Patent Description:
The disclosure relates to systems, apparatus and methods for a rail track. More specifically, this disclosure relates to components that couple together to form a rail track for mounting a monitoring drone and a method related to the installation of the rail track.

Rail tracks for robots tend to be labor intensive. At times, installing and creating such a rail track requires multiple tools and more than one person. As such, there is a need for a simplified rail track that can be installed and created quickly and efficiently utilizing only one person and one tool. The document <CIT> discloses an unattended transformer substation remote control inspection tour charging device. The device includes a field image acquisition device and a monitoring room monitoring device. The field image acquisition device includes a track arranged on the site, a movable camera which moves along the track and is capable of rotating upwards, downwards, leftwards and rightwards is arranged on the track, the monitoring room monitoring device is connected with the field image acquisition device through a network, a power supply end of the movable camera is connected with two sets of plugs, the two sets of plugs at two ends of a base of the movable camera, two ends of the track are provided with chargers used for being correspondingly connected with the two sets of plugs, and the chargers are connected with a power supply. Monitoring personnel can enable the movable camera to move along the track through remote control operation, and the base plugs can be inserted in jacks of the chargers to charge, thereby facilitating charging of an unattended transformer substation remote control inspection tour device. The document does not teach how to attach an end cap to a first longitudinal end of the rail.

A rail track assembly according to claim <NUM>, a rail track system according to claim <NUM> and a method for mounting a monitoring drone on a structure according to claim <NUM> are disclosed. Embodiments described herein relate to a method, apparatus and system for a rail track. According to some embodiments, the rail track includes a rail track, a rail, a rail holder, a charge cap, a rail coupler, and a cap.

In some embodiments, a rail track assembly comprises a rail defining a longitudinal channel configured to receive, slideably or otherwise, at least a portion of a monitoring drone. An end cap is configured to be coupled to a first longitudinal end of the rail. A charge cap is configured to be coupled to second longitudinal end of the rail opposite the first longitudinal end, the charge cap configured to house a power module for charging the monitoring drone when the monitoring drone is located at the second longitudinal end.

In some embodiments, a rail track system, comprises a first rail and a second rail, each of the first rail and the second rail defining a longitudinal channel configured to receive at least a portion of a monitoring drone. An end cap is configured to be coupled to a first longitudinal end of the first rail. A rail coupler is configured to couple a second longitudinal end of the first rail opposite the first longitudinal end to a first longitudinal end of the second rail, thereby coupling the first rail to the second rail. A charge cap is configured to be coupled to a second longitudinal end of the second rail opposite the first longitudinal end of the second rail, the charge cap configured to house a power module for charging the monitoring drone when the monitoring drone is located at the second longitudinal end of the second rail.

In some embodiments, a method for mounting a monitoring drone on a structure, comprises: coupling one or more rail holders to the structure, each of the one or more rail holders defining a receptacle. A rail is positioned in the receptacle of a corresponding rail holder of the one or more rail holders so as to couple a desired number of rails to the structure, each of the rails defining a longitudinal channel configured to slidably receive at least a portion of the monitoring drone. A monitoring drone is mounted on a rail of the desired number of rails. An end cap is coupled to a first longitudinal end of a first rail of the desired number of rails. A charge cap is coupled to a second longitudinal end of a last rail of the desired number of rails, the charge cap is configured to house a power module for charging the monitoring drone when the monitoring drone is located at the second longitudinal end of the last rail.

It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in greater detail below (provided such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being part of the subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated as being part of the subject matter disclosed herein.

The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several implementations in accordance with the disclosure and are therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings.

Embodiments described herein relate to a method, apparatus and system for a rail track. The rail track includes a rail track, a rail, a rail holder, a charge cap, a rail coupler, and a cap.

In the descriptions that follow, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same numerals, respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain figures may be shown in exaggerated or generalized form in the interest of clarity and conciseness.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that aspects of the present disclosure may be illustrated and described herein in any of a number of patentable classes or context including any new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof. Therefore, aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented entirely in hardware or combining software and hardware implementation that may all generally be referred to herein as a "circuit," "module," "component," or "system" (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.). Further, aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable media having computer readable program code embodied thereon.

Aspects of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, systems and computer program products according to embodiments of the disclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations may be done in the same order of different order and that not all steps are required in every instance.

Embodiments of the systems and methods described herein may provide one or more benefits including, for example: <NUM>) allowing mounting of monitoring drones on any suitable structure, for example, a top, middle, or bottom shelf of a grocery store, thereby providing flexibility in inventory monitoring/management; <NUM>) allowing coupling of any number of rails in series with each other so as to be compatible with a shelf or structure having any length; <NUM>) allowing rotation of the rails within a rail holder during installation, thereby facilitating proper orientation and alignment of the rails and the mounting drone;<NUM>) enabling charging of the mounting drone mounted on the track system during operation without having to remove the mounting drone from the rail track system; and <NUM>) providing rapid and real time inventory monitoring of items on a shelf without interfering with customer experience.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a front perspective view for a rail track system <NUM>. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a top view of the rail track <NUM>. The rail track <NUM> includes a first rail <NUM> and a second rail <NUM>', a charge cap <NUM>, a rail holder <NUM>, a rail coupler <NUM>, and an end cap <NUM>. The rail track system <NUM> is configured to slidably mount a monitoring drone, for example, the monitoring drone <NUM> shown in <FIG> or the monitoring drone <NUM> shown in <FIG>, such that the monitoring drone can move along the rails <NUM>, <NUM>' and collect desired information at different locations along the path of the drone (e.g., images of inventory on a retail shelf).

