System and method of monitoring and controlling motorized passenger carts

• US 9,145,067 B1
• Filed: 06/05/2014
• Issued: 09/29/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 06/05/2014
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Shane J. Dahlen
• Original Assignee: Shane J. Dahlen
• Inventors: Dahlen, Shane J
• Primary Examiner(s): Tarcza, Thomas
• Assistant Examiner(s): Dunn, Alex C
• Application Number:
  US14/297,402
• Time in Patent Office: 481 Days
• Field of Search: 701/22
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2031/0091 Speed limiters or speed cutters
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 15/10 for automatic control superimposed on human control to limit the acceleration of the vehicle, e.g. to prevent excessive motor current electric devices for safety purposes B60L3/00
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 15/2009 for braking
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 15/40 Adaptation of control equipment on vehicle for remote actuation from a stationary place devices along the route for controlling devices on rail vehicles B61L3/00; central rail-traffic control systems B61L27/00
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2200/20 Vehicles specially adapted for children, e.g. toy vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/3697 Output of additional, non-guidance related information, e.g. low fuel level G01C21/3679 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 1/00 Beacons or beacon systems transmitting signals having a characteristic or characteristics capable of being detected by non-directional receivers and defining directions, positions, or position lines fixed relatively to the beacon transmitters; Receivers co-operating therewith position fixing by co-ordinating a plurality of determinations of direction or position lines G01S5/00
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 19/16 Anti-theft; Abduction
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0205 Specific application combined with child monitoring using a transmitter-receiver system
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0261 System arrangements wherein the object is to detect trespassing over a fixed physical boundary, e.g. the end of a garden
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0269 System arrangements wherein the object is to detect the exact location of child or item using a navigation satellite system, e.g. GPS
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/72 Electric energy management in electromobility

Abstract

In accordance with one embodiment, a system is provided for safely conveying passengers indoors using a steerable motorized passenger cart, the maximum speed of which is limited based on its location within the interior space. In particular embodiments, the present invention further includes an interchangeable vehicle skin affixed to the motorized passenger cart.

Claims

1. A conveyance system, comprising:

a motorized passenger cart operable to be steered by a passenger;

a controller configured to digitally control the operation of the motorized passenger cart;

a positioning device, coupled to the controller, operable to determine the location of the motorized passenger cart relative to the layout of a known interior space;

a speed governor, coupled to the controller, operable to limit the maximum speed of the motorized passenger cart based on a determined location; and

an interchangeable vehicle skin affixed to the motorized passenger cart.

2. The conveyance system of claim 1, further comprising:

a speed controller that regulates the motorized passenger cart'"'"'s speed such that a constant speed may be achieved regardless of passenger weight, friction from the riding surface, or variation in terrain.

3. The conveyance system of claim 1, further comprising:

a motorized braking mechanism operable to stop the motorized passenger cart when the throttle is released.

4. The conveyance system of claim 1, further comprising:

a graphical display.

5. The conveyance system of claim 4, wherein the graphical display shows the current position of the motorized passenger cart on a map.

6. The conveyance system of claim 4, wherein the graphical display shows advertising based on a determined location of the motorized passenger cart.

7. The conveyance system of claim 4, wherein the graphical display shows remaining rental time and an option to purchase more time.

8. The conveyance system of claim 4, wherein the graphical display shows navigation guidance to assist the rider in locating a destination within a retail space.

9. A remote tethering method, comprising the steps:

associating a motorized passenger cart with a guardian;

determining the distance of the motorized passenger cart from the guardian;

limiting the maximum speed of the motorized passenger cart based on the distance;

associating the motorized passenger cart with the passenger;

associating the passenger with the guardian; and

sounding an alarm if the passenger leaves the motorized passenger cart unescorted by the guardian.

10. The remote tethering method of claim 9, further comprising the steps:

defining an operating area;

determining the location of the motorized passenger cart; and

sounding an alarm if the location is outside the operating area.

11. The remote tethering method of claim 9, further comprising the steps:

determining the location of the motorized passenger cart;

determining the distance of the passenger from the motorized passenger cart; and

notifying the guardian of an approximate location of the passenger.

12. A method of remotely towing a motorized passenger cart, comprising the steps:

forming a wireless bond between a motorized passenger cart and a tow;

determining the distance of the motorized passenger cart from the tow;

determining the speed of the tow relative to the motorized passenger cart;

determining the bearing of the tow; and

automatically adjusting the speed and the heading of the motorized passenger cart, based on the speed and the bearing of the tow, so as to keep the distance within a preconfigured range.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the tow is a guardian.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the tow is another motorized passenger cart.