Patent ID: 12220069

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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: 1) 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; 2) 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; 3) allowing rotation of the rails within a rail holder during installation, thereby facilitating proper orientation and alignment of the rails and the mounting drone; 4) 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 5) providing rapid and real time inventory monitoring of items on a shelf without interfering with customer experience.

FIG.1is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a front perspective view for a rail track system100.FIG.2is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a top view of the rail track100. The rail track100includes a first rail102and a second rail102′, a charge cap104, a rail holder106, a rail coupler108, and an end cap110. The rail track system100is configured to slidably mount a monitoring drone, for example, the monitoring drone114shown inFIG.3or the monitoring drone1000shown inFIG.10, such that the monitoring drone can move along the rails102,102′ 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 track100may also utilize solar panels112and wires113to provide charge to a power module in the charge cap104for selectively charging the drone114, as described in further detail herein. In this embodiment, the charge cap104is shown to plug the second rail102′. In other embodiments, an end cap110may replace the charge cap104and a charge maybe provided through a module embedded in the rails102,102′, rail coupler108, or rail holder106. In one embodiment, the rail track system100may be utilized to facilitate movement and/or be utilized by a monitoring drone114.

FIG.3is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the first rail102and a block diagram of the monitoring drone114that may be mounted on the first rail102. In some embodiments, the monitoring drone114may include an image capture device114a(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 system100is coupled. The monitoring drone114may also include a rechargeable power source114bthat powers the various components of the monitoring drone114. In some embodiments, the monitoring drone142may include a light source114c(e.g., an LED light, a flash, etc.) for optically illuminating various items on the shelf In some embodiments, the image capture device114amay be capable of night vision.

In some embodiments, the monitoring drone114may include a defogger114dconfigured to heat or otherwise defog a surface of the image capture device114aor the light source114c, for example, to remove any moisture that may condense thereon. The defogger114dmay include for example, thin strips or coils of electrical conducting material disposed on the image capture device114athat generate heat in response to an electrical current being passed therethrough. The monitoring drone114includes a rail mount structure114econfigured to be mounted on corresponding tracks102b(FIG.3) of the rails102,102′ so as to allow the monitoring drone114to slide along the track102b. The rail mount structure114emay include, for example, wheels or arms that slide into the tracks102bthat can polarized for magnetic levitation and movement of the monitoring drone114. The monitoring drone114also defines a charging port114fconfigured to receive charging arms105aand a charging pin105bof the charge cap104which allows the monitoring drone114to be charged.

WhileFIGS.1-2shows the rail track system100as including the first rail102and the second rail102′, it should be understood that the rail track system100may include any number of rails102. The rails102may be made of any material, such as, 3D print materials, aluminum, casting material, aluminum extrusion; and the like. The first rail102defines a longitudinal channel102cconfigured to slidably receive at least a portion of the monitoring drone114or any other monitoring drone described herein (e.g., the monitoring drone1000). The longitudinal channel102cmay have a rectangular cross-section as shown inFIG.3, but in other embodiments, may have a square, circular, elliptical, or any other suitable cross-section. Moreover, the first rail102may have be straight, bent, curved, or have any suitable curvature along its length. The second rail102′ may be substantially similar in structure and function to the first rail102, but may have a different length than the first rail102.

In this embodiment shown inFIGS.1-3, the first rail102includes an outer wall102gthat is shown to have an outer perimetral shape that is C-shaped to facilitate the rotation of the first rail102in the rail holder106. A plurality of slots102aare defined at a first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end of the first rail102. The slots102aare sized and otherwise positioned to receive corresponding charge cap tabs104cof the charge cap104, rail coupler tabs108cof the rail coupler108, or end cap tabs110cof the end cap110, as described in further detail herein, for example, to facilitate the coupling of the first rail102to the second rail102′ directly or via the rail coupler108. In other embodiments, the slots102amay serve as a conduit like structure to be used to stretch electric or communications wires across the first rail102. The first rail102may also include tracks102b. Tracks102bmay be on any location within the first rail102. In the embodiment shown inFIG.3, two tracks102bare shown, one on the top and one of the bottom. Any number of tracks102bmay be included, which may be the same size and/or shape or may vary in size and/or shape. In some embodiments, the first rail102accommodates one or more drone or robot (e.g., the monitoring drone114,1000).

