Motorized Luggage or Luggage Platform with Wired or Wireless Guidance and Distance Control
The present invention comprises a motorized luggage container, luggage bag, or luggage rack apparatus that has a wired or wireless control for controlling the movement of the device. The motorized luggage container, luggage bag, or luggage rack apparatus includes a plurality of wheels, of which one or more of the wheels are engaged to a motor, preferably electric in design, and one or more of the wheels also include a steering mechanism. The motorized luggage container, luggage bag, or luggage rack also includes a power supply, such as one or more batteries, and electrical circuitry for communicating with the wired or wireless control. In the wire control, a tether line is held by the individual for controlling the motorized present invention. In the wireless design, the individual holds, pockets, or otherwise maintains a wireless remote for which the motorized luggage follows from a specified distance.
This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Applications 61/620,010 filed on Apr. 4, 2012. This Provisional applications is incorporated herein by this reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present disclosure relates to traditional luggage container and luggage bags used generally at airports but more specifically, relates to a motorized luggage container or luggage bag that includes wired or wireless control.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONMotorized equipment to replace various previous non-motorized items have been and are being developed as technology is evolving and the need to provide certain assistance for individuals who require the use of the items. One such item is the motorized-wheelchair that has taken over the previous non-motorized wheelchair. The non-motorized wheelchair generally requires another person to propel the wheelchair when the rider is incapacitated or when one is at least partly incapacitated, an associate, spouse or family member is desired for wheelchair assistance. The purpose of motorized wheelchairs is to solve the individual assistance problem of standard wheelchairs and provide the incapacitated or partly incapacitated individual with a wide range of options, such as superior range of motion, ability to travel long distances.
Traditional luggage containers and luggage bags, such as the ones used by airport passengers, are not of the most convenient design. This is partly because of the weight of the luggage and the somewhat awkward way in which individuals must pull or push their luggage. It can be very tiring especially if the passenger needs to walk a long way from one terminal to another.
Hence, there is a need for a luggage container, luggage bag, or luggage rack apparatus to assists individuals in moving their luggage from one location to another.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention comprises a motorized luggage container, luggage bag, or luggage rack apparatus that has a wired or wireless control for controlling the movement of the device. The motorized luggage container, luggage bag, or luggage rack apparatus includes a plurality of wheels, of which one or more of the wheels are engaged to a motor, preferably electric in design, and one or more of the wheels also include a steering mechanism. The motorized luggage container, luggage bag, or luggage rack also includes a power supply, such as one or more batteries, and electrical circuitry for communicating with the wired or wireless control. In the wire control, a tether line is held by the individual for controlling the motorized present invention. In the wireless design, the individual holds, pockets, or otherwise maintains a wireless remote for which the motorized luggage follows from a specified distance.
It is also anticipated that the motorized and steering technology utilized for the present invention could also be applied to shopping carts, baby carriages and buggies, wagons, laundry carts, golf bags with golf caddies and lawnmowers.
Generally, as defined herein;
The term “luggage” refers to is any number of bags, cases and containers which hold a traveler's articles during transit. The modern traveler can be expected to have packages containing clothing, toiletries, small possessions, trip necessities, and on the return-trip, souvenirs. The term “baggage” can be synonymous with “luggage”.
The term “luggage container” refers to a suitcase or similar case that is substantially solid form device with wheels or without wheels for containing clothing, toiletries, small possessions, trip necessities, and on the return-trip, souvenirs.
A luggage bag refers to a substantially flexible device for containing clothing, toiletries, small possessions, trip necessities, and on the return-trip, souvenirs. These luggage bags are almost exclusively soft side, are well suited to casual travel, with very little organization inside and can be worn on the shoulder. Wheeled models with extending handles have become popular in recent years.
A luggage rack apparatus refers to a device that a traditional luggage container, suitcase or luggage bag can be placed upon or on and used for general transportation means.