In some embodiments, the rail track <NUM> may also utilize solar panels <NUM> and wires <NUM> to provide charge to a power module in the charge cap <NUM> for selectively charging the drone <NUM>, as described in further detail herein. In this embodiment, the charge cap <NUM> is shown to plug the second rail <NUM>'. In other embodiments which are not claimed, an end cap <NUM> may replace the charge cap <NUM> and a charge maybe provided through a module embedded in the rails <NUM>, <NUM>', rail coupler <NUM>, or rail holder <NUM>. In one embodiment, the rail track system <NUM> may be utilized to facilitate movement and/or be utilized by a monitoring drone <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the first rail <NUM> and a block diagram of the monitoring drone <NUM> that may be mounted on the first rail <NUM>. In some embodiments, the monitoring drone <NUM> may include an image capture device 114a (e.g., an optical or solid-state camera) to capture images of inventory on a shelf or of items on any other structure to which the rail track system <NUM> is coupled. The monitoring drone <NUM> may also include a rechargeable power source 114b that powers the various components of the monitoring drone <NUM>. In some embodiments, the monitoring drone <NUM> may include a light source 114c (e.g., an LED light, a flash, etc.) for optically illuminating various items on the shelf. In some embodiments, the image capture device 114a may be capable of night vision.

In some embodiments, the monitoring drone <NUM> may include a defogger 114d configured to heat or otherwise defog a surface of the image capture device 114a or the light source 114c, for example, to remove any moisture that may condense thereon. The defogger 114d may include for example, thin strips or coils of electrical conducting material disposed on the image capture device 114a that generate heat in response to an electrical current being passed therethrough. The monitoring drone <NUM> includes a rail mount structure l <NUM>4e configured to be mounted on corresponding tracks 102b (<FIG>) of the rails <NUM>, <NUM>' so as to allow the monitoring drone <NUM> to slide along the track 102b. The rail mount structure l 14e may include, for example, wheels or arms that slide into the tracks 102b that can polarized for magnetic levitation and movement of the monitoring drone <NUM>. The monitoring drone <NUM> also defines a charging port l 14f configured to receive charging arms 105a and a charging pin 105b of the charge cap <NUM> which allows the monitoring drone <NUM> to be charged.

While <FIG> shows the rail track system <NUM> as including the first rail <NUM> and the second rail <NUM>', it should be understood that the rail track system <NUM> may include any number of rails <NUM>. The rails <NUM> may be made of any material, such as, 3D print materials, aluminum, casting material, aluminum extrusion; and the like. The first rail <NUM> defines a longitudinal channel 102c configured to slidably receive at least a portion of the monitoring drone <NUM> or any other monitoring drone described herein (e.g., the monitoring drone <NUM>). The longitudinal channel 102c may have a rectangular cross-section as shown in <FIG>, but in other embodiments, may have a square, circular, elliptical, or any other suitable cross-section. Moreover, the first rail <NUM> may have be straight, bent, curved, or have any suitable curvature along its length. The second rail <NUM>' may be substantially similar in structure and function to the first rail <NUM> but may have a different length than the first rail <NUM>.

In this embodiment shown in <FIG>, the first rail <NUM> includes an outer wall <NUM> that is shown to have an outer perimetral shape that is C-shaped to facilitate the rotation of the first rail <NUM> in the rail holder <NUM>. A plurality of slots 102a are defined at a first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end of the first rail <NUM>. The slots 102a are sized and otherwise positioned to receive corresponding charge cap tabs 104c of the charge cap <NUM>, rail coupler tabs 108c of the rail coupler <NUM>, or end cap tabs 110c of the end cap <NUM>, as described in further detail herein, for example, to facilitate the coupling of the first rail <NUM> to the second rail <NUM>' directly or via the rail coupler <NUM>. In other embodiments, the slots 102a may serve as a conduit like structure to be used to stretch electric or communications wires across the first rail <NUM>. The first rail <NUM> may also include tracks 102b. Tracks 102b may be on any location within the first rail <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, two tracks 102b are shown, one on the top and one of the bottom. Any number of tracks 102b may be included, which may be the same size and/or shape or may vary in size and/or shape. In some embodiments, the first rail <NUM> accommodates one or more drone or robot (e.g., the monitoring drone <NUM>, <NUM>).

Expanding further, the first rail <NUM> defines at least one track 102b extending along a longitudinal length of the first rail <NUM> and configured to slidably mount the monitoring drone <NUM>. In some embodiments, the track 102b may include a track first portion 102ba defining a rectangular cross-section, and a track second portion 102bb defining a circular cross-section. In such embodiments, the rail mount structure ll4e may define a corresponding shape for sliding into the track 102b similar to a lock and key mechanism. Such a shape of the track 102b may facilitate alignment of the rail mount structure ll4e of the monitoring drone <NUM> to with the track 102b and reduce lateral movement. In some embodiments, axial notches 102d may be defined on edges of a back wall 102e of the rail <NUM> along the axial length of the rail <NUM>. In some embodiments, the notches 102d may serve as tracks to receive a portion of rail mount structure l l14e of the drone <NUM>. In other embodiments, the notches 102d may facilitate bending of side walls <NUM> of the rail <NUM>, which extend in a transverse direction from opposite edge of the back wall 102a, towards or away from each other, for example, to facilitate mounting of the rails <NUM>, <NUM>' on the rail holder <NUM>, or mounting of the drone <NUM> onto the tracks 102b.

<FIG> is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the charge cap <NUM> included in the rail track system <NUM> of <FIG>. In one embodiment, the charge cap <NUM> houses a power module (not shown), for example, a rechargeable battery, a voltage transformer, charging electronics, etc. The power module maybe utilized to power/maintain power to one or more device(s) utilizing the rail track. The power module is usually a low power module and might be charged wired or wireless. In one embodiment, the power module may utilize one or a combination of the following electric wire, battery, WIFI charging, coil, solar cells, or any other mechanism that provides charge.

As shown in <FIG>, the charge cap <NUM> is configured to be coupled to second longitudinal end of the second rail <NUM>' or a last rail in in a series of rails, which is opposite a first longitudinal end of the first rail <NUM> or a first rail in the series of rails to which the end cap <NUM> is coupled. The charge cap <NUM> is configured to charge the monitoring drone <NUM> via the power module when the monitoring drone <NUM> is located at the second longitudinal end.

In some embodiments, the charge cap <NUM> includes a charge cap main body 104a configured to abut an end face of the second longitudinal end of the second rail <NUM>' when the charge cap <NUM> is coupled to the second rail <NUM>'. A power module housing 104b extends from the charge cap main body 104a into the longitudinal channel 102c defined by the second rail <NUM>'. The power module housing 104b defines an internal volume 104c configured to house the power module. In some embodiments, the charge cap <NUM> may include a plurality of charge cap tabs 104c extending from the charge cap main body 104a, for example, from portions of the charge cap main body 104a that extends radially away from power module housing 104b into the longitudinal channel 102c defined by the second rail <NUM>'. Each of the plurality of charge cap tabs 104c are configured to be inserted into a corresponding slot 102a of the plurality of slots 102a of the corresponding rail <NUM>' for coupling the charge cap <NUM> to the second longitudinal end of the second rail <NUM>'. In other embodiments, the charge cap <NUM> may be coupled to the first rail <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> the charge cap <NUM> includes a pair of charging portions 105a defined on a sidewall of the power module housing 104d that is inserted into the second rail <NUM>' and is orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the second rail <NUM>'. While shown as including two charging portions 105a, in other embodiments, the charge cap <NUM> may include one, or more than two charging portions 105a. Each of the charging portions 105a include at least one charging pin 105b (e.g., two charging pins as shown in <FIG> but may include more) protruding therefrom into the longitudinal channel 102c. The at least one charging pin 105b is configured to contact a charging port l 14f of the monitoring drone <NUM>, for example, corresponding electrical contacts present in the charging port l 14f so as to charge the monitoring drone <NUM>. In some embodiments, a power socket 104e may be defined in the charge cap <NUM> that is configured to receive an electrical lead that provides electrical power to the power module included in the charge cap <NUM>. In other embodiments, the charge cap <NUM> may include charging arms extending from an end of the power module housing 104b into the longitudinal channel 102c. The charging arms are configured to secure a charging pin, for example, between the two charging arms, and configured to interface with the drone <NUM> to facilitate positioning of the charging pin 105b relative to the charging port l 14f of the drone <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the rail holder <NUM> holds the first rail <NUM>, <NUM>' and accommodates the shapes of the first or second rail <NUM>. Another rail holder <NUM> holds the second rail <NUM>'. While <FIG> show one rail holder <NUM> holding the first rail <NUM> and another rail holder <NUM> holding the second rail <NUM>', a plurality of rail holders <NUM> may be used to hold the first rail <NUM>, the second rail <NUM>' or any other rail included in the rail track system <NUM>.

The rail holder <NUM> includes a rail holder first portion 106aa and a rail holder second portion 106aa that when coupled together define a receptacle 106d configured to hold the first rail <NUM>. The rail holder <NUM> is configured to be coupled to a structure (e.g., a shelf in retail store) to secure the first rail <NUM> to the structure. In some embodiments, the receptacle 106d defines a perimetral shape that corresponds to or matches an outer perimetral shape of the first rail <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the each of the perimetral shape of the receptacle 106d and the outer perimetral shape of the first rail <NUM> include a C-shape. The C-shaped receptacle 106d and the first rail <NUM> may facilitate rotation of the first rail <NUM> (or the second rail <NUM>') within the receptacle 106d so as to allow position of the first rail <NUM> within the receptacle 106d in a desired orientation.

In one embodiment, the rail holder <NUM> includes a track coupler 106a to facilitate coupling the rail holder <NUM> to a device, edge, shelf, or the like. The track coupler 106a includes a tightening mechanism 106e (e.g., a screw or bolt) to ensure proper coupling of the track coupler 106a to the structure (e.g., a shelf). The track coupler 106a may be coupled to a body of the rail holder <NUM> via a securing mechanism <NUM>. The rail holder <NUM> may also include a coupling member 106b (e.g., a screw or bolt) configured to couple the rail holder first portion 106aa to the rail holder second portion 106bb. For positioning the rail <NUM> or <NUM>' into the rail holder <NUM>, the coupling member 106b may be loosened to move the rail holder second portion 106bb distal from the rail holder first portion 106aa. Once the rail <NUM> or <NUM>' is positioned in the receptacle 106d, the coupling member 106b is tightened to move the rail holder second portion 106bb towards the rail holder first portion 106aa until the rail <NUM> or <NUM>' is clamped or secured therebetween. In some embodiments, the rail holder <NUM> has a flat end 106c to ensure proper alignment to a shelf, edge, device and the likes. Each of the tightening mechanism 106e, the securing mechanism <NUM>, and the set screw may be configured to be loosened or tightened using the same tool.

Referring to <FIG>, another embodiment of a rail holder <NUM> is shown. The rail holder <NUM> is substantially similar to the rail holder <NUM> and includes the rail holder second portion 106bb, the coupling member 106b and the tightening mechanism 106e and the securing mechanism <NUM>. However, different from the rail holder <NUM>, the rail holder <NUM> includes a rail holder first portion 206aa that forms a portion of a receptacle 206d in combination with the rail holder second portion 106bb and includes a flat end 206c. The rail holder first portion 206aa is similar in shape to the rail holder first portion 106aa but defines a plurality of slots 206cc therethrough at predetermined locations. In other embodiments, the plurality of slots 206cc may be replaced with cavities. The plurality of slots 206cc or cavities may reduce the overall weight of the rail holder <NUM> while providing mechanical strength. Moreover, the rail holder <NUM> includes a track coupler 206a that is thicker than the rail holder 106a such that it has higher mechanical strength, is easier to handle, and has longer life.

