Abstract: An image capture system for tracking target objects includes a movable base that supports one or more image capture modules, each of the image capture modules including a camera module, a first light module and a second light module. The camera module is mounted on a first plane of a mount bracket, the first light module is mounted on a second plane of the mounting bracket, and a second light module is mounted on a third plane of the mounting bracket. The first and second planes define a first angle, the first and third planes define a second angle, and the second angle is larger than the first angle. An output of the first light module and a light output of the second light module is selected based on an operating condition of the camera module.

Abstract: An image capture system for tracking target objects includes a movable base that supports one or more image capture modules, each of the image capture modules including a camera module, a first light module and a second light module. The camera module is mounted on a first plane of a mount bracket, the first light module is mounted on a second plane of the mounting bracket, and a second light module is mounted on a third plane of the mounting bracket. The first and second planes define a first angle, the first and third planes define a second angle, and the second angle is larger than the first angle. An output of the first light module and a light output of the second light module is selected based on an operating condition of the camera module.

Abstract: An automated inventory monitoring system includes an image capture module able to create an image of an aisle of a retail store. Images of products labels are identified in the image and classified as shelf labels or peg labels. For shelf labels, an area of the shelf is defined and associated with the shelf label. Images of products are identified in the image and products on the shelf within an area associated with a shelf label are associated with the shelf label. Products located below a peg label are associated with the peg label. Based on the association between labels and products, out-of-stock products, plugs and spread may be detected and reported to the staff of the retail store.

Abstract: An automated inventory monitoring system includes an image capture module able to create an image of an aisle of a retail store. Product images and shelf label and peg label images are identified in the image and products are associated with product labels based on the positioning of the products with respect to the labels. Based on the association between labels and products, out-of-stock products are detected and reported to the retail store.

Abstract: An automated inventory monitoring system includes an image capture module able to create a panoramic image of an aisle of a retail store. Images captured from the all of the store are stitched together to create a panoramic image of the aisle. Product images and label images are isolated from the panoramic image and classified, and a list of product images and label images is provided.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a shelf includes the steps of moving a camera with multiple focus capability alongside a shelf. A series of shelf images are captured by the camera, with images of at least two different focal lengths being captured. Images having the same focal length can be merged to form at least two panoramic images suitable for further evaluation or review.

Abstract: A system for building a product library without requiring a planogram includes an image capture unit operated to provide images of items. Taking data from a shelf label detector and depth map creation unit, a processing module can be used to compare detected shelf labels to a depth map, define a product bounding box, and associate the bounding box with an image provided by the image capture unit to build image descriptors. The system can include one or more autonomous robots for supporting and moving the image capture unit and other components.

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.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a shelf includes the steps of moving a camera with multiple focus capability alongside a shelf. A series of shelf images are captured by the camera, with images of at least two different focal lengths being captured. Images having the same focal length can be merged to form at least two panoramic images suitable for further evaluation or review.

Abstract: A manually assisted robot inventory monitoring method provides for detecting and reading shelf labels using an autonomous robot. Bounding boxes around possible products in a panoramic image can be taken with at least one camera associated with the autonomous robot. Products in the bounding boxes are automatically identified, with those that are not being later manually identified.

Abstract: A method for greatly reducing data storage requirements of autonomous robots capable of product inventory is described. Instead using high resolution images for label identification and position tracking, a lower resolution map can be searched. Human or machines can identify position of labels, and via a reverse mapping, the corresponding position of a label on the high resolution image can be identified. Except for those portions of the high resolution image showing a label, most of the high resolution image can be discarded. Further processing on the limited image subset can be used to read the labels.

Abstract: An articulated device may include a first steerable multi-linked mechanism and a second steerable multi-linked mechanism. The second steerable multi-linked mechanism may include a first link, a plurality of intermediate links and a second link movably coupled to a second one of the intermediate links. A first one of the intermediate links may be movably coupled to the first link. The articulated device may include a camera located within at least a portion of the second link and a protective shield connected to a distal end of the second link. The protective shield may surround at least a portion of the camera.

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.

Abstract: An articulated device may include a first steerable multi-linked mechanism and a second steerable multi-linked mechanism. The second steerable multi-linked mechanism may include a first link, a plurality of intermediate links and a second link movably coupled to a second one of the intermediate links. A first one of the intermediate links may be movably coupled to the first link. The articulated device may include a camera located within at least a portion of the second link and a protective shield connected to a distal end of the second link. The protective shield may surround at least a portion of the camera.

Abstract: A manually assisted robot inventory monitoring method provides for detecting and reading shelf labels using an autonomous robot. Bounding boxes around possible products in a panoramic image can be taken with at least one camera associated with the autonomous robot. Products in the bounding boxes are automatically identified, with those that are not being later manually identified.

Abstract: A system for building a product library without requiring a planogram includes an image capture unit operated to provide images of items. Taking data from a shelf label detector and depth map creation unit, a processing module can be used to compare detected shelf labels to a depth map, define a product bounding box, and associate the bounding box with an image provided by the image capture unit to build image descriptors. The system can include one or more autonomous robots for supporting and moving the image capture unit and other components.

Abstract: An articulated device may include a first steerable multi-linked mechanism and a second steerable multi-linked mechanism. The second steerable multi-linked mechanism may include a first link, a plurality of intermediate links and a second link movably coupled to a second one of the intermediate links. A first one of the intermediate links may be movably coupled to the first link. The articulated device may include a camera located within at least a portion of the second link and a protective shield connected to a distal end of the second link. The protective shield may surround at least a portion of the camera.

Abstract: An articulated device may include a first steerable multi-linked mechanism and a second steerable multi-linked mechanism. The second steerable multi-linked mechanism may include a first link, a plurality of intermediate links and a second link movably coupled to a second one of the intermediate links. A first one of the intermediate links may be movably coupled to the first link. The articulated device may include a camera located within at least a portion of the second link and a protective shield connected to a distal end of the second link. The protective shield may surround at least a portion of the camera.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a device. The apparatus includes a coupling member, a first arm, a second arm, and a sloped support member. The coupling member defines a first opening and a second opening. The first arm passes through the first opening, and the coupling member is movably connected to the first arm. The second arm passes through the second opening. The sloped support member is releasably connected to the second arm. The apparatus has at least five degrees of freedom.