Estimating motion of wheeled carts
US9731744B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 2, 2016 |
| Grant date | Aug 15, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 2, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG08B29/24
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Examples of systems and methods for locating movable objects such as carts (e.g., shopping carts) are disclosed. Such systems and methods can use dead reckoning techniques to estimate the current position of the movable object. Various techniques for improving accuracy of position estimates are disclosed, including compensation for various error sources involving the use of magnetometer and accelerometer, and using vibration analysis to derive wheel rotation rates. Also disclosed are various techniques to utilize characteristics of the operating environment in conjunction with or in lieu of dead reckoning techniques, including characteristic of environment such as ground texture, availability of signals from radio frequency (RF) transmitters including precision fix sources. Such systems and methods can be applied in both indoor and outdoor settings and in retail or warehouse settings.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.