A typical cell phone, smart phones, or similar apparatus includes all remote cellular phones, mobile phones, PDAs, tablets (e.g. refers to all current and future variants, revisions and generations of the Apple IPAD, Samsung Galaxy, HP, Acer, Microsoft, Nook, Google Nexus, Sony, Kindle and all future tablets manufactured by these and other manufactures, Apple IPOD Touch, Bluetooth timepiece or fob watches and other similar apparatus with WIFI and Bluetooth wireless capability.
The terms propulsion refers to forward or reverse motions, thrust, momentum, impetus or driving force.
Now referring to
There are two important characteristics that the motorized luggage apparatus 10 has, 1) to maintain alignment with the individual 20, and 2) to maintain a desired distance with the individual 20. The following is a discussion of the technology that can be incorporated into the motorized luggage apparatus 10 to provide these characteristics. Another important characteristic of the present invention is to alert an individual when de-coupling of the motorized luggage apparatus 10 and the individual has occurred.
GPS Technology
It is anticipated that GPS technology could be used to provide guidance for the wireless Motorized Luggage or Luggage Platform. GPS is a technology that has certain characteristics. For example, circular error probable (CEP): The accuracy expressed using this term is based on the points that fall within a circle, that is, you get only the horizontal accuracy of the GPS. This is because, out of the total points used to compute the accuracy of the handheld GPS, half of the data-points fall outside the circle centered round the truth (estimated accuracy of the GPS device).
For example, the currently accuracy of GPS is 2 meters CEP, it means that there is 50 percent probability that the measurement lies inside the circle of 2 meters, On the other hand, it also means that there is 50 percent probability that the measurement lies outside the circle with 2 meter radius.
95 Percent Confidence: The accuracy of GPS is also mentioned in 95th percentile. For example, if the ad says that the accuracy of the GPS is accurate to 10 meters, you can be sure that accuracy of the GPS may contain an error of 10 meter circle and a 5 percent probability of the error being greater than 10 meters.
It is essential to understand that there is no such thing as perfect accuracy of GPS. Each measurement, be it for GPS or anything else, has some probability of error. Also, please note that both CEP and 95 percentile are “estimated” and not “guaranteed” error. Hence, the accuracy of GPS as mentioned in the ads by GPS vendors may or may not be precise, taking into account, the above mentioned error possibilities. Try to go for a handheld whose error possibilities are minimum based on above explanations.
The accuracy can be expressed in a manner that describes the 50th percentile (e.g. half the data is better than the stated value, half the data is worse than the stated value). Alternatively, the accuracy may be described at the 95th percentile (95 percent of the data is better than the specification). The list below states the more common terms used to describe GPS accuracy:
CEP (Circular Error Probable)—Values stated as CEP apply to horizontal accuracy only. Half of the data points fall within a circle of this radius centered on truth, half lie outside this circle. (As a nifty approximation, you may multiply CEP by 2.5 to obtain 2dRMS.)
SEP (Spherical Error Probable)—Applies to combined horizontal and vertical accuracy. Half of the data points fall within a sphere of this radius centered on truth, half lie out side this sphere.
1dRMS (or RMS)—Approximately 68 percent of the data points occur within this distance of truth. It should be expressed clearly whether the accuracy value refers only to horizontal or to both horizontal and vertical. (Note that 1dRMS can be double or tripled to obtain 2dRMS or 3dRMS.)
2dRMS—Approximately 95 percent of the data points occur with this distance of truth. It should be expressed clearly whether the accuracy value refers only to horizontal or to both horizontal and vertical.
3dRMS—Approximately 99.7 percent of the data points occur with this distance of truth. It should be expressed clearly whether the accuracy value refers only to horizontal or to both horizontal and vertical.
The vast majority of GPS-based data collection systems for GIS utilize the civilian C/A code (as opposed to the military P code). The U.S. military runs a program that almost always degrades this GPS C/A code. This governmental degradation of the GPS signal (known as Selective Availability, or S/A) has an equal impact on all C/A code GPS receivers. The specified accuracy of positions under the influence of S/A is that the horizontal coordinates will be within 100 meters of truth 95 percent of the time. This specification will hold true regardless of the manufacturer or model of C/A code receiver. It is true that the effects of S/A can be removed by using a process known as differential correction. However, without the benefit of differential correction all C/A code receivers are essentially the same accuracy, less than 100 meters 95 percent of the time. A less common, but very misleading, tactic is to advertise or display the hypothetical accuracy of the GPS receiver as if there were no S/A in effect. Some systems will display such a hypothetical accuracy even when S/A is an full force. When researching accuracy claims, compare the accuracy after differential correction this is the only meaningful accuracy value.
