Multiple Camera System for Inventory Tracking
First Claim
1. A camera system for inventory monitoring, comprising:
- a movable base;
multiple cameras supported by the movable base, the multiple cameras being directable toward inventory;
a processing module connected to the multiple cameras and able to construct inventory related information;
a data storage module connected to the processing module and able to store inventory related information; and
a communication module connected to the processing module to transfer inventory related information to remote locations.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A camera system for inventory monitoring includes a movable base that supports multiple cameras. The multiple cameras are directed toward inventory to take a series of pictures along aisle of a retail store or warehouse. A processing module connected to the multiple cameras is used to stitch together the pictures, and along with depth information and product identification information, construct a real time or near real time inventory mapping of products positioned on aisle shelves. This information can be transferred to remote locations to simplify and speed product ordering, and assist in maintenance of appropriate product stock levels.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A camera system for inventory monitoring, comprising:
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a movable base; multiple cameras supported by the movable base, the multiple cameras being directable toward inventory; a processing module connected to the multiple cameras and able to construct inventory related information; a data storage module connected to the processing module and able to store inventory related information; and a communication module connected to the processing module to transfer inventory related information to remote locations. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A inventory monitoring method, comprising the steps of:
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allowing an autonomous robot to move along a shelf lined aisle holding inventory, with the autonomous robot acting as a movable base for multiple cameras; directing the multiple cameras toward inventory and shelf labels on the shelf lined aisle; defining bounding boxes around potential inventory related information in an image taken with the multiple cameras; associating selected bounding boxes in the image to selected shelf labels; transferring inventory related information to remote locations using a communication module; and receiving inventory related information from remote locations.
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12. A inventory monitoring method, comprising the steps of:
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allowing an autonomous robot to move along a shelf lined aisle holding inventory, with the autonomous robot acting as a movable base for multiple cameras; maintaining a substantially constant distance from the shelf lined aisle holding inventory while moving in a forward direction; directing the multiple cameras toward inventory on the shelf lined aisle; determining inventory related information from multiple camera images of inventory positioned along the shelf lined aisle holding inventory, using a processing module contained in the autonomous robot; and pausing, reversing, or marking for further multiple camera inspection if inventory related information for a portion of the shelf lined aisle is incomplete. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14)
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15. A inventory monitoring method, comprising the steps of:
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allowing an autonomous robot to move along a shelf lined aisle holding inventory, with the autonomous robot acting as a movable base for multiple cameras; directing the multiple cameras toward inventory on the shelf lined aisle; determining inventory related information from camera images of inventory positioned along the shelf lined aisle using a processing module contained in the autonomous robot; detecting and reading shelf labels; detecting distance from at least one the multiple cameras to the shelf lined aisle using at least one distance ranging system; defining bounding boxes around potential inventory in an image taken with at least one of the multiple cameras; and associating selected bounding boxes in the image to selected shelf labels to build at least one of a product classifier or a product library. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification