notified on the screen (1.2) by arrow images such as forward, backward, right and left pointing to the direction to be navigated on a map or by voice commands via loudspeakers located on the screen (1.2), in which the instant location of the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) is indicated, or by voice commands via loudspeakers located on the screen (1.2),
- a product notification phase (104) in which products (6) to be collected are listed on the screen (1.2) when the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) is close to the racks which are located on the determined route, where mobile product collection and placement platform’s (1 ) location is acquired by techniques such as LPS, indoor IPS or reading of guide RFID tags (3) located near the guide mark (2) via RFID reader located inside the hardware box (1.5) which is connected to the RFID antenna (1.3) located under the case (1.1 ).
- a product placement phase (105), wherein the products (6) displayed at the product notification phase (104) are taken from the related rack and put into the compartment (1.1.1 ) by the user (5),
- a comparison phase (106) where data gathered from reading of RFID tag/tags of product (6) or products (6) that are put into the compartment (1.1.1 ) in the product placement phase (105) are compared with the products in the list coming from the central system (4), wherein the RFID tag/tags of products (6) inside the compartment (1.1.1 ) are read via one or more RFID antenna (1.3) facing towards inside the case (1.1 ) and RFID reader located inside the hardware box (1.5), - a control phase (107) where collection from the rack by the user (5) if there are any missing products (6) according to the comparison phase (106) or if there is no related product (6) in the rack, notification to the central system (4) or if there is an excess product (6) received by the user (5), placement of the related product (6) back to the rack operation is carried out,
- a product delivery phase (109) where if the answer of “Going to another shelf?" query (108), which is applied after the control phase (107) is“yes”, repetition of operation steps after and including the guidance phase (103) is carried out and if the answer of“Going to another shelf?" query is“no”, the delivery of the product (6) is carried out by the user (5), by means of guidance of the user (5) via the guidance phase (103) or via user (5) himself/herself,
process steps.
The start (100) has the feature to include a process which guided product collection method (10) initiation decision is made by the user (5) or the central system (4).
The start (100) has the feature to be implemented after the end (110) process step, which terminates the guided product collection method (10).
The invention is a routing product storing method (20) comprising;
- a product storing/matching phase (201 ) in which the tag codes and the codes of the products (6) are matched in the database following the start 2 (200) step, which starts the routing product storing method (20);
- a storing route determination phase (202), which is applied if the answer of "Will the placement be done in a designated rack?" query is “Yes”, where the route which is determined by the central system (4) is sent to the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) via the network connection module (1.6) or where the shortest route is determined by a micro computer located in the hardware box (1.5) or by a processor located on the screen (1.2) according to the rack list data sent from the central system (4) via the network connection module (1.6),
- a rack routing phase (203) which is applied after a storing route determination phase (202) or if the answer of the“Will another product be placed on a rack?" query, following a storing control phase (206) is“Yes”, where the real-time location of the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) is placed on a map on the screen (1.2) and directions are notified to the user (5) via arrows on the screen (1.2) or via voice commands transmitted with speakers located on the screen (1.2),
- a product storing notification phase (204), where the product (6) list related to the rack approached on the determined route on the screen (1.2) of the the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ), in which the mobile product collection and placement platform’s (1 ) location is determined via techniques such as LPS, indoor IPS etc. or via reading of guide RFID tags (3) located near the guide mark (2) by the RFID antenna (1.3) located under the case (1.1 ) and by the RFID reader located inside the hardware box (1 -5),
- a product rack placement phase (205), in which the products (6) notified at the product storing notification phase (204) being taken from the relevant compartment (1.1.1 ) to the rack by the user (5) or if the answer of the "Will the placement be done in a designated rack?" query is“No”, all products (6) are randomly placed on the racks,
- a storing control phase (206), in which the product/products (6), which have been placed on the rack with the product rack placement phase (205) that needs to be delisted from the product (6) list that its information is gathered real-time via one or more RFID antennas (1.3) located inside the compartment (1.1.1 ) and RFID reader located inside the hardware box (1.5), and the products (6), which needs to be removed from the list coming from the central system (4) via software, are compared,
- a store return phase (208), in which the user (5) takes the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) back to the product (6) delivery point if the answer of the“Will another product be placed on a rack?" query, which is applied after the storing control phase (206) is“No”,
process steps.
