WO2017184889A1

WO2017184889A1 - Remote controlled cable robot ("rccr"), electronic systems' carrier and data transmission system therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2017184889A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/028679
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gidon ZAFT; Matthew KEITH
Original assignee: Skysledpro Llc.
Priority date: 2016-04-20
Filing date: 2017-04-20
Publication date: 2017-10-26

Abstract

A system for enabling remote-controlled data capture at one or more locations of interest is provided. The system can include a cable system having a plurality of poles and a cable fonning a circuit at each location of interest. The system can include a remote-controlled device connected to each cable system and configured to move along the circuit. The device can include a payload carrier for carrying a payload along the circuit. The device can include an instrument moveable in three-dimensions to provide for data capture of any region within the locations of interest. The instrument can be connected to a local customer server provided at each location for sending the data captured by the instrument to a user interface when the user is at the location of interest. The local customer server can additionally be connected to a master cloud server to allow remote monitoring from the user interface.

Description

REMOTE CONTROLLED CABLE ROBOT ("RCCR"), ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS' CARRIER AND DATA TRANSMISSION SYSTEM THEREFOR

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a robotic device configured for use with a cable track system. The present invention also relates generally to a system for remotely controlling a robotic device configured for use with a cable track system.

BACKGROUND ART

Remote video or "live-streaming" services have proliferated through the ever-expanding bandwidth of the internet and the development of low-cost web-enabled cameras, and provides video surveillance, videoconference-calling, and many other applications. The development of a new generation of web-enabled security cameras, with optical zoom, pan, and scroll features and very high-resolution sensors has significantly expanded the reach and capability of such services.

In order to produce high-resolution video images over large areas or volumes of space, it is necessary to link many cameras with overlapping fields of view, thus increasing the complexity and cost of such systems. A system for televised live sporting events in stadiums is described in U.S. Patent No. 4,710,819 (Suspension System for Supporting and Conveying Equipment, Such as a Camera) to Brown, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. This patent relates to the use of a cable suspension system for supporting and conveying a camera, and allows a video camera to move very quickly in 3-dimensions over the volume of an entire stadium by remote control. The camera is suspended by four cables connected to towers mounted in the corners of the stadium and can be moved laterally and vertically anywhere within the volume of the stadium by extending or retracting the four cables at different rates.

For venues like stadiums, a system described by the Brown patent may be used, at least to some extent, because there are no obstructions above the stadium, seats and field to interfere with the motion of the cables. Other locations and/or venues such as large construction sites and mining sites, present much greater challenges to such a cable system suspended by towers, especially when greater, more topographically challenging sites, must be covered. The cable system suspended by towers in the manner described above is incapable of covering longer distances (up to miles), turn left and right, maneuver in and out of tight spaces, overcome physical obstruction and remain operational under severe weather conditions. Such vast sites and volume of space, presents obstacles and challenges that exceed the capabilities of the system described by Brown.

Cable suspended camera systems can only move from one point to another along a straight line. Such a system is described in U.S. Patent No. 3,935,380 to Coutta, which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference. This system provides for a closed-circuit TV camera used for surveillance purposes suspended by a cable system that allows the camera to move back and forth in a straight line. The cable is fed through two pulleys mounted at each end of the camera travel, one of which is motor driven. A camera is mounted on a sled connected to the cables. Rotating the pulley moves the camera back and forth between the pulleys in a straight line.

Existing web-based live-streaming video services include Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS), which relates to internet connected and hosted cloud-based video surveillance services. The service typically includes video recording, storage, remote viewing, management alerts, and cyber security. VSaaS takes video monitoring into the cloud and is sometimes referred to as hosted or managed video services, video from customer ΓΡ cameras or webcams is transmitted to the service provider's secure cloud infrastructure. The transmission of the video is made through streaming protocols such us RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol) through Ethernet or Wifi networks but can also be done through 3G/4G LTE mobile communications networks if the cameras are to be portable or in movement. VSaaS recordings are kept in the cloud and can be viewed using a web browser, a smartphone or tablet app. However, VSaaS has a limited bandwidth, and it is very difficult to stream large numbers of cameras to the cloud at once and also ensure all camera recording files are actually recorded to the cloud servers. Periods of limited to no bandwidth for a system could mean complete loss of video streaming files in the upload queue. The use of cellular upload services and other digital services of sufficient bandwidth can also be quite expensive given the bandwidth requirements of live video streaming.

Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a remote video system that can enable cameras or instruments to be suspended from a cable system that can cover a vast area, while still being able to maneuver through obstructions within the videoed location. It would also be advantageous to provide a video system that can record, store, and locally transmit video feeds and related data and information without requiring substantial use of bandwidth.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed generally to remote controlled device carrier system or robotic vehicle system. According to an exemplary embodiment, the robotic vehicle system can be configured to provide camera feeds at various locations within a customer site or location of interest, including a live camera stream. According to one exemplary embodiment, the system can provide a network of local video servers attached to one or more video cameras, at least one of which can be connected to a remote controlled cable robot device. The remote controlled cable robot device may permit users to remotely control the position and orientation of a camera, or, in different applications, other instruments. Access to views and data within a defined area or areas may then be provided to the user. The network of local video servers can be connected through an internet system to a virtual video server in the "cloud" to provide world-wide access to these surveillance services, including live-streaming video services. In addition, on a local site level, the video servers can provide a means of recording video from one or more cameras (fixed or mobile), control features of a camera including pan, zoom, tilt and sensitivity. The servers can also support a web browser to allow operators to control all aspects of video acquisition, display, recording and camera operation through a web browser. The web browser can also provide a secure portal to the local video server and provide a number of dashboards to facilitate user control.

