Amazon Technologies, Inc.

Nicholas M Hanssens

Jonathan J Shakes

Philipp K Janert

Jan Bohlmann

Donald Lloyd Kaufman

Eric C Young

Dennis R Hodge

Adam R Baker

Jennifer L Cooper

Pattern information may be associated with an item in an inventory to facilitate identification of the item from among other items in the inventory. The pattern information may represent a feature extrinsic to the physical appearance of the item and may be assigned to the item deterministically, randomly, or pseudo-randomly. An indicator of the pattern information, such as a tag or sticker, may be applied to the item or to its packaging to provide a visual aid to distinguish the item from other items in the same inventory or the item may be enclosed in additional packaging comprising an indicator of the assigned pattern information. Pattern information assigned to the item may comprise a single color, shape, pattern, or other attribute and may include other secondary pattern information. Different amounts of pattern information may be associated with different items or with the same item when co-located with other different items.

System and method for pattern assignment for pattern-based item identification in a materials handling facility

System and method for modular sorting stations. A sorting station may be subdivided into two or more modular bins. A modular bin may be partitioned into compartments. Each compartment may be configured to receive one order including one or more items. Modular bins may be partitioned into compartments of different sizes to receive orders of different sizes. A modular bin may be removed from a sorting station and conveyed to a packing station for packing or other sorting station to continue sorting. Picked items may be received and sorted for rebinning into the modular bins manually or using an automated sorting mechanism. A control system may direct the sorting and rebinning operation. Modular sorting stations may be located adjacent to packing stations or, alternatively, away from packing stations and, when a modular bin is complete, it may be conveyed to an appropriate packing station for packing.

System and method for modular sorting stations

Sorting using modular stations

A computer software facility for generating and implementing a temporal map depicting a relationship between locations in a warehouse or distribution center is described. The facility tracks the movement in the warehouse, including the time it takes for mobile elements to move between a pair of identifiable locations. Based on the tracking, the facility produces movement time records for multiple location pairs in the warehouse. The facility then generates a map of the warehouse. Where information for specific pairs of identifiable locations is not available, the facility may derive movement time information based on actual movement times for related location pairs. The generated map can be used as part of a computer application for tasks such as scheduling the picking of items, evaluating employee performance, organizing the storage of items in the warehouse, and other uses.

Time-based warehouse movement maps

Growing community of inventors

Seattle, WA, United States of America

Nicholas M Hanssens