Start 2 (200) comprises the decision making process to start the routing product storing method (20) by the user (5) or the central system (4).
Start 2 (200) has the feature to be implemented after an end 2 (209) step, where a routing product storing method (20) is terminated.
The method of guided product collection-placement method (30) is characterized in that;
- a request or product loading phase (301 ), which is applied after start 3 (300) step that initiates the guided product collection-placement method (30), wherein the demanded products (6) are sent to the central system (4) or if there is any demand product (6) demand on the central system (4), placement of the RFID tagged products (6) by the user (5) to the compartment (1.1.1 ) or if there are more than one compartment (1.1.1 ), to the compartment (1.1.1 ) which is allocated for placement,
- a general route determination phase (302), wherein the racks for the demanded product placements or collections are determined by the central system (4) and shortest route for the user (5) is determined, and wherein if any other demand comes to the central system (4) repetition of shortest route determination is applied, - a general routing phase (303), wherein the route drawn at the general route determination phase (302) is notified on the screen (1.2) by arrow images such as forward, backward, right and left pointing to the direction to be navigated on a map or by voice commands via loudspeakers located on the screen (1.2), in which the instant location of the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) is indicated, and which is repeated if the answer of“Is there another product placement?” query is“Yes”,
- a general product notification phase (304), in which products (6) to be collected or placed are listed on the screen (1.2) when the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) is close to the racks which are located on the determined route, where mobile product collection and placement platform’s (1 ) location is acquired by techniques such as LPS, indoor IPS or reading of guide RFID tags (3) located near the guide mark (2) via RFID reader located inside the hardware box (1.5) which is connected to the RFID antenna (1.3) located under the case (1.1 ),
- a product placement or collection phase (305), wherein the products (6) displayed at the general product notification phase (304) are taken from the related rack/racks and put into the compartment/compartments (1.1.1 ), which is/are located inside the case (1.1 ) of the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) for product (6) collection, or taken from the compartment/compartments (1.1.1 ), which are allocated for product (6) placement, and put into the related rack/racks by the user (5),
- a general comparison phase (306), wherein products (6) that are placed or collected at the product placement or collection phase (305) are compared by the user (5) or by the central system (4),
- a general control phase (307), wherein according to the general comparison phase (306), if there are any missing products (6) determined to be collected, said missing products (6) are collected from the racks if any, or in the event of the related product/products (6) is/are out of stock, the central system (4) is notified, and wherein if any excess product/products (6) is/are collected, said product/products (6) is/are put back to the rack/racks by the user (5), or if any different product/products (6) is/are put to the rack/racks or more than a predetermined number of products (6) are located on a predetermined rack, excessively or incorrectly placed product/products (6) is/are placed back to the compartment (1.1.1 ) which is allocated for placement,
- the general comparison phase (306) is determined to be collected from the product (6) if there are missing the shelf from the shelf or if the shelf does not exist in the central system (4) in this regard to be given, in the event that more products (6) collected in excess of the product (6) user (5) placing the product (6) on a different shelf of a different product (6) or placing the product (6) on the shelf in a designated rack (6) or the product placed on the wrong shelf (6). the general control phase (307), in which it is put back into the compartment (1.1.1 ) reserved for placement;
- a return phase (309), wherein if the answer of the“Is there another product placement?” query is“No”, the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) is returned to the storage by the user (5),
process steps.
The start 2 (200) step comprises the step of applying the decision to start the routing product storing method (20) by the user (5) or the central system (4).
The start 3 (300) step has the property of being implemented following the end 3 (301 ) step where the guided product collection-placement method (30) is terminated.
In addition, if the collection and placement procedures are to be carried out at the same time, the collection and placement operations are provided in separate compartments (1.1.1 ), aiming user’s (5) ease of operation. In this context, the compartment (1.1.1 ) has the property of to be used separately as at least one of them to be used as placement and at least one of them to be used as collection in the case where the guided product collection-placement method (30) is applied. Thus, two separate lists are provided for the user (5) in the comparative application with the collection and placement operations indicated on the screen (1.2).