To operate properly a GPS chip or receiver would have to be located in the luggage and a GPS chip receiver located with the individual and then software would have to be communicated between the luggage and the individual. The software would compare the two locations to guide and determine the distance between the two GPS receivers to determine the speed.
Sensor Technology
Various sensor technology can be used for guidance of the wireless Motorized Luggage or Luggage Platform. Two or more sensors can be placed at a strategic location on the wireless Motorized Luggage or Luggage Platform that communicates with another sensor that is attached to the individual who desires the wireless Motorized Luggage or Luggage Platform to follow the individual. Such technology includes but is not limited to, ultrasonic waves, magnetic wave technology, and laser technology, which are generated from the sensor. Ultrasonic, magnetic and laser waves from the plurality of sensor can be focused to provide guidance for the wireless Motorized Luggage or Luggage Platform and measuring the timing of the ultrasonic, magnetic or laser waves can provide distance information. Software with a programmable microprocessor can be incorporate the ultrasonic, magnetic or laser sensors to adjust and calibrate the guidance and distance parameters.
It is also anticipated that the wireless technology use to communication use wireless protocols that can be utilized with the present invention include, but are not limited to, the IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g and IEEE 802.11n modulation techniques. Another example of the wireless protocols that can be utilized with the present invention is the Bluetooth IEE 802.15.1 and ZigBee and/or Z-wave with uses the IEE 802.15.4 modulation technology. Applicants recognize that there are numerous wireless protocols that have been developed that, although not specifically listed, could be utilized with the present invention for data transfer purposes. It is also anticipated that the wireless technology use to communication use wireless protocols that can be utilized with the present invention include, but are not limited to, the IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g and IEEE 802.11n modulation techniques. Another example of the wireless protocols that can be utilized with the present invention is the ZigBee, Z-wave and IEE 802.15.4 modulation technology. Applicants recognize that there are numerous wireless protocols that have been developed that, although not specifically listed, could be utilized with the present invention for data transfer purposes. The wireless technology can use radio-frequency, Bluetooth, WiFi, Zigbee, optical or other wireless technology for communicating between the motorized luggage and the individual. Examples of Bluetooth modules (using the 2.4 GHz band as WiFi) that can be added to the present invention are the RN-41 Bluetooth modules available from Roving Networks in Los Gatos, Calif., the KC-41, KC 11.4, KC-5100, KC-216 or KC-225 data serial modules from KC Wireless in Tempe Ariz., and/or the BT-21 module from Amp'ed RF wireless solutions in San Jose, Calif. Examples of wireless protocols that can be utilized with the present invention include, but are not limited to, the IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g and IEEE 802.11n modulation techniques. Applicants recognize that there are numerous wireless protocols that have been developed that, although not specifically listed, could be utilized with the present invention for data transfer purposes.
ISM bands defined by the ITU-R are:
While currently the 430 MHz and 900 MHz frequencies are commonly used in the US, it is anticipated by the Applicants that the other frequencies could be used for signal and data transfers.
Bluetooth, standardized as IEEE 802.15.1, is a wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances (using short-wavelength radio transmissions in the ISM band from 2400-2480 MHz) from fixed and mobile devices, creating personal area networks (PANs) with high levels of security. Zigbee aims at automation whereas Bluetooth aims at connectivity of mobile devices in close proximity. Zigbee uses low data rates, low power consumption on small packet devices while blue tooth uses higher data rates, higher power consumption on large packet devices. Zigbee networks support longer range devices and more in number compared to Bluetooth networks whose range is small. Given Zigbee's almost instant network join times (30 milliseconds) it is more suitable for critical applications while Bluetooth's longer join time detrimental (3 seconds).
