公开(公告)号：CA2996604A1

公开(公告)日：2017-03-09

申请号：CA2996604

申请日：2016-09-02

Applicant: GATEKEEPER SYSTEMS INC

Inventor： CARTER SCOTT J ,  HANNAH STEPHEN E ,  JAMES JESSE M ,  RAMANATHAN NARAYANAN V

IPC: B62B5/00 ,  B60W40/105

Abstract: 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. Also disclosed are various techniques to 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. Such systems and methods can be applied in both indoor and outdoor settings and in retail or warehouse settings.

公开(公告)号：CA2896121C

公开(公告)日：2016-08-30

申请号：CA2896121

申请日：2006-03-20

Applicant: GATEKEEPER SYSTEMS INC

Inventor： HANNAH STEPHEN E ,  CARTER SCOTT J ,  JAMES JESSE M

IPC: E05B73/00 ,  B62B5/04 ,  G05D1/02 ,  H01Q21/00 ,  H04B7/26 ,  H04B17/318

Abstract: A system for controlling shopping cart usage in the vicinity of a parking lot. The system includes a device that repeatedly transmits a lock command from a directional antenna, the directional antenna mounted above ground and angled downward to create a lock zone in which shopping cart use is restricted, the lock zone encompassing an exit area associated with the parking lot and a plurality of shopping carts, each shopping cart comprising a brake mechanism, and comprising a radio frequency (RF) communication circuit that is responsive to the lock command by activating the brake mechanism.

公开(公告)号：CA2972480A1

公开(公告)日：2016-07-21

申请号：CA2972480

申请日：2016-01-08

Applicant: GATEKEEPER SYSTEMS INC

Inventor： HANNAH STEPHEN E ,  JAMES JESSE M ,  CARTER SCOTT J

IPC: G01S13/75 ,  B62B3/14 ,  B62B5/00 ,  B62B5/04 ,  G01M17/013 ,  G01N19/08 ,  G01S13/74

Abstract: Various embodiments of a system for tracking and/or controlling wheeled vehicles (such as shopping carts), are described. In some embodiments, the system includes an RFID tag on the cart and an RFID reader device external to the cart. The tag can receive an interrogation signal from the reader and reply with a response signal. In various embodiments, the reader or a central control unit can perform various calculations based on the response signal, such as generating a received signal strength indication (RSSI) value. In some embodiments, based on the RSSI value or otherwise, the reader can send a command signal to the tag to take an action, such as to engage a brake mechanism.

公开(公告)号：CA2601569C

公开(公告)日：2015-08-18

申请号：CA2601569

申请日：2006-03-20

Applicant: GATEKEEPER SYSTEMS INC

Inventor： CARTER SCOTT J ,  HANNAH STEPHEN E ,  JAMES JESSE M

IPC: G01C21/00

Abstract: A navigation system uses a dead reckoning method to estimate an object's present position relative to one or more prior positions. In some embodiments, the dead reckoning method determines a change in position from the object's heading and speed during an elapsed time interval. In embodiments suitable for use with wheeled objects, the dead reckoning method determines the change in position by measuring the heading and the amount of wheel rotation. In a preferred embodiment, the heading is determined with reference to the Earth's magnetic field by disposing magnetic sensors in or on the object. Error correction and position reset procedures may be implemented to reduce accumulated navigational error. In preferred embodiments, some or all of the navigation system is disposed within a wheel of the object. In certain embodiments, the navigation system determines whether the object has exited a confinement area and activates an anti-theft system such as an alarm or a wheel locking mechanism. The navigation system can be configured to communicate with external markers and/or RF transmitters. In some embodiments, the markers comprise magnetic elements arranged to produce a magnetic signal indicating a direction or other suitable information.

公开(公告)号：ES2982127T3

公开(公告)日：2024-10-14

申请号：ES22177661

申请日：2006-03-20

Applicant: GATEKEEPER SYSTEMS INC

Inventor： HANNAH STEPHEN E ,  CARTER SCOTT J ,  JAMES JESSE M

IPC: G01C21/00 ,  G01C17/00

公开(公告)号：AU2023201924A1

公开(公告)日：2023-05-04

申请号：AU2023201924

申请日：2023-03-29

Applicant: GATEKEEPER SYSTEMS INC

Inventor： RAMANATHAN NARAYANAN V ,  CARTER SCOTT J ,  HANNAH STEPHEN E ,  JAMES JESSE M ,  JOHNSON JACK L ,  HARLING ROBERT M

IPC: B62B5/04 ,  G06V10/147 ,  G08B13/00 ,  G08B13/196

Abstract: A system for monitoring shopping baskets (e.g., baskets on human-propelled carts, motorized carts, or hand-carried baskets) can include a computer vision unit that can image a surveillance region (e.g., an exit to a store), determine whether a basket is empty or loaded with merchandise, and assess a potential for theft of the merchandise. The computer vision unit can include a camera and an image processor programmed to execute a computer vision algorithm to identify shopping baskets and determine a load status of the basket. The computer vision algorithm can comprise a neural network. The system can identify an at least partially loaded shopping basket that is exiting the store, without indicia of having paid for the merchandise, and execute an anti-theft action, e.g., actuating an alarm, notifying store personnel, activating a store surveillance system, activating an anti-theft device associated with the basket (e.g., a locking shopping cart wheel), etc.