The present invention is further directed to a cable system that can be erected in virtually any desired location where live-streaming, video monitoring and/or electronic surveillance may be desired or needed. The cable system can include an array of poles with either inside or outside corner brackets to create a circuit for a remote controlled cable robot device to travel onto and provide an unobstructed view and data from virtually any location of interest. The circuit can be a closed-loop circuit or open circuit and can have any desired shape. For long- term installations, a cable system can be made with rigid rods that are permanently installed, instead of cables. The remote controlled cable robot can also be adapted to carry any other electronic system, such as a laser transit or other measurement devices, a radiation detector, early warning systems, multiple types of gas detectors such as carbon monoxide, scanners, container to hold documents or other items that need to be transported to locations within the defined site, or even weapons to provide enhanced security for airports, prisons or other high- security areas.

The robotic vehicle system can also be utilized for land surveying according to yet an additional exemplary embodiment. Surveying or land surveying is the technique, profession, and science of determining the terrestrial or three-dimensional position of points and the distances and angles between them. Construction surveying or building surveying (otherwise known as "staking", "stake-out", "lay-out" or "setting-out"), is to stake out reference points and markers that will guide the construction of new structures such as roads or buildings. These markers are usually staked out according to a suitable coordinate system selected for each respective project. Surveying equipment; such as levels and Theodolites, are used for accurate measurement of angular deviation, horizontal, vertical and slope distances. With computerization, electronic distance measurement (EDM), total stations, GPS surveying and laser scanning have supplemented (and to a large extent replaced) the traditional optical instruments, a remotely controlled electronic system that can easily be fitted onto and operational on the remote- controlled cable robot device of the present invention. A total station or TST (total station theodolite) is an electronic/optical instrument used in modern surveying and building construction. The total station is an electronic theodolite (transit) integrated with an electronic distance meter (EDM) to read slope distances from the instrument to a particular point; this remotely controlled tool can be easily fitted onto the remote-controlled cable robot. TSTs are also the primary survey instrument used in mining surveying as well as mechanical and electrical construction. The use of TSTs on a remotely controlled cable robot would greatly simplify the collection of such data and reduce labor costs required to laying out and erecting these systems in the midst of a full-blown construction or mining job in progress.

Additional advantages of other features characteristic of the present invention will be set forth in the detailed description that follows and may be apparent from the detailed description or may be learned by practice of exemplary embodiments of the invention. Still other advantages of the present invention may be realized by any of the instrumentalities, methods or combinations particularly point out in the claims.

Other features that are considered characteristic for the present invention are set forth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in many other forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, which are not true to scale, and which, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to illustrate further various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention. Advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments thereof, which description should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a cable system according to one exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is an isometric view of a remote controlled cable robot device according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3 is an isometric view of inside and outside corner brackets of a cable system and shows a remote controlled cable robot device traversing the inside and outside corners according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4 is a block diagram of a customer location showing a local video server connected to a plurality of video cameras and a local website that users can access to control the cameras at a given location according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 5 is an isometric view of a winch system used to tighten and maintain tension of cables of a cable system according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 6 is an isometric view of a motor drive unit of a remote controlled cable robot device according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 7 is an isometric view of a J-hook pulley, a component of a motor drive unit of a remote controlled cable robot device according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 8 is an isometric view of a drive raise assembly, a component of a motor drive unit of a remote controlled cable robot device according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 9 is an isometric view of a lift mechanism, a component of a remote controlled cable robot device according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 10 is an isometric view of a payload mounting bracket, a component of a remote controlled cable robot device according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 11 is a block diagram of a motor drive unit of a remote controlled cable robot device showing the power and control aspects of the device according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 12 is a block diagram of a motor drive unit of a remote controlled cable robot device showing the power and control aspects of the various sensors, motor controllers and motors of the device according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 13 is a block diagram of a customer web page for a single location according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 14 is a wire frame diagram of a local customer website;

Fig. 15 is a block diagram of the architecture of the master server website and a plurality of individual local customer websites according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 16 is a schematic view of a cable system according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 17 is a schematic site plan layout view of a typical construction site showing a cable system according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 18 is a schematic view of a remote-controlled cable robot with multiple different payload configurations according to other exemplary embodiments of the invention;

Fig. 19 is a schematic view of an inside corner bracket of a cable system according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 20 is a schematic elevation view and plan view of an outside corner bracket of a cable system according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 21 is a schematic plan view a straight bracket of a cable system according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 22 is a schematic view of support posts for a cable system according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 23 is a schematic top view, side view and front view of a motor drive unit of a remote-controlled cable robot device according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 24 is a schematic front view and side view of a tensioner pulley of a remote- controlled cable robot device according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 25 is a schematic view of a lift mechanism for a remote-controlled cable robot device according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention; and Fig. 26 is a schematic plan view of s switch connecting a straight bracket to an outside corner bracket of a cable system according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. The scope of the invention will be best understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward.

Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the intended spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, some elements of exemplary embodiments will not be described in detail or may be omitted, so as not to obscure the relevant details.

It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms "a" or "an", as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term "plurality," as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term "another," as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms "including" and/or "having," as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term "coupled," as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.

Relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. An element proceeded by "comprises a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

As used herein, the term "about" or "approximately" applies to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). These terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. The terms "program," "software," "software application," and the like as used herein, are defined as a sequence of instructions designed for execution on a computer system. A "program," "software," "computer program," or "software application" may include a subroutine, a function, a procedure, an object method, an object implementation, an executable application, an applet, a servlet, a source code, an object code, a shared libraiy/dynamic load library and/or other sequence of instructions designed for execution on a computer system.

Herein various embodiments of the present invention are described. In many of the different embodiments, features are similar. Therefore, to avoid redundancy, repetitive description of these similar features may not be made in some circumstances. It shall be understood, however, that description of a first-appearing feature applies to the later described similar feature and each respective description, therefore, is to be incorporated therein without such repetition.

The present invention is directed generally to a remote monitoring system or remote vehicle system configured for monitoring, videoing, surveying and/or measuring one or more locations of interest. According to an exemplary embodiment, the remote monitoring system can be configured as a remote controlled video capture system as shown schematically throughout the several figures. According to an exemplary embodiment, the present invention is directed toward a robotic vehicle system as shown schematically in the several figures that can be configured for, amongst others, carrying a high-resolution web camera to provide video surveillance and other tasks that require visual inspection. The remote monitoring system or remote vehicle system can also be configured to carry other non-camera instruments for tracking and monitoring the one or more locations of interest and/or configured to transport payloads within the one or more locations of interest.