The present invention motorized luggage can include three or more receivers that can identify and triangulate different signals coming from the users smart or mobile phone, tablet, or watch that incorporates Bluetooth technology specialized Bluetooth device.
The coordinates and distance to a point can be found by calculating the length of one side of a triangle, given measurements of angles and sides of the triangle formed by that point and two other known reference points.
The following formulas apply in flat or Euclidean geometry.
Using the trigonometric identities tan α=sin α/cos α and sin (α+β)=sin α cos β+cos α sin β, this is equivalent to:
From this, it is easy to determine the distance of the unknown point from either an observation point, and its north/south and east/west offsets from the observation point, and therefore its full coordinates.
A microcontroller is located on the present invention motorized luggage then interprets the Bluetooth signals from the smart phone's, tablet, watch with Bluetooth wireless capability or specialized Bluetooth device that is carried by an individual and calculates the position of the luggage or suitcase in relation to the individual, The same microcontroller also operates one or more wheels of a continuous single or multiple caterpillar track system which moves the suitcase around, following the owner at a constant distance. If the Bluetooth signal is lost, the user is alerted by a phone, tablet, or watch vibration or audio annunciation and the suitcase automatically stops itself.
In addition, two or more wireless sensors, such as ultrasonic or Doppler sensors can be used with the present invention. Using ultra transceiver sensors (e.g. 40,000 Hz sensors) can be used to ping a receiving sensor. A transceiver sensor can be on the user or individual and the two or more receiving sensors can be on the luggage. The transceiver and receiver sensors need to measure the error between transceiver sensors and the receiving sensors and make adjustments for guidance. One issue that should be used is to scale down the error measurements so that the luggage does not wander back and forth. Another issue would be the determine slope of the error measurements as this would be useful in controlling the speed.
Users can program the bags so that they follow each other or even be passed on to follow a member of airport staff, for example.
Camera Following Object TechnologyWhen using camera following object technology a sensor is position in a position such it can focus on a particular item of the individual to localizing and distance monitoring. It is anticipated that various items can be utilized by the present invention. An example that can be used is a color coded wheel disc have a series of pie section provide a unique color pattern. This embodiment of the device features an RGB camera, depth sensor, an audio means and running proprietary software, which provide 3D motion capture capabilities.
The depth sensor consists of an infrared laser projector combined with a monochrome CMOS sensor, which captures video data. The sensing range of the depth sensor is adjustable. This infrared image shows the laser grid for the present invention uses to calculate depth. The depth map is visualized here using color gradients from white (near) to blue (far).
It is anticipated by the Applicants that the present invention sensor outputs video at a frame rate in the range of 10-60 Hz. The RGB video stream could employ 8-bit VGA resolution (640×480 pixels) with a Bayer color filter, while the monochrome depth sensing video stream is in VGA resolution (640×480 pixels), which provides sufficient level of sensitivity. The present invention sensor should have a practical ranging limit of 0.2-0.5 m (3.9-11 ft) distance when used with the programmable software. The area required is roughly 6 m2, although the sensor can maintain tracking through an extended range of approximately 0.7-6 m (2.3-20 ft). The sensor has an angular field of view of 57° horizontally and 43° vertically, while the motorized pivot is capable of tilting the sensor up to 27° either up or down. The horizontal field of the camera sensor at the minimum viewing distance of ˜0.8 in (2.6 ft) is therefore ˜87 cm (34 in), and the vertical field is ˜63 cm (25 in), resulting in a resolution of just over 1.3 mm (0.051 in) per pixel.
It is also anticipate the wireless signals can used encrypted format to securely provide wireless transfer in a confidential format, integrity technology to ensures that the wireless signal ensures that transferred, uploaded properly or authentication downloaded wireless signal is communicated to an intended device or person.
Claims
1. A motorized luggage apparatus comprising;
- a luggage, luggage container, or a luggage bag;
- said luggage, luggage container, or luggage bag having one or more wheels or tracks;
- an electric motor;
- an electric power source, said power source in communication with said motor;
- said one or more wheels or tracks or engaged to said motor;
- electric circuitry, said electric circuitry in communication with said power source and said motor, and
- a steering mechanism.
