International Business Machines Corporation

Matthew Robert Sowders

James Adam Oravec

Nathan Masters

Rodrigo Alberto Rey

Jonathan Lenchner

Shang Qing Guo

Christopher P Jones

An approach is provided to sort objects on a surface of vertically-adjustable low friction transfer modules that are controlled by processors. A request to sort the plurality of objects in a horizontal direction is received with each of the objects is assigned a sort position. Sets of the vertically-adjustable low friction transfer modules are selected. The vertically-adjustable low friction transfer modules are arranged in a grid formation on the surface, with each of the sets of selected transfer modules being underneath a different object. The sets of selected transfer modules are vertically adjusted causing each of the objects to move independently from the other objects while avoiding the other objects in two or more dimensions formed on the surface. The result of the movement is that each of the objects is moved to a position respective of the other objects according to each object's respective sort position.

Sorting, swapping, and organizing objects on transfer ball grids

An approach is provided to move an object across a surface using a grid of vertically-adjustable low friction transfer modules. A first set of transfer modules is selected from the grid, with the first set of modules being underneath the object. Back-side and front-side sets of modules are identified from the selected first set of modules, with the back-side sets being toward the back of the object opposite to the horizontal direction and the front-side sets being toward the front side of the object that faces the horizontal direction. The back-side and front-side sets are vertically adjusted so that the average of the back-side sets of vertical heights is higher than the average of the front-side sets of vertical heights. The vertical adjustment of the transfer modules causes the object to move across the tops of the transfer modules in the horizontal direction.

Moving objects across a surface using a vertically-adjustable low friction transfer module

Growing community of inventors

Kirkland, WA, United States of America

Matthew Robert Sowders