Turning to FIG. 1, a cable system 10 configured as part of the robotic vehicle system of the present invention is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The cable system 10 can be provided around and/or within an area or volume of space, which can be in any number of different shapes or configurations, and according to an exemplary embodiment, can represent a volume of space intended to be tracked, monitored and/or viewed by the video capture system. For example, the circuit of the cable system 10 can be configured around a perimeter of the volume of space. In addition, the circuit of the cable system 10 can extend into or through anywhere within the volume of space in certain exemplary embodiments (see FIG. 17). As shown in FIG. 1, this configuration of the cable system 10 may include a plurality of poles 12 that have wires or cables 11 strung between them. Poles 12 may be intermittently spaced around and/or within the selected volume of space and may be either permanently or removably installed. As shown schematically in FIG. 1, attached to each pole 12 can be either an outside corner bracket 13 or an inside corner bracket 14. In addition, in certain exemplary embodiments, one or more poles 12 can be provided between poles 12 with a corner bracket 13 or 14; such poles 12 can be configured has straight poles having a bypass bracket rather than a corner bracket 13 or 14. The corner brackets 13 and 14 can contain a metal track on a radius sufficiently large to accommodate a remote controlled cable robotic device 200, which is shown schematically in FIG. 2 and described in greater detail below. The edges of the corner brackets 13 and 14 shown in FIG. 1 can be configured to make contact with the cable 11 to form a circuit or track around and/or through the defined volume of space.

The circuit can be configured as a closed-loop circuit or an open circuit (e.g., "L" shape,

"Z" shape, etc.) and can be configured into any desired shape, and even a straight line. The circuit or track can be configured to allow the remote controlled cable robotic device 200 shown in FIG. 2 to travel anywhere along a circuit or track without having to reverse course. FIG. 3 shows two views of the remote controlled cable robot 200 navigating both an outside corner bracket 13 and an inside corner bracket 14 mounted on the poles 12 to show how the remote controlled cable robotic device 200 can turn these corners to complete the circuit defined by the cable system 10. According to an exemplary embodiment, one or more of the poles 12 shown in FIG. 1 can have a ratchet assembly 15, as shown in FIG. 5, which can be used to stretch and tighten the cable 11 between the poles 12.

Turning to FIG. 2, the remote controlled cable robotic device 200 is shown schematically according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Device 200 can be configured to be mounted, coupled or otherwise slidably connected to cable 11 of the robotic vehicle system of the present invention, and can be configured to travel along a circuit or track to any selected or desired position. As shown schematically in FIG. 2, device 200 can include a motor drive unit 210 that is configured to move device 10 along the path of the circuit/track of the cable system 10. According to an exemplary embodiment, the motor drive unit 210 can be configured to allow cable 11 to be fed through a slot 211 (shown in FIG. 6) on the side of the motor drive unit 210 to mount the motor drive unit 210 on the cable system 10.

As shown schematically in FIG. 2, device 200 can include an extendable lift mechanism 220. Extendable lift mechanism 220 can be configured as a scissor lift mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment; however, it is recognized that mechanism 220 can be configured as any suitable extendable component, such as an actuator, telescoping device, winch or the like. As also shown schematically in FIG. 2, device 200 can include a payload mounting bracket 230 connected to the bottom of lift mechanism 220 according to an exemplary embodiment. The payload mounting bracket 230 can be configured to hold or house any desired type of component for monitoring, tracking and/or surveying the defined volume of space (and its surrounding area) defined by cable system 10. According to an exemplary embodiment, as shown schematically in several of the figures, the payload mounting bracket 230 can house a video instrument or camera 41 (not shown in FIG. 2, but shown schematically in FIG. 4); however, any number of different instruments / components can additionally or alternatively be provided on the bracket 230.

As represented through FIGS. 1-3, the defined volume and/or area of space to be monitored by the robotic vehicle system of the present invention can be defined by the number, location and/or height of a plurality of poles 12, the locations of corner brackets 13 and 14 employed, the extendable length the lift mechanism 220 of device 200. According to an exemplary embodiment, the volume of space and/or area can represent a job site or construction site, a building lot or other location of interest. The shape and form of the cable system 10 can generally conform to the outer boundary of the volume of space and/or area and the corner brackets 13 and 14 can be utilized to allow the robotic device 200 traveling along cable 11 (and its designated payload instrument, such as camera 41) to navigate around large obstacles such as buildings, towers and natural obstructions within the volume and/or area of interest being surveyed and/or within the vicinity of the area being surveyed.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of a defined volume of space or location of interest 40, such as a job site or customer location, which can be tracked, monitored, surveyed, etc. by the robotic vehicle system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Depending on the particular embodiment of the present invention, the robotic vehicle system include one, two or more cable systems 10 provided at one, two or more customer locations 40. FIG. 4 illustrates the system with one location 40; however multiple locations with a similar setup to that shown in FIG. 4 can also be incorporated into the robotic vehicle system in certain embodiments of the present invention. As shown schematically in FIG. 4, location 40 can be provided with one or more fixed cameras 41 and a local video server 42. Each of the one or more cameras 41 can be connected to a remote controlled robotic device 200 (shown in FIG. 2) configured to travel along the circuit / track created by the cable system 10 and cable 11 provided around the location 40.

The local server 42 can be located at a customer site 40 and can comprise a microprocessor, one or more hard drives to store recorded video feeds, and a computer program for operating the server 42, which can include a browser based user interfaces (e.g., website). The user interface can allow customers to log into the server 42 locally through a local area network or remotely through the internet to view and manage the cameras 41 and the robotic vehicle system of the present invention. The local server 42 can receive live video feeds from the one or more cameras 41 provided on the robotic devices 200 traveling along cable system 10 at the particular location 40. The video feeds can then be recorded and/or displayed live on a remote or local customer display / interface 1300, such as a through a mobile application or website 1300. The use of local video servers 42 at each site can allow a large number of cameras 41 to be managed and viewed without having to stream the live video feeds through the internet before they can be viewed or recorded.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the cameras 41 can be configured not as simple closed-circuit television cameras, but rather they can be web-enabled video cameras that possess a number of exemplary features that increase the resolution, sensitivity and viewing angles achievable. By way of example and not limitation, such cameras can include the AXIS M3037-PVE Network Camera, the AXIS P1357-E Network Camera and the AXIS Q6115-E PTZ Dome Network Camera. These particular cameras are commercially available and manufactured by AXIS Communications, Inc. It is envisioned that virtually any camera that is a ruggedized outdoor camera that has High Definition TV resolution and color, high sensitivity modes, can operate at frame rates up to 60 frames per second, has up to a 3 Ox optical zoom, auto-tracking capability and is internet ready, may be used in conjunction with the present systems, devices and methods.

Turning to FIG. 6, the motor drive unit 210 of the remote controlled cable robot device

200 of FIG. 2 is shown schematically in a greater detail according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown schematically in FIG. 6, the motor drive unit 210 can be mounted on cable 11 by sliding the motor drive unit 210 over cable 11 through slot 211. According to an exemplary embodiment, the motor drive unit 210 can include two pulleys 700 that sit on cable 11. The pulleys 700 are shown in more detail in FIG. 7 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7, according to an exemplary embodiment, the pulleys 700 can be configured as j-hook pulleys; however it is recognized that other suitable pulley configurations can also be suitably utilized for the pulleys 700. The entire weight of the remote controlled cable robot device 200 can be supported on the cable 11 by the J- hook pulleys 700. According to an exemplary embodiment, the J-hook pulleys 700 can be attached to the motor drive unit by bolts 701 that can pass through the top plate of the motor drive unit 210, through a set of tensioner springs 705 and attach to a vertically mounted bearing 702. The vertical bearing 702 can be bolted to a horizontally mounted bearing 703. The use of both bearings 702 and 703 can allow the remote controlled cable robot device 200 to make the turns imposed on the mechanism by the comer brackets 13 and 14 shown in FIG. 3.

As further shown in FIG. 7, each pulley 700 can have an adjustable set of beveled faces 704 that can be spaced apart to accommodate the diameter of cable 11 and the diameter of the rails on the corner brackets 13 and 14, which can be larger than the diameter of the cable 11. The ends of the rails can be configured with a semicircular shape to provide a smooth transition between the corner brackets 13 and 14 and the cable 11. When the remote controlled cable robot device 200 approaches one of the corner brackets 13 or 14, the pulley 700 can be pushed upward to accommodate the larger diameter of the rails on the brackets 13 and 14. In order to keep the level of the remote controlled cable robot device 200 constant during this time, the set of springs 705 can be compressed to keep the remote controlled cable robot from being jolted while it travels around the cable system 10 circuit. The foregoing provides only limited exemplary embodiments of the present invention and it is recognized that the motor drive unit 210 of the device 200 can have any number of different suitably alternative configurations in alternative embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows schematically a primary drive mechanism 800 that can be included in the motor drive unit 210 according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The primary drive mechanism 800 can provides the traction and power required to drive the remote controlled cable robot device 200 around the entire cable system 10 circuit. The drive mechanism 800 can include a main drive motor assembly 802 that can drive a pair of rollers 801 through a set of gears that provide the traction needed to move the remote controlled cable robot device 200 over the cables 11 and corner brackets 13 and 14. According to an exemplary embodiment, the main drive motor assembly 802 and set of rollers 801 can be mounted on a bracket 803 that can connect to a base plate 804 by a set of supports that can be moved up and down by a raise motor 805. The baseplate 804 can be mounted to the bottom of the motor drive unit 210 as shown schematically in FIG. 8 according to an exemplary embodiment. When the raise motor 805 is engaged, it can push the main driver motor assembly 802 and the set of rollers 801 up against the cable 11 or the rails of the corner brackets 13 and 14 to apply tension and generate the friction needed to move the remote controlled cable robot 200 around the cable system 10 when power is applied to the main drive motor assembly 802. It is also recognized that alternative configurations for primary drive mechanism 800 can be suitably utilized in alternative embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows schematically the extendable lift mechanism 220 for robotic device 200 configured as a scissor lift component according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Extendable lift mechanism 220 can be configured to move in a generally vertical direction (upward and downward) so as to allow a payload (attached to the payload mounting bracket 230 described in greater detail below) to move up and down relative to the cable 11 and cable system 10. As shown in FIG. 9, lift mechanism 220 can be connected to the motor drive unit 210 and be extendable below the motor drive unit 210. According to an exemplary embodiment, on the top of the lift mechanism 220 can be a metal enclosure 901 that can contain mounting brackets to mount the lift mechanism 220 to the bottom of the motor drive unit 210. As shown in FIG. 9, a motor driven actuator 902 can be mounted horizontally in a frame in the metal enclosure 901. According to an exemplary embodiment, a set of brackets 904 can be mounted to the bottom of the metal enclosure 901 to provide a surface against which the top of the scissor mechanism 905 rests on a set of bearings 904. The actuator 902 can push or pull against the uppermost element of the lift mechanism 905 to respectively lower and raise the lift mechanism 905. As shown in FIG. 9, attached to the bottom of the lift mechanism 905 can be a mounting flange 906. It is also recognized that lift mechanism 220 can have any number of different configurations as opposed to a scissor-style lift mechanism in alternative embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows schematically the payload mounting bracket 230 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. According to an exemplary embodiment, the payload mounting bracket 230 can be configured to house the payload (e.g., the camera or other instrument or component) and to allow the payload to be rotated about one or more axes relative to the cable 11 and the cable system 10. As shown in FIG. 10, the payload mounting bracket 230 can be attached to the mounting flange 906 of the lift mechanism 905 by a mounting bracket 1001 (see also FIG. 9). According to an exemplary embodiment, attached to the mounting bracket 1001 can be one of two metal enclosures 1002 that each can house drive motors 1003 and 90-degree gears 1004. The drive motor 1003 attached to the mounting bracket can provide a horizontal rotational axis about which the camera 1008 or other payload rotates when the drive motor 1003 is actuated. An inverted L-shaped arm 1006 can be attached to the shaft of the load side of the 90-degree gear 1004. A second metal enclosure 1002 can be attached vertically to the inverted L-shaped arm 1006. Inside the second metal enclosure 1002 can be a second drive motor 1003 and 90-degree gear 1004. According to an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, attached to the load side of the second 90-degree gear 1004 can be a camera- or payload-mounting bracket 1007 with a camera or other payload 1008 attached thereto. It is recognized that device 200 can be configured so that the motor drive unit 210, the lift mechanism 220 and the payload mounting bracket 230 can each operate and separate independently from one another and do not need one, the other or both others to function on their own. As briefly described above and in greater detail below, the power batteries and microprocessors for device 200 can be located in the motor drive unit 210; however, it is recognized that each of these components can be redirected and placed directly in each of motor drive unit 210, lift mechanism 220 and/or payload mounting bracket 230 to accommodate for which units are installed in the particular embodiment.