公开(公告)号：AU2019335011A1

公开(公告)日：2021-04-01

申请号：AU2019335011

申请日：2019-09-05

Applicant: GATEKEEPER SYSTEMS INC

Inventor： RAMANATHAN NARAYANAN V ,  CARTER SCOTT J ,  HANNAH STEPHEN E ,  JAMES JESSE M ,  JOHNSON JACK L ,  HARLING ROBERT M

IPC: B62B5/04 ,  G06V10/147 ,  G08B13/00 ,  G08B13/196

Abstract: A system for monitoring shopping baskets (e.g., baskets on human-propelled carts, motorized carts, or hand-carried baskets) can include a computer vision unit that can image a surveillance region (e.g., an exit to a store), determine whether a basket is empty or loaded with merchandise, and assess a potential for theft of the merchandise. The computer vision unit can include a camera and an image processor programmed to execute a computer vision algorithm to identify shopping baskets and determine a load status of the basket. The computer vision algorithm can comprise a neural network. The system can identify an at least partially loaded shopping basket that is exiting the store, without indicia of having paid for the merchandise, and execute an anti-theft action, e.g., actuating an alarm, notifying store personnel, activating a store surveillance system, activating an anti-theft device associated with the basket (e.g., a locking shopping cart wheel), etc.

公开(公告)号：CA2620062A1

公开(公告)日：2007-03-01

申请号：CA2620062

申请日：2006-08-25

Applicant: GATEKEEPER SYSTEMS INC

Inventor： CARTER SCOTT J ,  JAMES JESSE M ,  HANNAH STEVEN E

IPC: B60T7/16

Abstract: A system for controlling movement of a personal mobility vehicle near a restricted region is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a detector that is configured to be disposed on the personal mobility vehicle and that is configured to receive an electromagnetic signal transmitted to the restricted region. The system also includes a control unit configured to communicate with the detector. The control unit is further configured to determine proximity of the detector to the restricted region using information related to the signal received by the detector. The control unit is also configured to provide a command to inhibit movement of the personal mobility vehicle in response to the determined proximity of the vehicle to the restricted region.

公开(公告)号：CA2934736A1

公开(公告)日：2006-09-28

申请号：CA2934736

申请日：2006-03-20

Applicant: GATEKEEPER SYSTEMS INC

Inventor： HANNAH STEPHEN E ,  CARTER SCOTT J ,  JAMES JESSE M

IPC: B60T7/12 ,  A47F10/04 ,  B62B5/00 ,  B62B5/04 ,  G05D1/02

Abstract: A system for use on a shopping cart to enable movement of the shopping cart to be monitored and controlled. The system includes a shopping cart wheel, a braking mechanism configured to inhibit movement of the shopping cart, and electronic circuitry coupled to the braking mechanism, the electronic circuitry configured to detect signals that reflect a current location of the shopping cart wheel, and to transmit status messages via a wireless radio frequency (RF) link, including status messages reflective of the signals detected by the electronic circuitry. The electronic circuitry includes a Very Low Frequency (VLF) receiver configured to detect VLF signals transmitted by a VLF transmitter, and an RF transceiver configured to communicate bi-directionally over the wireless RF link in a frequency band that falls substantially higher than a VLF frequency band. The electronic circuitry further includes a controller coupled to the VLF receiver, the RF transceiver, and the braking mechanism, the controller configured to control the braking mechanism. The electronic circuitry is configured to determine, based at least in part on messages received over the RF link with the RF transceiver, whether to respond to detection of a VLF signal by the VLF receiver by activating the braking mechanism.

公开(公告)号：CA2934721A1

公开(公告)日：2006-09-28

申请号：CA2934721

申请日：2006-03-20

Applicant: GATEKEEPER SYSTEMS INC

Inventor： HANNAH STEPHEN E ,  CARTER SCOTT J ,  JAMES JESSE M

IPC: B62B5/04 ,  B62B3/00

Abstract: A system for retrieving shopping carts. The system includes a plurality of shopping carts, each of which includes radio frequency (RF) communication circuitry coupled to a braking mechanism, the RF communication circuitry being capable of receiving RF transmissions of commands. The system further includes a mechanized cart retrieval unit that pushes or pulls a group of nested carts to facilitate retrieval, the mechanized cart retrieval unit configured to communicate with the RF communication circuitry of the nested carts to cause the braking mechanisms of the nested carts to remain unlocked during mechanized cart retrieval. The shopping carts are ordinarily responsive to detection of a lock zone created via a transmitter by locking their respective braking mechanisms, and the mechanized cart retrieval unit is capable, via communication with the RF communication circuitry of the nested carts, of causing the nested carts to disregard the lock zone transmission signal.