US20140277841A1

US20140277841A1 - Motorized Luggage or Luggage Platform with Wired or Wireless Guidance and Distance Control

Info

Publication number: US20140277841A1
Application number: US13/844,532
Authority: US
Inventors: Elizabeth Klicpera; Michael Klicpera
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-03-15
Filing date: 2013-03-15
Publication date: 2014-09-18

Abstract

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.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

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 INVENTION

The 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 INVENTION

Motorized 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 INVENTION

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.
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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary environment where individuals are negotiating through hallways with corners and one individual is walking with his/her motorized luggage that is wireless following the path of the individual;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an individual walking with the present invention motorized luggage using wireless technology to follow the walking path of the individual.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention showing an individual walking motorized luggage using wire tether technology to follow the walking path of the individual.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of an exemplary motorized luggage with one set of wheels designed for steering and another set of wheels designed to provide propulsion means.

FIG. 5 is a side view taken from FIG. 4 showing the set of wheels designed for steering.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the propulsion means including a battery power supply, a drive motor, optional gearing, one or more drive wheels and a microprocessor printed circuit board;

FIG. 7 is an exemplary electrical circuitry and programmable microprocessor printed circuit board used with the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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 FIG. 1, which is a perspective view of an exemplary environment 16 where individuals are negotiating through hallways 14 with corners 26 and one individual 20 is walking with his/her motorized luggage 10 that is following the path of the individual 20 using wireless technology 12. The exemplary environment 16 generally could be an airport, rail station, boat station or other general public transportation but could also consist of residential or commercial facilities. Such exemplary environment 16, as shown, has various hallways 14 with a corner intersects two individual hallways 14. The Figure shows a walking pathway 30 with various positions 32 and 34. Also shown in this Figure are other individuals 22 a, 22 b walking or present within the exemplary environment 16 with the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an individual 20 walking with the present invention motorized luggage 10 having a top mounted handle 11 and using wireless technology 12 to follow the walking path of the individual 20. On the bottom 24 of the motorized luggage 10 are one or more steering wheels 40 and one or more propulsion wheels 42. In this situation, the one or more propulsion wheels push the motorized luggage 10 from the posterior or back position. While the Figure details the one or more steering wheels 40 in the anterior or front position and the one or more propulsion 42 in the posterior or back position, it is anticipated by the Applicants that one or more steering wheels 40 can be in the posterior or back position and the one or more propulsion 42 in the anterior or front position. In this situation, the one or more propulsion wheels would pull the motorized luggage 10 from the anterior or from position. Furthermore, it is Anticipated by the Applicant the one or more steering wheels 40 can be physically associated with or incorporated within the one or more propulsion wheels 42 located in either the anterior/front position or in the posterior/back position. In this situation, one or more free wheels will be utilized to provide stabilization. While FIG. 2 shows the motorized technology associated with luggage, it is anticipated by the Applicants that this technology can be also utilized with baby carriages, buggies, or trolleys, shopping carts, golf bags and caddies, laundry carts, wheelbarrows, wagons, vacuum cleaners or other apparatus that individuals pull or push. While FIG. 2 also shows the motorized luggage apparatus 10 following an individual 20, it is also anticipated that the motorized luggage apparatus 10 can be designed to be located to maintain its positioned in front of the individual 20 or maintain its positioned on the left or right side of the individual 20. The advantages of having the motorized luggage positioned in front or at the side of the individual 20 is that the individual 20 can maintain visual contact with the motorized luggage apparatus 10.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention motorized luggage 23 has a handle 11 and showing an individual 21 walking with the present invention motorized luggage 23 using wire tether technology 18 to follow the walking path of the individual 21. On the bottom 24 of the motorized luggage 10 are one or more steering wheels 36 and one or more propulsion wheels 38. In this situation, the one or more propulsion wheels push the motorized luggage 23 from the posterior or back position. While this Figure details the one or more steering wheels 36 in the anterior or front position and the one or more propulsion 38 in the posterior or back position, it is anticipated by the Applicants that one or more steering wheels 36 can be in the posterior or back position and the one or more propulsion 38 in the anterior or front position. In this situation, the one or more propulsion wheels would pull the motorized luggage 10 from the anterior or from position. Furthermore, it is Anticipated by the Applicant the one or more steering wheels 36 can be physically associated with or incorporated within the one or more propulsion wheels 38 located in either the anterior/front position or in the posterior/back position. In this situation, one or more free wheels will be utilized to provide stabilization. No particularly shown is preferably four way switching technology provides a means to inputting instructions that is in close proximity to the junction between the tether which attaches to the motorized luggage 23. For example, when the individual turns left and moves the tether to the left a switch can be engaged to rotate the one or more steering wheels 36 to turn left. And then when the tether is centered, the switch is turn off and the wheels return to the center straight position. Similarly when the individual turns right and moves the tether to the right a switch can be engaged to rotate the one or more steering wheels 36 to turn right. And then when the tether is centered, the switch is turn off and the wheels return to the center straight position. Also, to remain in a relatively fixed distance from the individual, when the