With reference to FIG. 11, according to an exemplary embodiment, the motor drive unit 210 of robotic device 200 can include one or more additional components that can provide power and a set of user-defined commands that can allow the remote controlled cable robot device 200 to move forwards and backwards along the circuit / track defined by the cable system 10, move vertically up and down with the extendable lift mechanism 220 and rotate about a vertical and horizontal axis with the set of drive motors 1003. FIG. 11 shows schematically a block diagram of components that may be installed on the motor drive unit 210 that can facilitate the command and control of the various motors and sensors required to safely move and control the payload or camera 1008 in three dimensions at any desired location at a customer site 40 accessible by the cable system 10.

According to one exemplary embodiment, a solar panel 1101 can be mounted to the top of the motor drive unit 210 to provide electrical energy that can be stored in one or more batteries 1102. The batteries 1102 can supply power to an embedded computer 1103, an array of sensors 1104, an array of motor controllers 1105 and/or a radiofrequency identification (RJFID) tag reader 1107. As shown in FIG. 11, the embedded computer 1103 can contain a wireless internet (WiFi) adaptor 1106 so that it can communicate with the local video server 42 and/or receive commands from users through the customer display / interface 1300, such as a mobile application display or website (See FIG. 4). According to an exemplary embodiment, the RFID tag reader 1107 can be used to read RFID tags mounted on the poles 12 of the cable system 10 or other landmarks on the customer's site to provide the location of the remote controlled cable robot device 200 as it moves along the circuit / track. These RFID tag updates can re-calibrate the internal location of the remote controlled cable robot device 200 as it moves around the circuit / track. In between these calibration points, the local computer can calculate location by tracking rotation(s) of the motive pulley according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 shows a schematic block diagram of motor drive unit 210 according to one exemplary embodiment to show how electrical power can be distributed from the solar panels 1101 to the batteries 1102 and then to the embedded computer 1103, the motor controller(s) 1105, sensors 1104, RFID reader 1107 and the five motors mounted within the various components of the remote controlled cable robot device 200; the primary drive motor 1109, the raise motor 1110, the scissor lift motor 1111, the vertical-axis motor 1112 and the horizontal- axis motor 1113 according to such an exemplary embodiment. As shown schematically in FIG. 12, control signals can be distributed from the embedded computer 1103 to through the motor controller 1105 to the motors. According to an exemplary embodiment, bi-directional control and data signals can be sent to and received by the embedded computer 1103 to the sensors 1104.

FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram of the local customer display / interface 1300 according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 13, according to one embodiment, interface 1300 can be configured as a local server website or application. As shown, according to an exemplary embodiment, the website 1300 can have a home page 1301 accessible through a browser (or app window) that can contain information about the local site 40 and can require log-in credentials to access. According to an exemplary embodiment, there can be a separate window 1302 accessible through a tab or drop-down menu, for example, for viewing any or all of the camera feeds from cameras mounted on the site. By selecting a single camera feed, a separate window 1303 can open to view the selected camera feed in high definition according to an exemplary embodiment. There is also a window 1304 that can be selected from the home page 1301 to view recorded video from any of the cameras previously selected to record. The remote controlled cable robot device 200 can be operated to move it around the cable system 10 through a dashboard 1400 shown in more detail in FIG. 14 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Turning to FIG. 14, the dashboard control panel 1400 that can be accessible through the customer interface 1300 and/or through a browser from the customer' home page for any given site is schematically illustrated according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 14, in the upper left corner of the dashboard 1400 can be a schematic view 1401 of the cable system 10 laid out for the site being viewed by the customer. The schematic can show the overall shape of the cable system 10 and can have an icon to indicate where on the cable system 10 the remote controlled cable robot device 200 is at the moment. According to an exemplary embodiment, the icon can be configured to follow the motion of the remote controlled cable robot 200 as it moves around the cable system 10 in real-time. According to an exemplary embodiment, the schematic can also be clicked by the user at any given point which will then bring the remote controlled cable robot 200 from its current location to the clicked location on 1401.

As shown in FIG. 14, according to one exemplary embodiment, in the upper right corner of the dashboard 1400 there can be a window that displays the live camera feed from the camera 1008 mounted on a remote controlled cable robot device 200 connected to the cable system 10. Alternatively, the window can display data collected by a survey instrument or other such device. According to one exemplary embodiment, the dashboard 1400 can additionally include a control for switching between different camera or instrument feeds when there are multiple robot device 200 on cable system 10. Underneath the schematic view 1401 can be a set of controls 1404 that can allow the customer to move the remote controlled cable robot 200 around the cable system 10 as well as control the speed and direction of motion and the height of the scissor lift mechanism 220. According to one embodiment, another set of controls 1403 can be used to control the other motors, 1112 and 1113 on the remote controlled cable robot device 200 to change the orientation and height of the camera 1008. The dashboard 1400 can also display some battery level and charging indicators 1406 according to one exemplary embodiment. At the bottom of the dashboard 1400 there can be a set of controls 1407 that allows the customer to program and set parameters that automatically move the remote controlled cable robot device 200 on scheduled patrols to provide live and video of important areas within the customer's site such as storage yards, entrances and exits. It is also recognized that dashboard 1400 can be configured in any number of different suitable displays with various controls and perimeters depending on the specific application and use of the robotic vehicle system of the present invention.