<FIG> is a front-side perspective view of the rail coupler <NUM>. While <FIG> shows a particular rail coupler <NUM>, any other suitable rail coupler may be utilized (e.g., the rail coupler <NUM> shown in <FIG>). The rail coupler <NUM> is configured to axially coupled the first rail <NUM> or to the second rail <NUM>'. For example, the rail coupler <NUM> may be coupled to a second longitudinal end of the first rail <NUM> opposite the first longitudinal end on which the end cap <NUM> is installed and coupled to a first longitudinal end of the second rail <NUM>' of the rail track system <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, thereby coupling the first rail <NUM> to the second rail <NUM>'.

As shown in <FIG>, the rail coupler <NUM> includes a rail coupler main body 108a having a shape that matches the shape of the rails <NUM>, <NUM>'. A plurality of rail coupler tabs 108c extend axially from either sides of the rail coupler main body 108a and are configured to be inserted into corresponding slots 102a of the first rail <NUM> and the second rail <NUM>' so as to couple the rails <NUM>, <NUM>' to each other (e.g., via a friction fit or snap fit mechanism). The rail coupler <NUM> also defines a rail coupler track 108b including a rail coupler track first portion 108ba that matches the cross-sectional shape and size of the track first portion 102ba, and a rail coupler track second portion 108bb that matches the cross-sectional shape and size of the track second portion 102bb. Thus, the monitoring drone <NUM> can easily travel between the track 102b of the first rail <NUM> and track 102b of the second rail <NUM>' via the rail coupler track 108b.

In one embodiment, the coupling of the rails <NUM>, <NUM>' may be enforced by a sleeve like device that encompasses the rail coupler <NUM>, at least a portion of the first rail <NUM> and at least a portion of the second rail <NUM>', as shown in <FIG>. In another embodiment, sleeve may also be used as a coupling mechanism to suspend the first rail <NUM> and the second rail <NUM>'. For example, <FIG> show a rail track system <NUM> including a rail coupler <NUM>. Different from the rail coupler <NUM>, the rail coupler <NUM> includes a sleeve that has a shape that corresponds to the outer perimetral shape of the rails <NUM>, <NUM>'. However, the rail coupler <NUM> has larger cross-sectional width than the rails <NUM>, <NUM>' such that at least a portion of the first rail <NUM> (e.g., its second longitudinal end) and the second rail <NUM>' (e.g., its first longitudinal end) can be inserted into a longitudinal channel defined by the rail coupler <NUM>, for example, until the second longitudinal end of the first rail <NUM> abuts the first longitudinal end of the second rail <NUM>'. A plurality of apertures <NUM> are defined in a wall of the rail coupler <NUM> through which screws <NUM> or any other securing member (e.g., set screws, bolts, etc.) can be inserted for securing the encompassed portions of the rails <NUM>, <NUM>' within the rail coupler <NUM>.

<FIG> is side perspective view of an embodiment of the end cap <NUM>. The end cap <NUM> is configured to be coupled to a first longitudinal end of the first rail <NUM>. In other embodiments, the end cap <NUM> may be coupled to a second longitudinal end of the second rail <NUM>'. As shown in <FIG>, the end cap <NUM> includes an end cap main body 110a that may have a shape that substantially matches the cross-sectional shape of first rail <NUM>. A plurality of end cap tabs 110c extend from an outer perimeter of the end cap main body 110a towards the first rail 110a. Each of the plurality of end cap tabs 110c is configured to be inserted into a corresponding slot 102a of the plurality of slots 102a of the first rail <NUM> for coupling the end cap <NUM> to the first longitudinal end of the first rail <NUM>. In some embodiments, the end cap <NUM> may also define a plug 11Ob that extends from the end cap main body 110a into the longitudinal channel 102c defined by the first rail <NUM>. The plug <NUM> may have shape corresponding to the shape of the channel 102c and serve as a motion limiter for the monitoring drone <NUM>, for example, to prevent the monitoring drone <NUM> from traveling to the very end of the track 102b.

<FIG> is a schematic flow chart of an embodiment of a method <NUM> for installing a rail track system (e.g., the rail track system <NUM>) on a structure, for example, a shelf in a retail store or a warehouse. While described with respect to the rail track system <NUM>, it should be understood that the method <NUM> may be used with any other rail track system.

The method <NUM> starts at <NUM>, and at step <NUM>, one or more rail holders <NUM> are coupled to a structure (e.g., a retail store or ware house shelf). At step <NUM>, it is determined whether multiple rails <NUM> are needed for mounting to the structure. In response to determining that multiple rails <NUM> are not needed (<NUM>:NO), the method <NUM> proceeds to step <NUM>, and a rail <NUM> is inserted into the one or more rail holders <NUM>. However, if it is determined that multiple rails <NUM> are needed (<NUM>:YES), for example, for the rail track system <NUM> to cover an entire length of the structure, the method <NUM> proceeds to step <NUM> and enough or sufficient rail holders <NUM> are installed on the structure as needed. At step <NUM>, rail couplers <NUM> are used to couple enough or sufficient rails <NUM> as needed to each other, as previously described herein, and at step <NUM>, the enough or sufficient rails <NUM> are coupled to the plurality of rail holders <NUM> that have been coupled to the structure.

At step <NUM>, the method <NUM> determines if rotation of one or more of the rails <NUM> is needed, for example, to align the rails <NUM> to each other or orient them properly with respect to the structure (e.g., in an optimal direction for the monitoring drone <NUM>, <NUM> to monitor the inventory on a shelf to which the rails <NUM> are mounted). If rotation is required (<NUM>:YES), the one or more rails <NUM> are rotated into place, at step <NUM>. If no rotation is required (<NUM>:NO) or after the rails <NUM> have been rotated into place at step <NUM>, the method <NUM> determines if more rail holders <NUM> and rails <NUM> are needed, at step <NUM>. If more installation is needed (<NUM>: YES), the method <NUM> returns to step <NUM> and more rail holders <NUM> and rails <NUM> are installed.