Expanding further, the first rail102defines at least one track102bextending along a longitudinal length of the first rail102and configured to slidably mount the monitoring drone114. In some embodiments, the track102bmay include a track first portion102badefining a rectangular cross-section, and a track second portion102bbdefining a circular cross-section. In such embodiments, the rail mount structure114emay define a corresponding shape for sliding into the track102bsimilar to a lock and key mechanism. Such a shape of the track102bmay facilitate alignment of the rail mount structure114eof the monitoring drone114to with the track102b, and reduce lateral movement. In some embodiments, axial notches102dmay be defined on edges of a back wall102eof the rail102along the axial length of the rail102. In some embodiments, the notches102dmay serve as tracks to receive a portion of rail mount structure114eof the drone114. In other embodiments, the notches102dmay facilitate bending of side walls102gof the rail102, which extend in a transverse direction from opposite edge of the back wall102a, towards or away from each other, for example, to facilitate mounting of the rails102,102′ on the rail holder106, or mounting of the drone114onto the tracks102b.

FIG.4is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the charge cap104included in the rail track system100ofFIGS.1-2. In one embodiment, the charge cap104houses 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 inFIGS.1-2, the charge cap104is configured to be coupled to second longitudinal end of the second rail102′ or a last rail in in a series of rails, which is opposite a first longitudinal end of the first rail102or a first rail in the series of rails to which the end cap110is coupled. The charge cap104is configured to charge the monitoring drone114via the power module when the monitoring drone114is located at the second longitudinal end.

In some embodiments, the charge cap104includes a charge cap main body104aconfigured to abut an end face of the second longitudinal end of the second rail102′ when the charge cap104is coupled to the second rail102′. A power module housing104bextends from the charge cap main body104ainto the longitudinal channel102cdefined by the second rail102′. The power module housing104bdefines an internal volume104cconfigured to house the power module. In some embodiments, the charge cap104may include a plurality of charge cap tabs104cextending from the charge cap main body104a, for example, from portions of the charge cap main body104athat extends radially away from power module housing104binto the longitudinal channel102cdefined by the second rail102′. Each of the plurality of charge cap tabs104care configured to be inserted into a corresponding slot102aof the plurality of slots102aof the corresponding rail102′ for coupling the charge cap104to the second longitudinal end of the second rail102′. In other embodiments, the charge cap104may be coupled to the first rail102.

As shown inFIG.4the charge cap104includes a pair of charging portions105adefined on a sidewall of the power module housing104dthat is inserted into the second rail102′ and is orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the second rail102′. While shown as including two charging portions105a, in other embodiments, the charge cap104may include one, or more than two charging portions105a. Each of the charging portions105ainclude at least one charging pin105b(e.g., two charging pins as shown inFIG.4but may include more) protruding therefrom into the longitudinal channel102c. The at least one charging pin105bis configured to contact a charging port114fof the monitoring drone114, for example, corresponding electrical contacts present in the charging port114fso as to charge the monitoring drone114. In some embodiments, a power socket104emay be defined in the charge cap104that is configured to receive an electrical lead that provides electrical power to the power module included in the charge cap104. In other embodiments, the charge cap104may include charging arms extending from an end of the power module housing104binto the longitudinal channel102c. The charging arms are configured to secure a charging pin, for example, between the two charging arms, and configured to interface with the drone114to facilitate positioning of the charging pin105brelative to the charging port114fof the drone114.

Referring toFIGS.5A-5B, the rail holder106holds the first rail102,102′ and accommodates the shapes of the first or second rail102. Another rail holder106holds the second rail102′. WhileFIGS.1-2show one rail holder106holding the first rail102and another rail holder106holding the second rail102′, a plurality of rail holders106may be used to hold the first rail102, the second rail102′ or any other rail included in the rail track system100.

The rail holder106includes a rail holder first portion106aaand a rail holder second portion106aathat when coupled together define a receptacle106dconfigured to hold the first rail102. The rail holder106is configured to be coupled to a structure (e.g., a shelf in retail store) to secure the first rail102to the structure. In some embodiments, the receptacle106ddefines a perimetral shape that corresponds to or matches an outer perimetral shape of the first rail102. For example, as shown inFIGS.1-3and5A-5B, the each of the perimetral shape of the receptacle106dand the outer perimetral shape of the first rail102include a C-shape. The C-shaped receptacle106dand the first rail102may facilitate rotation of the first rail102(or the second rail102′) within the receptacle106dso as to allow position of the first rail102within the receptacle106din a desired orientation.