FIG. 15 shows a schematic diagram of an array of local video servers 42 stationed at any number of customer sites 40 (i.e., multiple local video servers 42 may be provided at a single customer site 40 or one or more servers 42 can be provided at different customer sites 40). As shown in FIG. 15, each local video server 42 can be connected together through the internet (or a wireless network) to a central cloud-based master server website 1500. According to an exemplary embodiment, customers that are on site at location 40 can view their local customer website 43. According to an exemplary embodiment, the customers can also view the local websites 43 through the cloud-based master server 1500 from anywhere in the world where they have access to the internet.

According to an exemplary embodiment, an entire job site or construction site or other area of interest can be configured as a customer location 40, and can include several hundred acres, or city blocks, or even larger areas. The robotic vehicle system of the present invention can be configured to effectively cover the location 40 by using an array of fixed-mounted cameras 41 provided on moveable robotic devices 200 that can move along a circuit created by a cable system 10 comprising an array of poles 13 (or towers or other vantage points in place of poles 13) and a suspended cable 11. Collectively, the components of the robotic vehicle system of the present invention can provide a "birds-eye view" of the entire location and/or site. The vehicle system can be configured as a three-dimensional carrier / transport system, which can enable the system to provide very close-up views of objects at virtually any location within the job site 40 by being able to position and navigate the robot devices 200 with a camera 41 (or other instrument or payload) very close to the object being viewed within a job site 40. For example, it would be possible to read license plates of vehicles entering or leaving the site 40, take inventory of materials stored on the site 40, read blueprints and see close-up details of small objects from virtually any location in the world through live video streaming according to the present systems. This is possible even when there are numerous obstructions that would ordinarily prevent an array of fixed cameras to acquire images. This is because, among other reasons, the robotic devices 200 carrying the cameras 41 can maneuver around the cable system 10, and can move camera 41 vertically, horizontally and rotationally to provide a vantage point with a clear line of sight. There are many other types of locations and applications for the present system other than construction sites. Such other types of locations and applications include, but are not limited to: schools, hospitals, prisons, seaports, airports, boarders, railroads, agricultural operations, retail centers, chemical manufacturing facilities, nuclear installation facilities, residential communities and large industrial complexes where detailed images, early warning system, hazardous material detection and ongoing oversight of duplicative operations are required within a predefined volume and/or area of space, including those areas that may contain corners, height restrictions, be placed underground and/or otherwise presents physical obstruction to viewing.

Similarly, in various embodiments of the present invention, the robotic vehicle system can use the robot devices 200 to carry other instruments and devices. Such instruments and devices include those that can transmit large quantities of data remotely, appropriate to perform tasks that are dangerous, hazardous and/or duplicative. Such tasks are often encountered in military, homeland security, data collection, movement detection, hazardous material detection, policing, project management, surveillance, exploration and all applications facilitated by the transmission of large data sets including but not limited to live audiovisual filming. In addition to or alternatively to monitoring, surveying, or videoing regions within a location of interest using cameras or other instruments, the remote vehicle / monitoring system of the present invention can be configured to transport objects or payloads using the remote-controlled cable robot device 200 and lift mechanism 220 within the designated location of interest. For example, such a configuration can be used to transport materials or objects to a hard-to-reach location within a location and/or area of interest and/or to transport hazardous or dangerous materials within or around a location of interest.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the cable system 10 can be configured to provide additional support for the cable 11 when the cable system 10 is used at locations of interest that include or cover very large areas. According to an exemplary embodiment, the support for the cable 11 can be provided where the cable 11 traverses very long distances between corner brackets 13 or 14 so that the tension necessary to keep the cable 11 taught does not become prohibitive. According to an exemplary embodiment, the cable system 10 schematically shown in FIG. 1 can be modified to include straight brackets for additional support of the cable 11. FIG. 16 schematically shows a modified cable system 1600 according to an alternative embodiment. As shown, the cable system 1600 can include a plurality of poles 12 and one or more wires or cables 11 extending between the poles 12. According to an exemplary embodiment, each pole 12 can have attached thereto an inside bracket 1900, a straight bracket 2100 or an outside corner bracket 2000. The straight brackets 2100 can be configured to provide support for the cable 11.

FIG. 17 provides a schematic representation of a location of interest configured as a typical construction site according to one exemplary embodiment. FIG. 17 schematically shows a closed-loop cable system 1600 with an interior and an exterior loop to allow the remote- controlled cable robot device (not shown in FIG. 17) to move around buildings (and/or other obstructions) that would otherwise obscure the view of cameras, instruments or other payloads the remote-controlled cable robot device may carry. As shown in FIG. 17, the closed-loop cable system 1600 can include a plurality of straight brackets 2100, corner brackets 1900 and 2000 and switches 2600 according to an exemplary embodiment. It is recognized that in other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the cable system 1600 can be configured as an open circuit in any desirable shape, including a straight line.

