3D Virtual Map Updating Using Multi-Robot Difference Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems struggle to efficiently update three-dimensional virtual maps of challenging environments, such as spaces difficult for humans to enter, by accurately incorporating real-time data from multiple moving bodies to reflect changes in the environment.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus and method that includes a virtual map storage unit, a map information acquisition unit, a difference extraction unit, and a virtual map update unit, which compares and updates the virtual map based on map information from multiple moving bodies, considering factors like similarity degree, resolution, and time intervals to ensure accurate reflection of environmental changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If map information from multiple moving bodies is collected to update the virtual map, then the accuracy and reliability of the virtual map is improved, but the complexity of data processing and system coordination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the map update process into distinct functional modules: a map information acquisition unit that collects data from multiple moving bodies, a difference extraction unit that compares acquired map information with the virtual map, and a virtual map update unit that performs selective updates. This segmentation allows complex multi-source data integration to be managed through standardized, modular operations, reducing system complexity while maintaining high map accuracy through comprehensive data collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a difference extraction unit as an intermediary between the map information acquisition unit and the virtual map update unit. This intermediary component compares acquired map information with the existing virtual map, identifies differences, and determines whether updates are necessary. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall system by handling the complex task of data reconciliation and update decision-making, allowing the other components to operate more independently.
2Reliability
If the virtual map is updated frequently with real-time data from moving bodies, then the virtual map reflects current environmental changes accurately, but the computational load and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by updating only the portions of the virtual map where differences are detected between acquired map information and the existing virtual map. The difference extraction unit identifies specific regions requiring updates, and the virtual map update unit performs selective updates rather than complete map regeneration. This approach maintains high map reliability by updating only necessary areas while significantly reducing computational load and processing time compared to full map updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action through the difference extraction process, which continuously compares acquired map information with the virtual map at scheduled intervals or when new data becomes available. This periodic comparison allows the system to maintain up-to-date virtual maps by detecting and responding to environmental changes only when they occur, rather than performing continuous computational updates, thus balancing map reliability with processing efficiency.
3Productivity
If strict criteria are applied for updating the virtual map based on similarity degree and time intervals, then unnecessary updates are reduced, but the responsiveness to real environmental changes may be delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by introducing multiple update criteria including similarity degree thresholds and time interval constraints. The difference extraction unit evaluates acquired map information against these adjustable parameters to determine whether updates are warranted. By changing and optimizing these parameters based on specific application requirements, the system can balance update efficiency and response speed - using higher similarity thresholds and longer time intervals for stable environments to improve efficiency, while using lower thresholds and shorter intervals for dynamic environments to enhance responsiveness.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is an information processing apparatus including: a virtual map storage unit which stores a virtual map that is three-dimensional and corresponds to a real space; a map information acquisition unit which acquires map information of the real space from a plurality of moving bodies moving in the real space; a difference extraction unit which extracts a difference of each piece of the map information from the virtual map; and a virtual map update unit which updates the virtual map based on the difference in a case where the difference for a same place is extracted from two or more pieces of the map information. The map information acquisition unit may acquire the map information for each place in the real space from the plurality of moving bodies moving in the real space. The difference extraction unit may judge a similarity degree in the difference between the map information and the virtual map for the same place. The virtual map update unit may update the virtual map based on the similarity degree.