In one embodiment, the rail holder106includes a track coupler106ato facilitate coupling the rail holder106to a device, edge, shelf, or the like. The track coupler106aincludes a tightening mechanism106e(e.g., a screw or bolt) to ensure proper coupling of the track coupler106ato the structure (e.g., a shelf). The track coupler106amay be coupled to a body of the rail holder106via a securing mechanism106g. The rail holder106may also include a coupling member106b(e.g., a screw or bolt) configured to couple the rail holder first portion106aato the rail holder second portion106bb. For positioning the rail102or102′ into the rail holder106, the coupling member106bmay be loosened to move the rail holder second portion106bbdistal from the rail holder first portion106aa. Once the rail102or102′ is positioned in the receptacle106d, the coupling member106bis tightened to move the rail holder second portion106bbtowards the rail holder first portion106aauntil the rail102or102′ is clamped or secured therebetween. In some embodiments, the rail holder106has a flat end106cto ensure proper alignment to a shelf, edge, device and the likes. Each of the tightening mechanism106e, the securing mechanism106g, and the set screw may be configured to be loosened or tightened using the same tool.

Referring toFIGS.6A-6B, another embodiment of a rail holder206is shown. The rail holder206is substantially similar to the rail holder106and includes the rail holder second portion106bb, the coupling member106band the tightening mechanism106eand the securing mechanism106g. However, different from the rail holder106, the rail holder206includes a rail holder first portion206aathat forms a portion of a receptacle206din combination with the rail holder second portion106bb, and includes a flat end206c. The rail holder first portion206aais similar in shape to the rail holder first portion106aabut defines a plurality of slots206cctherethrough at predetermined locations. In other embodiments, the plurality of slots206ccmay be replaced with cavities. The plurality of slots206ccor cavities may reduce the overall weight of the rail holder206while providing mechanical strength. Moreover, the rail holder206includes a track coupler206athat is thicker than the rail holder106asuch that it has higher mechanical strength, is easier to handle, and has longer life.

FIG.7Ais a front-side perspective view of the rail coupler108. WhileFIG.7Ashows a particular rail coupler108, any other suitable rail coupler may be utilized (e.g., the rail coupler310shown inFIGS.8A-8C). The rail coupler108is configured to axially coupled the first rail102or to the second rail102′. For example, the rail coupler108may be coupled to a second longitudinal end of the first rail102opposite the first longitudinal end on which the end cap110is installed, and coupled to a first longitudinal end of the second rail102′ of the rail track system100as shown inFIGS.1-2, thereby coupling the first rail102to the second rail102′.

As shown inFIG.7A, the rail coupler108includes a rail coupler main body108ahaving a shape that matches the shape of the rails102,102′. A plurality of rail coupler tabs108cextend axially from either sides of the rail coupler main body108aand are configured to be inserted into corresponding slots102aof the first rail102and the second rail102′ so as to couple the rails102,102′ to each other (e.g., via a friction fit or snap fit mechanism). The rail coupler108also defines a rail coupler track108bincluding a rail coupler track first portion108bathat matches the cross-sectional shape and size of the track first portion102ba, and a rail coupler track second portion108bbthat matches the cross-sectional shape and size of the track second portion102bb. Thus, the monitoring drone114can easily travel between the track102bof the first rail102and track102bof the second rail102′ via the rail coupler track108b.

In one embodiment, the coupling of the rails102,102′ may be enforced by a sleeve like device that encompasses the rail coupler108, at least a portion of the first rail102and at least a portion of the second rail102′, as shown inFIGS.8A-8C. In another embodiment, sleeve may also be used as a coupling mechanism to suspend the first rail102and the second rail102′. For example,FIGS.8A-8Cshow a rail track system300including a rail coupler310. Different from the rail coupler110, the rail coupler310includes a sleeve that has a shape that corresponds to the outer perimetral shape of the rails102,102′. However, the rail coupler310has larger cross-sectional width than the rails102,102′ such that at least a portion of the first rail102(e.g., its second longitudinal end) and the second rail102′ (e.g., its first longitudinal end) can be inserted into a longitudinal channel defined by the rail coupler310, for example, until the second longitudinal end of the first rail102abuts the first longitudinal end of the second rail102′. A plurality of apertures311are defined in a wall of the rail coupler310through which screws312or any other securing member (e.g., set screws, bolts, etc.) can be inserted for securing the encompassed portions of the rails102,102′ within the rail coupler310.