Claims

What claimed is;
1 - A mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) comprising:
at least two wheels (1.4) that maintains movement;
a user (5);
at least one guide mark (2) followed by said user (5) or one feature to be integrated to systems named as indoor positioning system;
at least one RFID antenna (1.3) located below the case (1.1 );
at least one guide RFID tag (3);
a network connection module (1.6) providing wireless data exchange further comprising; a case (1.1 ) all of its sides covered apart from its top side with radio wave blocking conductor material, a hardware box (1.5) having at least one battery that provides energy to the system and at least one RFID reader;
a screen (1.2);
and at least one compartment (1.1.1 ) having at least one RFID antenna (1.3).
2 - The compartment (1.1.1 ) of claim 1 , wherein located inside the case (1.1 ) has the feature to have its all sides except its upper looking side covered with radio wave absorbing conductive material so that product collection, product placement or product collection-placement activities can be carried out.
3 - The compartment (1.1.1 ) of claim 1 or 2, wherein has the ability to enable that the collection or placement is done separately if there are two or more.
4 - The RFID antenna (1.3) of claim 1 , wherein if the RFID antenna (1.3) is located inside the compartment (1.1.1 ), it is located facing towards the inside of the compartment (1.1.1 ) mounted via screws etc., on edges, sides or corners of the compartment (1.1.1 ).
5 - The RFID antenna (1.3) of claim 1 or 4, wherein if the RFID antenna (1.3) is located in the compartment (1.1.1 ), it is positioned to see the compartment (1.1.1 ) in which it is located.
6 - The RFID antenna (1.3) of claim 1 , 4 or 5, wherein if the RFID antenna (1.3) is used for the detection of guide RFID tags(3), it is positioned somewhere below the case (1.1 ), facing downwards.
7 - The RFID antenna (1.3) of claim 1 , 4, 5 or 6, wherein said RFID antenna (1.3) is capable of transmitting data to the RFID reader in the hardware box (1.5) by means of cables.
8 - The hardware box (1.5) of claim 1 , wherein comprises a microcomputer connected to the screen (1.2) when the system requires it. 9 - The hardware box (1.5) of claim 1 or 8, wherein if the guide RFID tags (3) are not used, according to the location determination technique used by the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ), includes indoor positioning system components such as beacon, magnetic sensor etc. or GPS sensor.
10 - The screen (1.2) of claim 1 , wherein comprises at least one processor capable of displaying the incoming data on the screen (1.2) in a format specified in communication with the central system (4), in the absence of a microcomputer in the hardware box (1.5).
11 - The wheel (1.4) of claim 1 ; wherein if there are more than two wheels (1.4), all the wheels (1.4) after two is 360° rotatable on the axis perpendicular to the ground.
12 - The wheel (1.4) of claim 1 or 11 , wherein said wheel (1.4) has the feature to be connected to the case (1.1 ) as located between the case (1.1 ) and the floor.
13 - The case (1.1 ) of claim 1 , characterized in that said case (1.1 ) may have a protrusion at the same height as the wheels (1.4) and in contact with the ground if the wheel (1.4) number is two.
14 - The user (5) of claim 1 , wherein said user (5) has the ability to be a standard personnel or to be a robot that has an artificial intelligence and has the ability to grasp and carry any product (6) of its own.