On the other hand if more installation is not needed (<NUM>:NO), a monitoring drone (e.g., the monitoring drone <NUM>, <NUM>) is mounted to the one or more rails <NUM>, at step <NUM>. For example, the drone may be mounted on a track of the first or last rail <NUM> of the plurality of rails <NUM> that are coupled to each other and mounted on the shelf via the rail holders <NUM>. At step <NUM>, the end cap <NUM> is coupled to a first longitudinal end of a first rail <NUM> in the plurality of rails <NUM> (e.g., the first rail <NUM>). At step <NUM>, the charge cap <NUM> is coupled to a second longitudinal end of the last rail <NUM> in the plurality of rails <NUM> (e.g., the second rail <NUM>'), and the method <NUM> ends at step <NUM>.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an apparatus for a monitoring drone <NUM>, according to another embodiment. The monitoring drone <NUM> is used to monitor products, goods, shoppers, employees, etc. in a facility, such as, a retail store, distribution centers, or any place where goods are available. The monitoring drone <NUM> may couple to a shelf, cooler, stand, or any structure capable of holding goods, products, articles, and the like, using the rail track system <NUM> or mounted in a stationary configuration thereon. Various embodiments of monitoring drones and systems and methods of operating monitoring drones are described in PCT Appl. No. <CIT> and entitled "System, apparatus and method for a monitoring drone,".

The monitoring drone <NUM> includes a processor (CPU) <NUM>, a charge module <NUM>, memory <NUM>, communication module <NUM>, move module <NUM>, a defog module <NUM>, one or more image capture device <NUM> (for example, multiple image capture devices <NUM>. 1012N), input/output devices (I/<NUM>) <NUM> and a drone module <NUM>. In some embodiments, the monitoring drone <NUM> also includes a light source <NUM>, such as a flash, Light-Emitting-Diode (LED), and the like.

Memory <NUM> may be any combination of one or more computer readable media. The computer readable media may be a computer readable signal medium, any type of memory or a computer readable non-transitory storage medium. For example, a computer readable storage medium may be, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of the computer readable storage medium would include but are not limited to: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory ("RAM"), a read-only memory ("ROM"), an erasable programmable read-only memory ("EPROM" or Flash memory), an appropriate optical fiber with a repeater, a portable compact disc read-only memory ("CD- ROM"), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. Thus, a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

Computer program code for carrying out operations utilizing a processor or CPU <NUM> for aspects of the present disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, markup languages, style sheets and JavaScript libraries, including but not limited to Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF), HTML/CSS, Node, XAML, and JQuery, C, Basic, *Ada, Python, C++, C#, Pascal, *Arduino, JAVA and the likes. Additionally, operations can be carried out using any variety of compiler available.

The computer program instructions on memory <NUM> may be provided to the processor <NUM>, where the processor <NUM> is of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, microchip or any other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable instruction execution apparatus, create a mechanism for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. The computer instructions may do one or more of the following, run the monitoring drone <NUM>, and give status or health of the monitoring drone <NUM> or the entire system utilizing the monitoring drone <NUM>. In one embodiment, it may even perform image analysis and/or perform data compression.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in memory <NUM> (computer readable medium) that when executed can direct a computer, processor, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions when stored in the computer readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions which when executed, cause a computer to implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, processor, other programmable instruction execution apparatus, or other devices to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatuses or other devices to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide processes for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

The charge module <NUM> is utilized to power/maintain power to the monitoring drone <NUM>. The charge module <NUM> may be a low power and might be wired or wireless and may utilize one or combination of the following battery, WIFI charging, coil, solar cells, or any other mechanism that provides charge to the monitoring drone <NUM>. In some embodiments, the charge module <NUM> may be in electrical communication with an electrical contact included in a charging portion (e.g., the charging port <NUM>±) of the monitoring drone <NUM>. In such embodiments, the charge module <NUM> may be configured to use electrical power provided by the power module of the charge cap <NUM> when the monitoring drone <NUM> is mounted on the rail track system <NUM> and engages the charge cap <NUM>, as previously described herein.

The communication module <NUM> facilitates communication between the monitoring drone <NUM> and other devices, computers, networks, cloud, <NUM>/<NUM> devices <NUM>, and the likes. The communication module <NUM> may include ethernet, USB connection, port connections of various types, wireless, combination thereof and the likes. The communication module <NUM> may communicate in real-time, in intervals, on demand or a combination there of.

The move module <NUM> facilitates movement about a shelf, cooler, stand, store ceiling, floor and the likes and may utilize any mechanical or electrical mechanism to do so. Some embodiments are further described in <FIG> and <FIG>. The move module <NUM>, for example, may utilize wheels, motors, pneumatics, magnetics, levitation, etc. The move module <NUM> may also provide a coupling mechanism for the monitoring drone <NUM> to the shelf, cooler stand and the likes. In one embodiment, the move module <NUM> moves the monitoring drone <NUM> in a predetermined path or in a path set by the hardware configuration. For example, the monitoring drone <NUM> may be mounted on the rail track system <NUM> and the move module <NUM> may be configured to move the monitoring drone <NUM> along the track 102b of the rails <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the monitoring drone <NUM> may utilize a defog module <NUM> to prevent or clear condensation, for example, if placed outdoors, in a cooler, and the like. The defog module <NUM> may include electrical mechanism, mechanical mechanism, fluids, combination thereof and the like. The drone module <NUM> may also utilize computer instructions in memory <NUM> and processed by processor <NUM>.