FIG.7Bis side perspective view of an embodiment of the end cap110. The end cap110is configured to be coupled to a first longitudinal end of the first rail102. In other embodiments, the end cap110may be coupled to a second longitudinal end of the second rail102′. As shown inFIG.7B, the end cap110includes an end cap main body110athat may have a shape that substantially matches the cross-sectional shape of first rail102. A plurality of end cap tabs110cextend from an outer perimeter of the end cap main body110atowards the first rail110a. Each of the plurality of end cap tabs110cis configured to be inserted into a corresponding slot102aof the plurality of slots102aof the first rail102for coupling the end cap110to the first longitudinal end of the first rail102. In some embodiments, the end cap110may also define a plug110bthat extends from the end cap main body110ainto the longitudinal channel102cdefined by the first rail102. The plug110may have shape corresponding to the shape of the channel102cand serve as a motion limiter for the monitoring drone114, for example, to prevent the monitoring drone114from traveling to the very end of the track102b.

FIG.9is a schematic flow chart of an embodiment of a method900for installing a rail track system (e.g., the rail track system100) on a structure, for example, a shelf in a retail store or a warehouse. While described with respect to the rail track system100, it should be understood that the method900may be used with any other rail track system.

The method900starts at902, and at step904, one or more rail holders106are coupled to a structure (e.g., a retail store or ware house shelf). At step906, it is determined whether multiple rails102are needed for mounting to the structure. In response to determining that multiple rails102are not needed (906: NO), the method900proceeds to step912, and a rail102is inserted into the one or more rail holders106. However, if it is determined that multiple rails102are needed (906: YES), for example, for the rail track system100to cover an entire length of the structure, the method900proceeds to step908and enough or sufficient rail holders106are installed on the structure as needed. At step910, rail couplers108are used to couple enough or sufficient rails102as needed to each other, as previously described herein, and at step912, the enough or sufficient rails102are coupled to the plurality of rail holders106that have been coupled to the structure.

At step914, the method900determines if rotation of one or more of the rails102is needed, for example, to align the rails102to each other or orient them properly with respect to the structure (e.g., in an optimal direction for the monitoring drone114,1000to monitor the inventory on a shelf to which the rails102are mounted). If rotation is required (914: YES), the one or more rails102are rotated into place, at step916. If no rotation is required (914: NO) or after the rails102have been rotated into place at step916, the method900determines if more rail holders106and rails102are needed, at step918. If more installation is needed (918: YES), the method900returns to step904and more rail holders106and rails102are installed.

On the other hand if more installation is not needed (918: NO), a monitoring drone (e.g., the monitoring drone114,1000) is mounted to the one or more rails102, at step920. For example, the drone may be mounted on a track of the first or last rail102of the plurality of rails102that are coupled to each other and mounted on the shelf via the rail holders106. At step922, the end cap110is coupled to a first longitudinal end of a first rail102in the plurality of rails102(e.g., the first rail102). At step924, the charge cap104is coupled to a second longitudinal end of the last rail102in the plurality of rails102(e.g., the second rail102′), and the method900ends at step926.

FIG.10is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an apparatus for a monitoring drone1000, according to another embodiment. The monitoring drone1000is 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 drone1000may couple to a shelf, cooler, stand, or any structure capable of holding goods, products, articles, and the like, using the rail track system100or 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. PCT/US2018/045664, filed Aug. 7, 2018 and entitled “System, apparatus and method for a monitoring drone,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

The monitoring drone1000includes a processor (CPU)1002, a charge module1004, memory1006, communication module1008, move module1010, a defog module1011, one or more image capture device1012(for example, multiple image capture devices10121. . .1012N), input/output devices (I/O)1014and a drone module1016. In some embodiments, the monitoring drone1000also includes a light source1018, such as a flash, Light-Emitting-Diode (LED), and the like.