15 - A guided product collection method (10) comprising;
- a demand phase (101 ), in which the products (6) demanded to be collected from the racks after the start (100) step where the guided product collection method (10) is started, is transmitted to the central system (4);
- a route determination phase (102) where the shortest path route to the racks containing the products (6) requested by the central system (4) is determined by a processor located in the central system (4) or hardware box (1.5) or a processor located on the screen (1.2);
- a guidance phase (103) wherein the route drawn at the route determination phase (102) is notified on the screen (1.2) by arrow images such as forward, backward, right and left pointing to the direction to be navigated on a map or by voice commands via loudspeakers located on the screen (1.2), in which the instant location of the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) is indicated, or by voice commands via loudspeakers located on the screen (1.2);
- a product notification phase (104) in which products (6) to be collected are listed on the screen (1.2) when the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) is close to the racks which are located on the determined route, where mobile product collection and placement platform’s (1 ) location is acquired by techniques such as LPS, indoor IPS or reading of guide RFID tags (3) located near the guide mark (2) via RFID reader located inside the hardware box (1.5) which is connected to the RFID antenna (1.3) located under the case (1.1 );
- a product placement phase (105), wherein the products (6) displayed at the product notification phase (104) are taken from the related rack and put into the compartment (1.1.1 ) by the user (5);
- a comparison phase (106) where data gathered from reading of RFID tag/tags of product (6) or products (6) that are put into the compartment (1.1.1 ) in the product placement phase (105) are compared with the products in the list coming from the central system (4), wherein the RFID tag/tags of products (6) inside the compartment (1.1.1 ) are read via one or more RFID antenna (1.3) facing towards inside the case (1.1 ) and RFID reader located inside the hardware box (1.5);
- a control phase (107) where collection from the rack by the user (5) if there are any missing products (6) according to the comparison phase (106) or if there is no related product (6) in the rack, notification to the central system (4) or if there is an excess product (6) received by the user (5), placement of the related product (6) back to the rack operation is carried out;
- a product delivery phase (109) where if the answer of “Going to another shelf?" query (108), which is applied after the control phase (107) is“yes”, repetition of operation steps after and including the guidance phase (103) is carried out and if the answer of“Going to another shelf?" query is“no”, the delivery of the product (6) is carried out by the user (5), by means of guidance of the user (5) via the guidance phase (103) or via user (5) himself/herself,
process steps.
16 - The start (100) of claim 15, wherein said start (100) has the feature to include a process which guided product collection method (10) initiation decision is made by the user (5) or the central system (4).
17 - The start (100) of claim 15 or 16, wherein said start (100) has the feature to be implemented after the end (110) process step, which terminates the guided product collection method (10).
18 - A routing product storing method (20) comprising;
- a product storing/matching phase (201 ) in which the tag codes and the codes of the products (6) are matched in the database following the start 2 (200) step, which starts the routing product storing method (20); - a storing route determination phase (202), which is applied if the answer of "Will the placement be done in a designated rack?" query is“Yes”, where the route which is determined by the central system (4) is sent to the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) via the network connection module (1.6) or where the shortest route is determined by a micro computer located in the hardware box (1.5) or by a processor located on the screen (1.2) according to the rack list data sent from the central system (4) via the network connection module (1.6);
- a rack routing phase (203) which is applied after a storing route determination phase (202) or if the answer of the“Will another product be placed on a rack?" query, following a storing control phase (206) is“Yes”, where the real-time location of the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) is placed on a map on the screen (1.2) and directions are notified to the user (5) via arrows on the screen (1.2) or via voice commands transmitted with speakers located on the screen (1.2);
- a product storing notification phase (204), where the product (6) list related to the rack approached on the determined route on the screen (1.2) of the the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ), in which the mobile product collection and placement platform’s (1 ) location is determined via techniques such as LPS, indoor IPS etc. or via reading of guide RFID tags (3) located near the guide mark (2) by the RFID antenna (1.3) located under the case (1.1 ) and by the RFID reader located inside the hardware box (1.5);
- a product rack placement phase (205), in which the products (6) notified at the product storing notification phase (204) being taken from the relevant compartment (1.1.1 ) to the rack by the user (5) or if the answer of the "Will the placement be done in a designated rack?" query is“No”, all products (6) are randomly placed on the racks;
- a storing control phase (206), in which the product/products (6), which have been placed on the rack with the product rack placement phase (205) that needs to be delisted from the product (6) list that its information is gathered real-time via one or more RFID antennas (1.3) located inside the compartment (1.1.1 ) and RFID reader located inside the hardware box (1.5), and the products (6), which needs to be removed from the list coming from the central system (4) via software, are compared;
- a store return phase (208), in which the user (5) takes the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) back to the product (6) delivery point if the answer of the“Will another product be placed on a rack?" query, which is applied after the storing control phase (206) is“No”,
process steps. 19 - The start 2 (200) of claim 18, wherein said start 2 (200) comprising the decision making process to start the routing product storing method (20) by the user (5) or the central system (4).
