Patent classifications
G01S1/7034
Device locating using angle of arrival measurements
The disclosure provides examples of systems and methods for determining locations of a number of radio frequency-enabled devices such as mobile devices and radio frequency-equipped beacons/luminaires within an indoor location. The radio frequency-enabled devices may be part of an indoor positioning system and/or content delivery system. The examples describe obtaining an angle of arrival (AoA) of the signals received by the respective radio frequency-enabled devices. The AOA data is used to identify the relative positions of the radio frequency-enabled devices as the mobile device moves about the indoor location. Upon comparing AOA measurements of the collected data related to a map of the location, the system may generate a data structure that may be presented graphically as a map of positions of the devices at the location. The described examples may enable a rapid commissioning process with respect to the radio frequency-enabled devices in a network.
Autonomous robot auto-docking and energy management systems and methods
A method for energy management robotic device includes providing a base station for mating with the robotic device, determining a quantity of energy stored in an energy storage unit of the robotic device, and performing a predetermined task based at least in part on the quantity of energy stored. Also disclosed are systems for emitting avoidance signals to prevent inadvertent contact between the robot and the base station, and systems for emitting homing signals to allow the robotic device to accurately dock with the base station.
SHOPPING FACILITY ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS, DEVICES AND METHODS TO DETECT AND HANDLE INCORRECTLY PLACED ITEMS
Systems and methods are provided to address incorrectly placed items. Some systems comprise: a plurality of motorized transport units that are each configured to perform multiple different tasks at a retail shopping facility; and a central computer system configured to instruct various ones of the plurality of motorized transport units to implement at least one of the multiple different tasks relative to the retail shopping facility, receive and analyze input data detected and provided by the motorized transport units while the motorized transport units perform the at least one of the tasks, and detect and categorize each item of multiple items that are incorrectly placed within the retail shopping facility according to one of multiple different predefined categories.
APPARATUS AND METHOD OF MONITORING PRODUCT PLACEMENT WITHIN A SHOPPING FACILITY
Methods and apparatuses are provided for use in monitoring product placement within a shopping facility. Some embodiments provide an apparatus configured to determine product placement conditions within a shopping facility, comprising: a transceiver configured to wirelessly receive communications; a product monitoring control circuit coupled with the transceiver; a memory coupled with the control circuit and storing computer instructions that when executed by the control circuit cause the control circuit to: obtain a composite three-dimensional (3D) scan mapping corresponding to at least a select area of the shopping facility and based on a series of 3D scan data; evaluate the 3D scan mapping to identify multiple product depth distances; and identify, from the evaluation of the 3D scan mapping, when one or more of the multiple product depth distances is greater than a predefined depth distance threshold from the reference offset distance of the product support structure.
Navigation method and device
Disclosed are methods, assemblies and devices useful for identifying the location and/or motion of a mobile device in a specified area, for assisting in mapping a specified area and also to methods, assemblies and devices for determining a location of anchors found at fixed locations in a specified area.
System, delivery device and methods for use therewith
A delivery device includes an image capture device for generating delivery image data of a delivery at a service address. A processor executes a delivery application to bidirectionally communicate delivery data with the delivery data server via the network interface, wherein the delivery data includes a delivery tracking number and the delivery image data. The delivery data server processes the delivery data to provide a delivery confirmation to a customer at the service address, wherein the delivery confirmation includes the delivery tracking number and the delivery image data.
Deployable navigation beacons
Deployable navigation beacons can be deployed from a vehicle, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), in an event of a loss of position or orientation of the vehicle. After deployment of the navigation beacons, the vehicle may detect locations of the navigation beacon, which may define a surface that may include surface features. The vehicle may then perform control operations based on the resolved locations. For example, UAV may maneuver to land proximate to the navigation beacons after resolving locations of the navigation beacons as a continuous surface. The navigation beacons may output a visual signal (e.g., a light), a auditory signal (e.g., a sound), and/or a radio signal. In some embodiments, each navigation beacon may include a different or unique signal.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING SPATIAL INFORMATION OF AN OBJECT TO A DEVICE
A method (600) of providing spatial information of an object (110) to a device (100) is disclosed. The method (600) comprises: detecting (602), by the device (100), light (118) emitted by a light source (112) associated with the object (110), which light (118) comprises an embedded code representative of a two-dimensional or three-dimensional shape having a predefined position relative to the object (110), obtaining (604) a position of the object (110) relative to the device (100), and determining (606) a position of the shape relative to the device (100) based on the predefined position of the shape relative to the object (110) and on the position of the object (110) relative to the device (100).
Delivery data server and methods for use therewith
A delivery data server includes at least one processor that executes a delivery data server application to bidirectionally communicate delivery data with a first user of a first client device via a network. The delivery data includes delivery menu data sent to the first client device and delivery location data received from the first client device that indicates a service address associated with a user of the first client device and a delivery location associated with the service address for receiving at least one delivery to the service address. The delivery data server application processes the delivery location data to direct the at least one delivery to the service address.
Systems and methods for determining operator location to ensure approved operation of work machines
A system for determining a location of a work machine operator relative to a work machine comprises a machine controller, a radio frequency receiver, and an infrared transmitter unit. The unit comprises a plurality of infrared transmitters configured to generate infrared signals that collectively divide a 360-degree area around the infrared transmitter unit into a plurality of zones. A remote controller remote from the work machine, which comprises a radio frequency transceiver and an infrared receiver, is configured to receive the infrared signal generated by at least one of the plurality of infrared transmitters. The remote controller has a computer system which is configured to decode information within the one or more infrared signals to determine whether the operator is in an approved zone. The computer system enables the radio frequency transceiver to communicate with the radio frequency receiver upon determining that the operator is in the approved zone.