FIG. 18 schematically shows a remote-controlled cable robot device 1800 according to an alternative exemplary embodiment. The remote-controlled cable robot device 1800 can be configured as a modified version of the remote-controlled cable robot device 200 illustrated in FIG. 2. The remote-controlled cable robot device 1800 can include an improved motor drive unit 1801 that can improve stability and traction of the device 1800. FIG. 18 also illustrates four different payload configurations of the device 1800 according to various exemplary embodiments. As schematically shown in FIG. 18, two of the illustrated configurations include an improved lift mechanism 2500 configured as a scissor lift mechanism 2500. According to one of the configurations, the scissor lift mechanism 2500 can include a cable winch 1803 attached so that the robot device 1800 can lower items (e.g., cameras, instruments or other items) increased distances beyond the extension of the scissor lift extension component of the lift mechanism 1800. As further shown in FIG. 18, two other configurations of the robot device 1800 can be configured without a scissor lift mechanism 2500 and carry either a camera 41 or a cable winch 1803 according to certain exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 19 schematically shows a plan and elevation view of another exemplary embodiment of the inside corner bracket 1900 attached to a pole 12 and cables 11. As shown in FIG. 19, an attachment mechanism 1901 that can attach and support a transition track 1902 to the pole 12 can include a multi-piece constructed assembly of aluminum channels to provide increased rigidity and ease of assembly compared to the one-piece aluminum sheet metal corner brackets 13 shown in FIG. 3. It is also recognized that other materials other than aluminum can suitably be used in other exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 20 schematically shows a plan and elevation view of another exemplary embodiment of the outside corner bracket 2000 attached to a pole 12 and cables 11. As shown in FIG. 20, the attachment mechanism that can attach and support the transition track pieces 2001 and 2002 to the pole 12 can comprise a multi-piece constructed assembly of aluminum channels 2003 and 2004 that provide increased rigidity and ease of assembly compared to the one-piece aluminum sheet metal corner brackets 13 shown in FIG. 3. Similar to the attachment mechanism shown in FIG. 19, it is also recognized that materials other than aluminum can be suitably be used in various alternative exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 21 schematically shows a plan view of one exemplary embodiment of the straight bracket 2100 that can be installed between corner brackets 1900 and 2000. According to one embodiment, the straight bracket 2100 can be used when two corner brackets 1900 and 2000 are spaced by a large distance. According to one exemplary embodiment, the straight bracket 2100 can be used when corner brackets 1900 and 2000 are spaced apart by 100 feet or more. The straight brackets 2100 can provide support for the cable 11 to reduce the amount of tension that would need to be applied by ratchet assembly 15 shown in FIG. 5 to minimize the amount of sag in the cable 11. Straight brackets 2100 can also provide access for the remote-controlled cable robot 1800 to make transitions through the track 2102 to an outside corner bracket 2000 in a switch assembly shown in FIG. 26, according to an exemplary embodiment. The amount of tension applied (on the order of 1,200 lbs. according to one exemplary embodiment) by the ratchet assembly 15 to even short runs of cable 11 between corner brackets 1900 and 2000 can place a severe strain on the poles 12, which can be constructed from steel or other material. This can require the use of supporting guy wires. FIG. 22 shows an exemplary embodiment of poles 2200 made from pre-cast concrete. The pre-cast concrete poles 2200 can support significant (much greater than 1,200 lbs.) tension loads without requiring guy-wire support. Moreover, the poles 2200 can be made with an increased height (such as, for exemplary, as tall as 150 feet in height). According to an exemplary embodiment, the poles 2200 can be secured to a poured-concrete foundation 2203 with a set of rebar rods 2204. As shown in FIG. 22, a ratchet assembly 2202 can be attached to pole 2200 in order to apply tension to cable 11 according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 23 shows another exemplary embodiment of the remote-controlled cable robot motor drive unit 2300 that can be mounted on cable 11 by sliding the motor drive unit 2300 over cable 11 through slot 2304. According to an exemplary embodiment, the motor drive unit 2300 can have a pair of drive pulleys 2400 that can each driven by motors 2303. The cable 11 can be pushed upward to engage the drive pulley assemblies 2400 by a spring lift mechanism 2302. The force applied by the spring lift mechanism 2302 can be adjusted by tightening the lower center bolt 2305 according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 24 schematically shows a front and side view of the drive pulley assembly 2400 in accordance with another exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 24, the drive pulley 2405 can be connected to a drive motor 2303 (not shown in FIG. 24) attached to shaft 2403. The shaft 2403 can be mounted to the pulley assembly 2400 with a set of flanges containing bearings 2404. The flanges can also mounted to a disc mounted on a horizontal bearing 2402 and a spacer block 2401 so that the drive pulley 2400 can rotate about a vertical axis as the motor drive unit 2300 navigates the corner brackets 1900 and 2000 and the straight brackets 2100 of the cable track system 1600.

FIG. 25 shows a schematic drawing of lift mechanism 2500 configured as a scissor-lift mechanism 2500 in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 25, the scissor-lift mechanism 2500 can comprise a scissor lift component 2502 that can be raised and lowered with a motorized pulley 2501 that can roll out and retract a cable 2503 attached to a shaft on the lowest scissor lift element. This design can allow for a scissor-lift mechanism 2500 that can extend much further than one that is opened and closed with a linear actuator 902 as shown schematically in FIG.9 according to certain exemplary embodiments. FIG. 26 schematically shows a plan view and two elevation views of a switch 2600 that can connect a straight bracket 2100 to an outside corner bracket 2000 of cable system 1600 according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 26, the switch 2600 can be mounted on a pole 2601 that can have a motorized wrist mechanism 2602 that can raise and lower the switch track 2603. The switch 2600 can be used to short circuit the cable system 1600 so that the remote-controlled cable robot device 1800 can be routed to locations on the track without having to go all the way around to get the circuit to get to the desired location, by providing essentially a short-cut. According to an exemplary embodiment, the switch 2600 can also be used to connect sidings where other robot devices 1800 are parked so that they can be quickly deployed onto the cable system 1600 or to park robot devices 1800 off of the cable system 1600 that need repair.

The cable system 1600 can use cables 11 that are mounted between poles 12 or 2200. In some applications where the weight of the robot device 1800 is excessive or for permanent installations, a rigid track can be used instead of the cable 11. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the track can be made out of an extruded metal such as aluminum in the form of a square channel, triangular channel or I-beam to provide rigidity and strength as needed.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the robotic vehicle system can be configured to be used in connection with or in place of a VSaaS system, which can be used to provide video processing and management performed offsite using the cloud. However, in contrast to a typical VSaaS system, the system of the present invention can maintain the video processing, recording and management on a computer server 42 that is installed in the actual customer location 40 (See FIG. 4).