The monitoring drone <NUM> may utilize the image capture device <NUM> or multiple image capture device <NUM>. The image capture device <NUM> may be one or more of the following a mono-camera, a stereo camera, a video camera, an infrared camera, a Realsense camera, Kinect Camera, Leap camera, a depth camera, a color camera, structured light camera, a combination thereof, and the likes. In one embodiment, multiple image capture device <NUM>. 1012N are used in a configuration where the image capture device <NUM>. 1012N may be angled in one or more angle to capture different views. In another embodiment, the multiple image capture devices <NUM> communicate to learn location in relation to one another. For example, the image capture device <NUM> may communicate with image capture device <NUM> on both sides of the shelf or isle. As such, such communication is utilized for mapping of a facility or room mapping using depth, such as, a store, distribution center, etc. As such, the monitoring drone <NUM> may be utilized for determining where objects, such as, goods, inventory, individuals, are located within such a facility. Hence, such a configuration may be used for third parties to determine arrival of items to a facility and to confirm placement. For example, a chips stand- alone cardboard can be remotely verified to confirm arrival, installation and/or location within a store, etc..

In one embodiment, the monitoring drone <NUM> may also include a GPS, Beacon Technology or any technology that allows for learning location, including WIFI, Beaker technology, Bluetooth mesh, infrared, etc. In such an embodiment, the monitoring drone <NUM> may facilitate way finding, for example, to locate a product in a store etc. The monitoring drone <NUM> may also include a display, laser pointer, or any communication facilitator.

The input/output module (<NUM>/<NUM>) <NUM> may be any devices that are used to present, print, receive, store, analyze, transmit, communicate, etc. with the monitoring drone <NUM>. The <NUM>/<NUM><NUM> may be coupled wirelessly or with a wire with the monitoring drone <NUM>. The <NUM>/<NUM><NUM> may be used to display, analyze, print, sound, etc., images or information relating to the monitoring drone <NUM>, its surroundings, etc. The <NUM>/<NUM><NUM> may also transmit information to the monitoring drone <NUM>, for example, for updates, resets, data retrieval or data inputting, learn vitals, trouble shoot, control various components of the monitoring drone <NUM>, etc..

In one embodiment, the monitoring drone <NUM> is capable of speech recognition and/or display, for example, may include a microphone and/or a speaker. For example, a shopper may ask the monitoring drone <NUM> the location of an item. The monitoring drone <NUM> may also include a display, for example, an LED display or the likes. In an embodiment where the monitoring drone <NUM> can communicate with other monitoring drones <NUM>, it may inform the monitoring drone <NUM> at the location of the question. Using face recognition, the monitoring drone <NUM> closer to the location of the item may use a pointer, such as, an infrared or laser pointer to highlight a specific path or location to the shopper. Even when face recognition is not used, the monitoring drone <NUM> close to the location can still highlight a location using such technology.

<FIG> is an embodiment illustrating a monitoring drone <NUM> configuration for a shelf assembly <NUM> including a top shelf 1100a and a bottom shelf 1100b. The monitoring drone <NUM> maybe placed anywhere around or on the shelf assembly <NUM>, i.e. around the proximity close to the front bottom <NUM>, back bottom <NUM>, back top <NUM>, front top <NUM>, and/or the sides <NUM> of the shelf assembly <NUM>. Multiple monitoring drones <NUM> maybe placed about the shelf assembly <NUM>. In one embodiment, the monitoring drone <NUM> is placed on a rail <NUM> of the rail track system <NUM>, on a price channel of the shelf assembly <NUM>. The rail <NUM> may be a straight line as shown in <FIG>. In other embodiments, the rail, C-shape, or any shape needed. The rail <NUM> may allow the monitoring drone <NUM> to move about the shelf <NUM> utilizing gear/tooth, magnetic lock, magnetic levitation, etc. In one embodiment, the monitoring drone <NUM> moves about the shelf assembly <NUM> without a rail <NUM>. Any number of drones <NUM> may be placed around or on the shelf <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the monitoring drone <NUM> is coupled to the shelf assembly <NUM> to create an "intelligent shelf without the need for electricity. For example, the monitoring drone <NUM> may include a single image capture device <NUM> and a low power source, such a battery, being charged by coils or any other wireless charge mechanism. The monitoring drone <NUM> moves up and down the edge of the shelf assembly <NUM> or the price channel portion if the shelf The monitoring drone <NUM> may be placed within a clear tube to prevent theft or avoid inflicting any harm on those close by it as it moves. The image capture device <NUM> takes images as it moves, for example, of the shelf assembly <NUM> it sits on, a shelf in front of it, a series of shelves around it, or the surrounding of the shelf(s).

The images captured by the monitoring device <NUM> may be stitched to form a virtual stereoscopic imagery or vision of the shelf(s) and/or its surroundings. In one embodiment, the images are captures in time or distance intervals to facilitate the stitching of the images into a virtual stereoscopic vision (image). In another embodiment, the images are analyzed and stitched based on common pixels. For example, a mono-camera may be used to produce a virtual stereoscopic image, to create average, to determine depths, etc..

In one embodiment, a virtual mask maybe developed to remove differences between images and to better identify objects being monitored in contrast with objects passing by or introduced for a short term, such as a cart.

In one embodiment, the monitoring drone <NUM> may be place at a higher elevation, such as, the upper portion of the shelf assembly <NUM> (e.g., on the top shelf 1100b), or may be place at the bottom portion of a shelf assembly <NUM> (e.g., the bottom shelf 1100a). The shelf assembly <NUM> includes two or more shelves. In yet another embodiment, the image capture device <NUM> may be angled up or down to facilitate visibility or to capture a specific view. In one embodiment, the monitoring drone <NUM> monitors the shelf assembly <NUM> or any other shelf assembly that it is coupled to. In another embodiment, the monitoring drone <NUM> monitors a shelf or shelf assembly that is across from its location. As such, the monitoring drone <NUM> moves across the rail <NUM> and captures images of a section of a shelf, an entire shelf, a shelf across the aisle or a shelf assembly across the aisle. All capabilities and setup discussed herein for a shelf is also applicable for a cooler, stand, retail display, distribution facilities, etc..

