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

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-2021232820-A1
Application number	US-202117157056-A
Country	US
Kind code	A1
Filing date	Jan 25, 2021
Priority date	Jan 24, 2020
Publication date	Jul 29, 2021
Grant date	—

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

1 . An apparatus comprising:
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.

2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a post extending from the kiosk such that one end of the post is elevated higher than the kiosk, and wherein the one or more computer-vision-based object tracking modules are mounted on the post, 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 kiosk 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 kiosk.

6 . The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the one or more one 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 7 , further comprising a bracket for each of the two or more modules, the brackets being used to mount each module on a different side of the elevated end of the post.

9 . The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein wiring to the one or more modules passes through the interior of the post and exits an opening at the elevated end.

10 . The apparatus of claim 2 , further comprising a bracket with a mounting plate, opposing side walls, and a channel bar secured at each end to the side walls.

11 . The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the mounting plate of the bracket has an angled flange with which to secure the bracket to the elevated end of the post.

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

13 . An apparatus comprising;
a kiosk including a computing system with a display screen disposed atop a pedestal; one or more computer-vision-based object tracking and guidance modules, each module including a camera assembly including an image sensor that captures images within its field of view and a lighting assembly housing one or more light sources, the camera assembly to acquire the images captured by the image sensor and with the lighting assembly to control operation of the one or more light sources; and one or more processors configured to acquire information about an object, to associate a location within the field of view of the image sensor with the object, to illuminate light emitted by the directional light source at the location associated with the object, and, based on an image acquired from the camera assembly, to detect change within the field of view of the image sensor corresponding to placement or removal of the object.

14 . The apparatus of claim 13 , further comprising a vertical mounting apparatus having first and second ends, the vertical mounting apparatus being connected to the kiosk at the first end such that the second end is elevated above the kiosk, and wherein the one or more modules are mounted to the second, elevated end of the vertical mounting apparatus wherein the vertical mounting apparatus is adjustable in height.

15 . The apparatus of claim 14 , wherein the vertical mounting apparatus includes first and second sections, one of the first and second sections sliding into the other of the first and second sections.

16 . The apparatus of claim 14 , wherein the vertical mounting apparatus is secured to a rear side of the kiosk or at the first end to any one of the rear, top, or side of the pedestal.

17 . The apparatus of claim 16 , wherein the one or more computer-vision-based object tracking and guidance modules comprise two or more modules mounted to the elevated end of the vertical mounting apparatus.

18 . The apparatus of claim 17 , 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 vertical mounting apparatus at angles relative to each other offering up to a 360-degree tracking area.

19 . The apparatus of claim 14 , wherein wiring to each module mounted to the vertical mounting apparatus passes through the interior of the vertical mounting apparatus and exits through an opening at the elevated end.

20 . The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the one or more computer-vision-based object tracking and guidance modules are integral with a rear surface of the kiosk.

21 . A kiosk that tracks objects, comprising:
a camera that performs a computer vision tracking of objects within a field of view; and an apparatus providing light guidance with respect to a tracked object through either projection, through a projector or laser apparatus that shines a light on the targeted object, or task lighting.

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

• G07F17/40

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