2. A motorized luggage, luggage container, or luggage bag as recited in claim 1, wherein said motor is electric and said powers source includes one or more batteries.
3. A motorized luggage, luggage container, or luggage bag as recited in claim 1, wherein said electric motor is a standard brushed internally commutated design.
4. A motorized luggage, luggage container, or luggage bag as recited in claim 1, wherein said electric motor is a stepping design.
5. A motorized luggage, luggage container, or luggage bag as recited in claim 4, wherein said stepping electric motor or said standard brushed internally commutated electric motor also has the capability to function as the steering mechanism.
6. A motorized luggage, luggage container, or luggage bag as recited in claim 1, further comprising a wired tether is in electrical communication with said electrical circuitry.
7. A motorized luggage, luggage container, or luggage bag apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising a remotely located wireless apparatus that provides guidance and distance data that is in wireless electrical communication with said electrical circuitry.
8. A motorized luggage, luggage container, or luggage bag as recited in claim 7, wherein said wireless technology utilizes distance control and localizing or alignment technology.
9. A motorized luggage, luggage container, or luggage bag as recited in claim 7, wherein said wireless technology utilizes optical technology.
10. A motorized luggage, luggage container, or luggage bag as recited in claim 7, wherein said wireless technology utilizes triangulation techniques technology.
11. A motorized luggage, luggage container, or luggage bag as recited in claim 7, wherein said wireless technology utilizes GPS technology.
12. A motorized luggage, luggage container, or luggage bag as recited in claim 7, wherein said wireless technology utilizes ultrasonic, Doppler, magnetic or laser sensor technology.
13. A motorized luggage, luggage container, or luggage bag as recited in claim 7, wherein said wireless technology utilizes camera following technology.
14. A motorized luggage apparatus comprising;
- a luggage rack apparatus;
- said luggage rack apparatus having one or more wheels or tracks;
- an electric motor;
- a electric power source, said power source in communication with said motor;
- said one or more wheels or tracks engaged to said motor;
- electric circuitry, said electric circuitry in communication with said power source and said motor;
- a steering mechanism.
15. A motorized luggage rack apparatus as recited in claim 14, wherein said motor is electric and said powers source includes one or more batteries.
16. A motorized luggage rack apparatus as recited in claim 14, wherein said electric motor is a standard brushed internally commutated design.
17. A motorized luggage rack apparatus as recited in claim 14, wherein said electric motor is a stepping design.
18. A motorized luggage rack apparatus as recited in claim 17, wherein said stepping electric motor or said standard brushed internally commutated electric motor also has the capability to function as the steering mechanism.
19. A motorized luggage rack apparatus as recited in claim 14, further comprising a wired tether is in electrical communication with said electrical circuitry.
20. A motorized luggage rack apparatus as recited in claim 14, further comprising a remotely located wireless apparatus is in wireless electrical communication with said electrical circuitry.
21. A motorized luggage rack apparatus as recited in claim 20, wherein said wireless technology utilizes distance control and localizing or alignment technology.
22. A motorized luggage rack apparatus as recited in claim 20, wherein said wireless technology utilizes optical technology.
23. A motorized luggage rack apparatus as recited in claim 20, wherein said wireless technology utilizes triangulation techniques technology.
24. A motorized luggage rack apparatus as recited in claim 20, wherein said wireless technology utilizes GPS technology.
25. A motorized luggage rack apparatus as recited in claim 20, wherein said wireless technology utilizes ultrasonic, Doppler, magnetic or laser sensor technology.
26. A motorized luggage rack apparatus as recited in claim 20, wherein said wireless technology utilizes camera following technology.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 15, 2013
Publication Date: Sep 18, 2014
Inventors: Elizabeth Klicpera (San Diego, CA), Michael Klicpera (San Diego, CA)
Application Number: 13/844,532
International Classification: A45C 13/00 (20060101);