Kiosk with object identification, registration, and tracking capabilities with light and/or audio guidance

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-12475703-B2
Application number	US-202117157056-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Jan 25, 2021
Priority date	Jan 24, 2020
Publication date	Nov 18, 2025
Grant date	Nov 18, 2025

Abstract

An apparatus comprises a kiosk and one or more computer-vision-based object tracking modules connected to the kiosk, each module comprising a camera and a processor configured to register and track objects within a field of view of the camera of that module.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1 . An apparatus comprising:
a computer having a console comprising a user interface; one or more computer-vision-based object tracking modules connected to the computer, each computer-vision-based object tracking module comprising a camera oriented to capture a target area within a field of view, and further comprising a processor configured to:
detect, register, and track multiple objects located in or moving through the field of view of the camera;
determine changes in a presence of one or more of the multiple objects in the field of view, including additions and removals;
associate specific locations within the field of view of the camera with detected objects of the multiple objects;
control one or more directional light sources to provide visual guidance indicating the location of one or more of the multiple objects that are detected, registered, and tracked; and
calibrate the one or more computer-vision-based object tracking modules to identify the target area; and
a controller in communication with the camera and a guidance system comprising the one or more directional light sources, the controller adapted to receive images within the field of view and detect a change within the field of view of the camera corresponding to a placement or removal of a tracked object of the multiple objects of the plurality of objects at an area captured by the images within the field of view, wherein the guidance system guides a user to the tracked object depending on whether the tracked object is within the field of view, to detect a change within the field of view of the image sensor corresponding to placement or removal of the tracked object.

2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a post extending from the computer such that one end of the post is elevated higher than the computer, and wherein the one or more computer-vision-based object tracking modules are mounted on the post such that the at least one camera faces away from the console for tracking the object, wherein the post is adjustable in height.

3 . The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the post includes first and second sections, one of the first and second sections sliding into the other of the first and second sections.

4 . The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the computer is a kiosk that includes a computing device disposed on a pedestal, and the post is secured to the pedestal on a rear side of the kiosk.

5 . The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the post is secured at one end to any one of the rear, top, or sides of the computer.

6 . The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the one or more computer-vision-based object tracking modules comprises two or more modules mounted on the post.

7 . The apparatus of claim 6 , further comprising an angled bracket for each of the two or more modules, the angled brackets being used to mount the two or more modules to the post angles relative to each other up to a 360-degree tracking area.

8 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the computer includes a data acquisition device for reading labeling information from an item or object.

9 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the one or more computer-vision-based object tracking and guidance modules are integral with a rear surface of the computer.

10 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the processor of the computer-vision-based object tracking module is configured to communicate with a remote guidance system for controlling the guidance system to guide the user to the objects depending on whether the objects are in the field of view.

11 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the computer communicates with the controller to perform object identification, registration, tracking, and guidance operations.

12 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the each computer-vision-based object tracking module performs multi-object tracking of the plurality of objects using the camera facing away from the console, and distinguishes the first location capturing a first object from the second location capturing a second object within the field of view.

13 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the processor is further configured to perform a calibration operation to calibrate the one or more computer-vision-based object tracking modules to determine background information and limit a field of analysis to the target area in the field of view of the camera.

14 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the one or more computer-vision-based object tracking modules are positioned on a multi-axis gimbal, and wherein the controller and the calibration system control the gimbal to direct the camera of the each computer-vision-based object tracking module to point at the target area.

Assignees

• Position Imaging Inc

Inventors

• Hill Edward L
• Martel Brian
• Walsh Liisa

Classifications

• G03B17/18

  Signals indicating condition of a camera member or suitability of light (indicating depth of field G03B13/30) · CPC title

• G03B15/05

  Combinations of cameras with electronic flash apparatus; Electronic flash units · CPC title

• G06V20/52 Primary

  Surveillance or monitoring of activities, e.g. for recognising suspicious objects (recognising microscopic objects G06V20/69) · CPC title

• E04H1/1205

  Small buildings erected in the open air (E04H1/1272 takes precedence) · CPC title

• G07F17/40

  for devices for accepting orders, advertisements, or the like · CPC title