tether move up (as it get closer to the individual), the switching mechanism engages in such a way that motor is instructed to reduce its rate of forward motion (slow down). And then when the tether is centered, the motor returns to the original forward motion. When the tether moves down (as it gets farther from the individual), the switching mechanism engages in such a way that motor is instructed to increase its rate of forward motion (speed up). And then when the tether is centered, the motor returns to the original forward motion. The 4 way switching mechanism could also be similar to the toggle controls used in remote small-car technology. It is also anticipated by the Applicant that the various switch inputs, e.g. the frequency and duration of needs to increase the forward motion, can continually be analyzed by a programmable microprocessor or CPU to determine a forward motion that attain the forward motion of the individual, Hence, the motorized luggage will have electrical circuitry with a programmable microprocessor or CPU that communicates with the steering mechanism and the propulsion mechanism.
FIG. 4 is a bottom view of an exemplary motorized luggage with one set of wheels designed for steering and another set of wheels designed to provide propulsion means. The motorized luggage apparatus 10 can be in an upright configuration as shown in FIG. 2 or in a horizontal configuration as shown in FIG. 3. Shown in this FIG. 4 are left steering wheel 36 a, 42 a, and a right steering wheel 36 b, 42 b. Also shown are left propulsion wheels 40 a, 38 a, and right propulsion wheels 40 b, 38 b. Approximately centered between the propulsions wheels is a motor 46 (preferably electric but could be powered by other means, e.g. gas or alcohol) and a power pack 60. The power pack 60 is preferably a rechargeable lithium, cadmium, alkaline, (see list) or other battery technology. Although not necessary to the present invention, an in attempt to minimize weight, the power pack 60 can be designed with the electric motor 46 to provide a reasonable but limited amount that will provide motorized capability for 30-90 minutes. The motor 46 is connected to the one or more propulsion wheels 40 a, 38 a, 40 b, 38 b but left shaft 66 and right shaft 68. Also shown is latching mechanism 54 that is designed to allow the motor 46 and power pack 60 to be removed from the unit to reduce weight, comply with governmental regulation, provide for convenient charging, or for other purposes. It is also anticipated that the motor can be located in various locations and coupled to the propulsion wheels using standard technology. It is also anticipated by the one or more steering wheels, one or more propulsion wheels, the motor and associated components, power pack, electrical circuitry can be engaged or attached to a platform that many types of non-motorized luggage can be placed on the platform for wireless motorized operation. Furthermore, electrical stepping motors or motorized wheels can be utilized with the present invention which would alleviate the need for a separate motor 46 and axles 44 a and 44 b. In addition, the Applicant anticipates that the propulsion system can be other than wheels, such a track system analogous to those used on snowmobiles.
FIG. 5 is a side view taken from FIG. 4 showing the one or more wheels designed for steering. The steering wheel(s) 40 can be controlled by a steering mechanism or can be free-wheeling when the propulsion wheels 42 a and 42 b are used for steering.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the propulsion means including a battery power supply 60, a drive motor 46, optional gearing 64, one or more drive wheels 42 and a microprocessor printed circuit board 62. As described, the propulsion wheels can be stepping type or motor wheels and furthermore, the propulsion wheels can be utilized for steering guidance by utilizing the electrical circuitry and programmable microprocessor to control the rotational speed of each wheel, such that if on wheel is control to rotate faster than another wheel it will compel the apparatus to turn (e.g. a rear mounted right wheel rotating faster will turn the apparatus to the left and a rear mounted left wheel rotating faster will turn the apparatus to the right. Conversely, if a right front mounted wheel (front wheel drive) rotates faster, the apparatus will turn to the right and if a left front mounted wheel (front wheel drive) rotates faster, the apparatus will turn to the left.
FIG. 7 shows is an exemplary electrical circuitry and programmable microprocessor printed circuit board used with the present invention. The microprocessor 84 that processes the information sensors and uses internal instructions to control the information projected on the optional display 80 and for processing alarm states. In addition, the microprocessor can signal visually or auditory various information, such as battery strength, wireless disconnection or interference between apparatus and user, malfunction states, etc. The microprocessor can include an EEPROM or any type of memory section that allows for specific programming to be incorporated as processing instructions, Furthermore, the microprocessor may have the capability to convert analog signals into digital information for decoding and processing. An example of a microprocessor that could be used for the CPU or microprocessor is the PIC16F876 28-pin 8-Bit CMOS FLASH micro-controllers manufactured by Microchip Technology, Inc. This particular microprocessor has a 128K EEPROM Data memory bank for flash memory of specific instructions and utilizes a 35-word instruction set. It also has five 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Inputs that can provide the means for converting the information. Other Microchip alternatives could be the PIC18FXXX series of microprocessors. Another example of a microprocessor that could be used for the CPU or microprocessor is the MSP430 16 bit Ultra Low processor from Texas Instruments in Dallas, Tex. The MSP430 has 1 KB RAM, 32K Flash, and a 128 segment LCD drive. There are many other variants or other microprocessors, whether commercially marketed or privately fabricated, that can be used with the present invention.

Operational Technology

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:


Frequency range	Center frequency
[Hz]	[Hz]	Availability

6.765-6.795	MHz	6.780	MHz	Subject to local acceptance
13.553-13.567	MHz	13.560	MHz
26.957-27.283	MHz	27.120	MHz
40.66-40.70	MHz	40.68	MHz
433.05-434.79	MHz	433.92	MHz	Region 1 only
902-928	MHz	915	MHz	Region 2 only
2.400-2.500	GHz	2.450	GHz
5.725-5.875	GHz	5.800	GHz
24-24.25	GHz	24.125	GHz
61-61.5	GHz	61.25	GHz	Subject to local acceptance
122-123	GHz	122.5	GHz	Subject to local acceptance
244-246	GHz	245	GHz	Subject to local acceptance

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.
$l = \frac{d}{\tan α} + \frac{d}{\tan β}$ $Therefore$ $d = l / (\frac{1}{\tan α} + \frac{1}{\tan β})$
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:
$d = \frac{l \sin α \sin β}{\sin (α + β)}$
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 Technology

When 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.