<FIG> is an embodiment illustrating a monitoring drone <NUM> configuration for a cooler <NUM> (e.g., a refrigerator, a vending machine, etc.). The monitoring drone <NUM> may be coupled to the cooler <NUM> at the top back <NUM>, top front <NUM>, bottom back <NUM>, bottom front <NUM>, or any sides <NUM> of the cooler <NUM>. In some embodiments, a single monitoring drone <NUM> may be mounted on a rail track system installed in the cooler <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a monitoring drone system <NUM>. The monitoring drone system <NUM> includes a monitoring drone <NUM>, as described above in <FIG>, and data system <NUM>. The data system <NUM> may include one or more of a cloud 1302a, a network 1302b, or a computer 1302c (e.g., a main frame, a personal computer, a laptop, a tablet, a mobile phone, etc.) and the like. In <FIG>, and by way of example, the cloud 1302a, network 1302b, and the personal computer 1302c are illustrated. The data system <NUM> may be coupled to the monitoring drone <NUM> wirelessly or with a wire. The data system <NUM> receives data and/or images from the monitoring drone <NUM>. The data system <NUM> is capable of performing analysis on the images received to determine if an item in the image is to be monitored or if it is an item that is temporarily in the image and, thus, does not require monitoring.

The data system <NUM> is capable of performing analysis on an image and provide analytical data to one or more of systems of a client system <NUM> (e.g., a central inventory management system or a retailer) such as, for example, a labor/employee systems <NUM>, a maintenance/store services system <NUM>, an inventory/ordering system <NUM>, a security system <NUM>, a delivery system <NUM>, a static/dynamic pricing system <NUM> (in some cases for dynamic pricing), a merchandizing system <NUM>, reporting/analytics system <NUM>, and/or an <NUM>/<NUM> system <NUM>, for example, a display or audio/visual devices included in the client system <NUM> that may generate alarms/alerts. In one embodiment, some of the data system <NUM> functionality may be performed by the monitoring drone <NUM>.

For example, the monitoring drone <NUM> travels across the pricing channel of the shelf assembly <NUM> utilizing the rail track system <NUM>. The image capture device <NUM> of the drone <NUM> capture images of products or inventory on the shelf assembly <NUM>. The communication module <NUM> transmits the images to the data system <NUM>. The data system <NUM> analyzes the difference between the images and, accordingly, determines one or more of the following: items consistently in the image (products on a shelf), items in the image for a short term (i.e. customer walking by), items in the image for a long term but not consistently (i.e. a cart left behind). Such determination may be concluded utilizing depth information, time duration, and/or combination thereof. In one embodiment, the communication module <NUM> facilitates communication with mobile devices, other image capture device(s), retailers, shoppers, inventory stockers, etc..

As such, if the data system <NUM> determines that an item is left behind, a message may be transmitted to an alert system or employees' mobile devices, etc. However, the data system <NUM> may determine the item is consistently in the image and identify it as a product. And thus, if the product depth changes over time, then inventory change is noted and other systems (e.g., the inventory/ordering system <NUM>, the delivery system <NUM>, the merchandizing system <NUM>, the reporting/analytics system <NUM>, etc.) may be notified to account for the inventory change, request the shelf be replenished, determine consumer habits in purchasing, etc. In another embodiment, the data system <NUM> determines that an item is there for a short time because a shopper walked in the view of the image capture device <NUM>. In such case, the data related to the shopper may be used for face recognition, merchandizing, planograms, or may be ignored. In yet another embodiment, the drone monitoring system <NUM> may be utilized to determine employee efficiency, effectiveness in maintaining proper product shelving, etc..

The drone monitoring system <NUM> is capable of determining spacing between products and may use triangulation/depth to determine if items are placed or missing within a distance threshold (item further from threshold may mean empty spot on a shelf whereas item closer from distance threshold may mean object in isle, etc.). A distance threshold may be a set distance, a range, and/or learned over time by the drone monitoring system <NUM>. Its analysis may be used to determine one or more of the following: recognize products, product description, product location, product location accuracy (planogram), product amount (number), product amount above or below a threshold, need for price change, price accuracy, security issues, facial recognition, buyers' habits, etc..

<FIG> is a schematic flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a drone monitoring method <NUM>. The method starts at step <NUM> and proceeds to step <NUM>. At step <NUM>, the method <NUM> calibrates and/or trains the monitoring drone (e.g., the monitoring drone <NUM>, <NUM>) to be ready to perform one or more of its functions, such as, the monitoring drone may calibrate its image capture device (e.g., the image capture device 114a, <NUM>), determines the products it is monitoring, learns or receives data relating to the product type, its representation, its location on a shelf, its location in a store, metadata related to the product or store, time/date setting, movement calibration, communication handshaking, etc..

Next, at step <NUM>, the method <NUM> captures images as it moves around and then processes the image at step <NUM>. In one embodiment, the processing of the image may be archiving the image to memory and/or preparing the image to be transmitted. In another embodiment, at step <NUM>, the method <NUM> may determine the validity, quality and/or categorize an image. In yet another embodiment, the image may be analyzed to provide monitoring data based on image content analysis. At step <NUM>, the method <NUM> transmits images and/or data and the method ends at step <NUM>.

Even though all these items are shown to be in the same drone monitoring system <NUM>, yet, they may be distributed in multiple systems that may or may not be in the same location. In one embodiment, images and/or data is communicated to a cloud system.

In some embodiments, a rail track assembly comprises: a rail defining a longitudinal channel configured to slidably receive at least a portion of a monitoring drone; an end cap configured to be coupled to a first longitudinal end of the rail; and a charge cap configured to be coupled to second longitudinal end of the rail opposite the first longitudinal end, the charge cap configured to house a power module for charging the monitoring drone when the monitoring drone is located at the second longitudinal end.