Memory1006may 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 CPU1002for 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 memory1006may be provided to the processor1002, where the processor1002is 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 drone1000, and give status or health of the monitoring drone1000or the entire system utilizing the monitoring drone1000. In one embodiment, it may even perform image analysis and/or perform data compression.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in memory1006(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 module1004is utilized to power/maintain power to the monitoring drone1000. The charge module1004may 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 drone1000. In some embodiments, the charge module1004may be in electrical communication with an electrical contact included in a charging portion (e.g., the charging port114f) of the monitoring drone1000. In such embodiments, the charge module1004may be configured to use electrical power provided by the power module of the charge cap104when the monitoring drone1000is mounted on the rail track system100and engages the charge cap104, as previously described herein.

The communication module1008facilitates communication between the monitoring drone1000and other devices, computers, networks, cloud, I/O devices1014, and the likes. The communication module1008may include ethernet, USB connection, port connections of various types, wireless, combination thereof and the likes. The communication module1008may communicate in real-time, in intervals, on demand or a combination there of.

The move module1010facilitates movement about a shelf, cooler, stand, store ceiling, floor and the likes and may utilize any mechanical or electrical mechanism to do so. Some embodiment are further described inFIG.12andFIG.13. The move module1010, for example, may utilize wheels, motors, pneumatics, magnetics, levitation, etc. The move module1010may also provide a coupling mechanism for the monitoring drone1000to the shelf, cooler stand and the likes. In one embodiment, the move module1010moves the monitoring drone1100in a predetermined path or in a path set by the hardware configuration. For example, the monitoring drone1000may be mounted on the rail track system100and the move module1010may be configured to move the monitoring drone1000along the track102bof the rails102.

In one embodiment, the monitoring drone1000may utilize a defog module1011to prevent or clear condensation, for example, if placed outdoors, in a cooler, and the like. The defog module1011may include electrical mechanism, mechanical mechanism, fluids, combination thereof and the like. The drone module1011may also utilize computer instructions in memory1006and processed by processor1002.

The monitoring drone1000may utilize the image capture device1012or multiple image capture device10121. . .1012N. The image capture device1012may 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 device10121. . .1012Nare used in a configuration where the image capture device10121. . .1012Nmay be angled in one or more angle to capture different views. In another embodiment, the multiple image capture devices1012communicate to learn location in relation to one another. For example, the image capture device1012may communicate with image capture device1012on 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 drone1000may be utilized for determining where objects, such as, goods, inventory, individuals, are located within the 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 drone1000may 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 drone1000may facilitate way finding, for example, to locate a product in a store etc. The monitoring drone1000may also include a display, laser pointer, or any communication facilitator.

The input/output module (I/O)1014may be any devices that are used to present, print, receive, store, analyze, transmit, communicate, etc. with the monitoring drone1000. The I/O1014may be coupled wirelessly or with a wire with the monitoring drone1000. The I/O1012may be used to display, analyze, print, sound, etc., images or information relating to the monitoring drone1000, its surroundings, etc. The I/O1014may also transmit information to the monitoring drone1000, for example, for updates, resets, data retrieval or data inputting, learn vitals, trouble shoot, control various components of the monitoring drone1000, etc.

In one embodiment, the monitoring drone1000is 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 drone1000the location of an item. The monitoring drone1000may also include a display, for example, an LED display or the likes. In an embodiment where the monitoring drone1000can communicate with other monitoring drones1000, it may inform the monitoring drone1000at the location of the question. Using face recognition, the monitoring drone1000closer 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 drone1000close to the location can still highlight a location using such technology.

FIG.11is an embodiment illustrating a monitoring drone1000configuration for a shelf assembly1100including a top shelf1100aand a bottom shelf1100b. The monitoring drone1000maybe placed anywhere around or on the shelf assembly1100, i.e. around the proximity close to the front bottom1102, back bottom1104, back top1106, front top1108, and/or the sides1110of the shelf assembly1100. Multiple monitoring drones1000maybe placed about the shelf assembly1100. In one embodiment, the monitoring drone1000is placed on a rail102of the rail track system100, on a price channel of the shelf assembly1100. The rail102may be a straight line as shown inFIGS.1-3. In other embodiments, the rail, C-shape, or any shape needed. The rail102may allow the monitoring drone1000to move about the shelf1100utilizing gear/tooth, magnetic lock, magnetic levitation, etc. In one embodiment, the monitoring drone1000moves about the shelf assembly1100without a rail102. Any number of drones1000may be placed around or on the shelf1100.