As described above with reference to FIG. 13, according to an exemplary embodiment, the customer interface 1300 can allow each customer to access their own private website that can allow them to view and listen to their live streaming and recorded camera feeds provided by camera 41 attached to the robotic devices 200 attached to cable system 10 within the robotic vehicle system of the present invention. The customer interface 1300 can further enable the customer to control the movement and orientation of the cameras 41 and the robotic devices 200 traveling along the cable system 10. According to an exemplary embodiment, the customer interface 1300 can be configured with information and graphics specific to the customer. According to an exemplary embodiment, the interface 1300 (e.g., a website or app) can then be stored and actively operate from one of several virtual servers 1500 in the cloud (See FIG. 15). According to an exemplary embodiment, where customers require live streaming services, with multiple customer sites, the virtual server or master server 1500 can pull video feeds form all of the customer's local servers 42 stored locally at each of the customer's locations 40 to allow the customer to view the video feeds from each location offsite. Additionally, a local customer website 43 can allow a customer to view the camera feeds locally without having the feeds travel through the internet first if the customer is at the physical location 40 and attempting to view from the local network 42. Such as configuration does not constrain the customer to the limitations of bandwidth since the camera feed streams need not, but still can leave the local network 42 for viewing.

According to an exemplary embodiment, when live-streaming is desired, the use of a local video server 42 to manage, store and permit viewing of multiple camera feeds greatly alleviates the bandwidth requirements of live-streaming video services such as VSaaS where all of the camera feeds must be streamed to the cloud in order to be recorded, stored or viewed. The live-streaming video service described in the present invention can include both a local video server 42 and a virtual cloud server 1500 to provide both local and worldwide access as well as a means of managing and recording multiple camera feeds at each installation site.

The foregoing description and accompanying drawings illustrate the principles, exemplary embodiments, and modes of operation of the invention. However, the invention should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed above. Additional variations of the embodiments discussed above will be appreciated by those skilled in the art and the above- described embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that variations to those embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Although specific embodiments of the invention have been disclosed, those having ordinary skill in the art will understand that changes can be made to the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is not to be restricted, therefore, to the specific embodiments, and it is intended that the appended claims cover any and all such applications, modifications, and embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

The foregoing description and accompanying drawings illustrate the principles, exemplary embodiments, and modes of operation of the invention. However, the invention should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed above. Additional variations of the embodiments discussed above will be appreciated by those skilled in the art and the above-described embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that variations to those embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A video monitoring system configured for video monitoring of a location of interest, said system comprising:

a cable system comprising one or more poles and one or more cables extending between said one or more poles to provide a circuit within said location of interest;

a remote controlled device connected to said cable system and configured to travel along said cable to positions on said circuit;

a camera provided on said remote controlled device;

a local video server provided at said location of interest, said camera being in communication with said local video server; and

a customer interface in communication with said local video server to receive a video feed of said location of interest provided by said camera, said interface configured to display said video feed to a user.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said customer interface is configured to allow said user to move said remote controlled device to a selected position on said circuit.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a master server website in communication with said local video server to permit said customer interface to be viewed remotely from said location of interest.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein said master server website connects multiple locations of interest, each location of interest having a cable system and a local video server, wherein said master server website enables said user to remotely view each location of interest.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein said cable system further comprises one or more corner brackets provided at a corner of said cable system to allow said circuit to change directions in said location of interest.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein said remote controlled device comprises a motor drive unit, an extendable lift mechanism and a payload mounting bracket.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein said motor drive unit comprises one or more pulleys that support said remote controlled device on said cable of said cable system.

8. The system of claim 6, wherein said motor drive unit further comprises a power source, wherein said power source moves said remote controlled device to a desired position within said location of interest.

9. The system of claim 6, wherein said extendable lifting mechanism is connected to said motor drive unit and is configured to selectively extend and retract relative to said motor drive unit.

10. The system of claim 6, wherein said cable system further comprises a switch located at one of said plurality of poles, wherein said switch is configured to reroute said remote controlled device on said circuit.

11. The system of claim 6, wherein said payload mounting bracket is configured to house said camera and to provide rotational movement of said camera about a vertical axis and a horizontal axis.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein said remote controlled device is configured to allow said camera to move in a horizontal direction along said cable, in a vertical direction relative to said cable and rotationally about both a vertical and a horizontal axis.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein said remote controlled device is configured to enable said camera to view a desired location or site within said location of interest.

14. A monitoring system configured for monitoring a location of interest, said system comprising:

an instrument provided on said remote controlled device; a local server provided at said location of interest, said instrument being in communication with said local server; and

a customer interface in communication with said local server to receive a data feed of said location of interest provided by said instrument, said interface configured to display said data feed to a user.

15. A robotic vehicle system comprising:

a plurality of cable poles provided within area defining a location of interest;

a cable extending through each of said plurality of cable poles to form a circuit at said location of interest; and

at least one remote controlled robot device slidably coupled to said cable and configured to travel along said cable to locations along said circuit, said at least one remote controlled robot device comprising a payload mounting bracket configured for housing an instrument for collecting data from said location of interest, or transporting one or more objects within said location of interest, or both.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein said remote controlled robot device is configured to move said instrument or said one or more objects in a horizontal direction, a vertical direction and rotationally about both a horizontal axis and a vertical axis.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein said remote controlled robot device includes a power source comprising a solar panel and a battery for powering said remote controlled robot device to move along said cable.

18. The system of claim 15, further comprising:

a local server in communication with said remote controlled robot device to receive information from said remote controlled robot device; and

a local interface in communication with said local server and configured to allow a user to view said information from said remote controlled robot device and control said remote controlled robot device.

19. The system of claim 18, further comprising a master cloud server in communication with said customer server, wherein said local interface may be remotely connected to said master cloud server to remotely view said information when said user is not at said location of interest.

20. The system of claim 15, wherein said cable system further comprises a switch located at one of said plurality of cable poles, wherein said switch is configured to reroute said remote controlled robot device on said circuit.