In some embodiments, the charge cap comprises: a charge cap main body configured to abut an end face of the second longitudinal end of the rail when the charge cap is coupled to the rail; and a power module housing extending from the charge cap main body into the longitudinal channel, the power module housing configured to house the power module. In some embodiments, the charge cap further comprises at least one charging portion that includes at least one charging pin protruding therefrom into the longitudinal channel of the second rail, the at least one charging pin configured to contact a charging port of the monitoring drone so as to charge the monitoring drone. In some embodiments, a plurality of slots are defined at a first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end of the rail; and the charge cap comprises a plurality of charge cap tabs extending from the charge cap main body towards the rail, each of the plurality of charge cap tabs configured to be inserted into a corresponding slot of the plurality of slots for coupling the charge cap to the second longitudinal end of the rail.

In some embodiments, the end cap defines a plurality of end cap tabs extending from the end cap towards the rail, each of the plurality of end cap tabs configured to be inserted into a corresponding slot of the plurality of slots for coupling the end cap to the first longitudinal end of the rail. In some embodiments, the rail defines at least one track extending along a longitudinal length of the rail and configured to slidably mount the monitoring drone. In some embodiments, the rail track assembly further comprises a rail holder defining a receptacle configured to hold the rail, the rail holder configured to be coupled to a structure so as to secure the rail to the structure. In some embodiments, the receptacle defines a perimetral shape that corresponds to an outer perimetral shape of the rail. In some embodiments, each of the perimetral shape of the receptacle and the outer perimetral shape of the rail comprise a C-shape, the C-shape facilitating rotation of the rail within the receptacle so as to allow positioning of the rail within the receptacle in a desired orientation.

In some embodiments, a rail track system, comprises: a first rail and a second rail, each of the first rail and the second rail defining a longitudinal channel configured to slidably receive at least a portion of a monitoring drone; an end cap configured to be coupled to a first longitudinal end of the first rail; a rail coupler configured to couple a second longitudinal end of the first rail opposite the first longitudinal end to a first longitudinal end of the second rail, thereby coupling the first rail to the second rail; and a charge cap configured to be coupled to a second longitudinal end of the second rail opposite the first longitudinal end of the second rail, the charge cap configured to house a power module for charging the monitoring drone when the monitoring drone is located at the second longitudinal end of the second rail.

In some embodiments, the charge cap comprises: a charge cap main body configured to abut an end face of the second longitudinal end of the second rail when the charge cap is coupled to the second rail; and a power module housing extending from the charge cap main body into the longitudinal channel of the second rail, the power module housing configured to house a power module. In some embodiments, the charge cap further comprises at least one charging portion that includes at least one charging pin protruding therefrom into the longitudinal channel of the second rail, the at least one charging pin configured to contact a charging port of the monitoring drone so as to charge the monitoring drone.

In some embodiments, a plurality of slots are defined at the respective first longitudinal end the second longitudinal end of each of the first rail and the second rail; and the charge cap comprises a plurality of charge cap tabs extending from the charge cap main body towards the second rail, each of the plurality of charge cap tabs configured to be inserted into a corresponding slot of the plurality of slots of the second rail for coupling the charge cap to the second longitudinal end of the second rail. In some embodiments, the end cap defines a plurality of end cap tabs extending from the end cap towards the rail, each of the plurality of end cap tabs configured to be inserted into a corresponding slot of the plurality of slots defined on the first longitudinal end of the first rail for coupling the end cap to the first longitudinal end of the first rail.

In some embodiments, each of the first rail and the second rail defines at least one track extending along their respective longitudinal lengths, the track configured to slidably mount the monitoring drone. In some embodiments, the rail track system further comprises: a plurality of rail holders, each of the plurality of rail holders defining a receptacle configured to hold the first rail or the second rail, the plurality of rail holders configured to be coupled to a structure so as to secure the first rail or the second rail to the structure. In some embodiments, the receptacle defines a perimetral shape that corresponds to an outer perimetral shape of the first rail and the second rail. In some embodiments, each of the perimetral shape of the receptacle and the outer perimetral shape of the first rail and the second rail comprise a C-shape, the C- shape facilitating rotation of the first rail and the second rail within the corresponding receptacle so as to allow positioning of the first rail and the second rail within the corresponding receptacle in a desired orientation. In some embodiments, the rail coupler comprises a sleeve that encompasses at least a portion of the first rail and the second rail.

In some embodiments, a method for mounting a monitoring drone on a structure, comprises: coupling one or more rail holders to the structure, each of the one or more rail holders defining a receptacle; positioning a rail in the receptacle of a corresponding rail holder of the one or more rail holders so as to couple a desired number of rails to the structure, each of the rails defining a longitudinal channel configured to slidably receive at least a portion of the monitoring drone; mounting a monitoring drone on a rail of the desired number of rails; coupling an end cap to a first longitudinal end of a first rail of the desired number of rails; and coupling a charge cap to a second longitudinal end of a last rail of the desired number of rails, the charge cap configured to house a power module for charging the monitoring drone when the monitoring drone is located at the second longitudinal end of the last rail that is opposite the first 1ongitudinal end of the first rail.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises: prior to mounting the monitoring drone on the rail, determining if rotation is needed to align one or more of the rails with an adjacent rail; in response to determining that rotation is needed, rotating the one or more rails; and coupling the one or more rail with the adjacent rail via a rail coupler.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept. It is understood, therefore, that this disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments herein, but it is intended to cover modifications within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

It should be noted that the term "example" as used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

The terms "coupled," and the like as used herein mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members, or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Additionally, it should be understood that features from one embodiment disclosed herein may be combined with features of other embodiments disclosed herein as one of ordinary skill in the art would understand. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claim 1:
A rail track assembly comprising
a rail (<NUM>) defining a longitudinal channel (102c) configured to receive at least a portion of a monitoring drone (<NUM>, <NUM>) for movement therein;
an end cap (<NUM>) coupled to a first longitudinal end of the rail (<NUM>); and
a charge cap (<NUM>) coupled to a second longitudinal end of the rail (<NUM>) opposite the first longitudinal end, the charge cap (<NUM>) including a power module for charging the monitoring drone (<NUM>, <NUM>) when the monitoring drone is located at the second longitudinal end.