20 - The start 2 (200) of claim 18 or 19, wherein said start 2 (200) comprising the feature to be implemented after an end 2 (209) step, where a routing product storing method (20) is terminated.
21 - A method of guided product collection-placement method (30) is characterized in that;
- a request or product loading phase (301 ), which is applied after start 3 (300) step that initiates the guided product collection-placement method (30), wherein the demanded products (6) are sent to the central system (4) or if there is any demand product (6) demand on the central system (4), placement of the RFID tagged products (6) by the user (5) to the compartment (1.1.1 ) or if there are more than one compartment (1.1.1 ), to the compartment (1.1.1 ) which is allocated for placement;
- a general route determination phase (302), wherein the racks for the demanded product placements or collections are determined by the central system (4) and shortest route for the user (5) is determined, and wherein if any other demand comes to the central system (4) repetition of shortest route determination is applied;
- a general routing phase (303), wherein the route drawn at the general route determination phase (302) is notified on the screen (1.2) by arrow images such as forward, backward, right and left pointing to the direction to be navigated on a map or by voice commands via loudspeakers located on the screen (1.2), in which the instant location of the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) is indicated, and which is repeated if the answer of“Is there another product placement?” query is“Yes”;
- a general product notification phase (304), in which products (6) to be collected or placed are listed on the screen (1.2) when the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) is close to the racks which are located on the determined route, where mobile product collection and placement platform’s (1 ) location is acquired by techniques such as LPS, indoor IPS or reading of guide RFID tags (3) located near the guide mark (2) via RFID reader located inside the hardware box (1.5) which is connected to the RFID antenna (1.3) located under the case (1.1 );
- a product placement or collection phase (305), wherein the products (6) displayed at the general product notification phase (304) are taken from the related rack/racks and put into the compartment/compartments (1.1.1 ), which is/are located inside the case (1.1 ) of the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) for product (6) collection, or taken from the compartment/compartments (1.1.1 ), which are allocated for product (6) placement, and put into the related rack/racks by the user (5);
- a general comparison phase (306), wherein products (6) that are placed or collected at the product placement or collection phase (305) are compared by the user (5) or by the central system (4);
- a general control phase (307), wherein according to the general comparison phase (306), if there are any missing products (6) determined to be collected, said missing products (6) are collected from the racks if any, or in the event of the related product/products (6) is/are out of stock, the central system (4) is notified, and wherein if any excess product/products (6) is/are collected, said product/products (6) is/are put back to the rack/racks by the user (5), or if any different product/products (6) is/are put to the rack/racks or more than a predetermined number of products (6) are located on a predetermined rack, excessively or incorrectly placed product/products (6) is/are placed back to the compartment (1.1.1 ) which is allocated for placement;
- the general comparison phase (306) is determined to be collected from the product (6) if there are missing the shelf from the shelf or if the shelf does not exist in the central system (4) in this regard to be given, in the event that more products (6) collected in excess of the product (6) user (5) placing the product (6) on a different shelf of a different product (6) or placing the product (6) on the shelf in a designated rack (6) or the product placed on the wrong shelf (6). the general control phase (307), in which it is put back into the compartment (1.1.1 ) reserved for placement;
- a return phase (309), wherein if the answer of the “Is there another product placement?” query is“No”, the mobile product collection and placement platform (1 ) is returned to the storage by the user (5),
process steps.
22 - The start 3 (300) of claim 21 , wherein said start 3 (300) comprising a process where guided product collection-placement method (30) initiation decision is made by the user (5) or the central system (4).
23 - The start 3 (300) of claim 21 or 22, wherein said start 3 (300) comprising the property of being implemented following the end 3 (301 ) step where the guided product collection- placement method (30) is terminated.
PCT/TR2019/050163 2018-03-14 2019-03-14 Mobile product collection and placement platform and product collection and placement methods applied with the platform Ceased WO2019236040A2 (en)

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