In one embodiment, the monitoring drone1000is coupled to the shelf assembly1100to create an “intelligent shelf” without the need for electricity. For example, the monitoring drone1000may include a single image capture device1012and a low power source, such a battery, being charged by coils or any other wireless charge mechanism. The monitoring drone1000moves up and down the edge of the shelf assembly1100or the price channel portion if the shelf. The monitoring drone1000may 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 device1012takes images as it moves, for example, of the shelf assembly1100it 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 device1000may 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 drone1000may be place at a higher elevation, such as, the upper portion of the shelf assembly1100(e.g., on the top shelf1100b), or may be place at the bottom portion of a shelf assembly1100(e.g., the bottom shelf1100a). The shelf assembly1100includes two or more shelves. In yet another embodiment, the image capture device1012may be angled up or down to facilitate visibility or to capture a specific view. In one embodiment, the monitoring drone1000monitors the shelf assembly1100or any other shelf assembly that it is coupled to. In another embodiment, the monitoring drone1000monitors a shelf or shelf assembly that is across from its location. As such, the monitoring drone1000moves across the rail102and 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.12is an embodiment illustrating a monitoring drone1000configuration for a cooler1200(e.g., a refrigerator, a vending machine, etc.). The monitoring drone1000may be coupled to the cooler1200at the top back1202, top front1204, bottom back1206, bottom front1208, or any sides1210of the cooler200. In some embodiments, a single monitoring drone1000may be mounted on a rail track system installed in the cooler1200.

FIG.13is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a monitoring drone system1300. The monitoring drone system1300includes a monitoring drone1000, as described above in FIG. and data system1302. The data system1302may include one or more of a cloud1302a, a network1302b, or a computer1302c(e.g., a main frame, a personal computer, a laptop, a tablet, a mobile phone, etc.) and the like. InFIG.13, and by way of example, the cloud1302a, network1302b, and the personal computer1302care illustrated. The data system1302may be coupled to the monitoring drone1000wirelessly or with a wire. The data system1302receives data and/or images from the monitoring drone1000. The data system1302is 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 system1302is capable of performing analysis on an image and provide analytical data to one or more of systems of a client system1310(e.g., a central inventory management system or a retailer) such as, for example, a labor/employee systems1312, a maintenance/store services system1314, an inventory/ordering system1316, a security system1318, a delivery system1320, a static/dynamic pricing system1322(in some cases for dynamic pricing), a merchandizing system1324, reporting/analytics system1326, and/or an I/O system1328, for example, a display or audio/visual devices included in the client system1310that may generate alarms/alerts. In one embodiment, some of the data system1302functionality may be performed by the monitoring drone1000.

For example, the monitoring drone1000travels across the pricing channel of the shelf assembly1100utilizing the rail track system100. The image capture device1012of the drone1000capture images of products or inventory on the shelf assembly1100. The communication module1008transmits the images to the data system1302. The data system1302analyzes 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 module1008facilitates communication with mobile devices, other image capture device(s), retailers, shoppers, inventory stockers, etc.

As such, if the data system1302determines that an item is left behind, a message may be transmitted to an alert system or employees' mobile devices, etc. However, the data system1302may 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 system1316, the delivery system1320, the merchandizing system1324, the reporting/analytics system1326, 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 system1302determines that an item is there for a short time because a shopper walked in the view of the image capture device1012. 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 system1300may be utilized to determine employee efficiency, effectiveness in maintaining proper product shelving, etc.

The drone monitoring system1300is 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 system1300. 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.14is a schematic flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a drone monitoring method1400. The method starts at step1402and proceeds to step1404. At step1404, the method1400calibrates and/or trains the monitoring drone (e.g., the monitoring drone114,1000) 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 device114a,1012), 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 step1406, the method1400captures images as it moves around and then processes the image at step1408. 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 step1406, the method1400may 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 step1410, the method1400transmits images and/or data and the method ends at step1412.

Even though all these items are shown to be in the same drone monitoring system1300, 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 longitudinal 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 spirit and 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.

While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any inventions or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular implementations of particular inventions. Certain features described in this specification in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.