Examples of systems and methods for locating movable objects such as carts (e.g., shopping carts) are disclosed. Such systems and methods can use dead reckoning techniques to estimate the current position of the movable object. Various techniques for improving accuracy of position estimates are disclosed, including compensation for various error sources involving the use of magnetometer and accelerometer, and using vibration analysis to derive wheel rotation rates. Various techniques utilize characteristics of the operating environment in conjunction with or in lieu of dead reckoning techniques, including characteristic of environment such as ground texture, availability of signals from radio frequency (RF) transmitters including precision fix sources. Navigation techniques can include navigation history and backtracking, motion direction detection for dual swivel casters, use of gyroscopes, determining cart weight, multi-level navigation, multi-level magnetic measurements, use of lighting signatures, use of multiple navigation systems, or hard/soft iron compensation for different cart configurations.
NAVIGATION SYSTEMS FOR WHEELED CARTS
2020-01-16
Patent
Electronic Resource
English
IPC: | B62B Von Hand bewegte Fahrzeuge, z.B. Handkarren oder Kinderwagen , HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS / G01C Messen von Entfernungen, Höhen, Neigungen oder Richtungen , MEASURING DISTANCES, LEVELS OR BEARINGS / G01P MEASURING LINEAR OR ANGULAR SPEED, ACCELERATION, DECELERATION OR SHOCK , Messen der Linear- oder Winkelgeschwindigkeit, der Beschleunigung, der Verzögerung oder des Stoßes / G01R Messen elektrischer Größen , MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES |