Coded Strip Vision Positioning for Robot Arena Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing position location systems for robots in performance arenas lack speed, simplicity, computational efficiency, and versatility, making them inadequate for precise positioning and orientation within dynamic environments.
Innovation Solution
A performance arena system featuring a coded strip with a non-repeating sequence of dark and light blocks, mounted adjacent to the performance space, and a digital camera-based positioning device that identifies feature points to determine the position and orientation of robots within the arena, using a processor to generate signals indicative of the robot's location and orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional position location systems are used for robots in performance arenas, then positioning functionality is provided, but the systems lack speed, simplicity, computational efficiency, and versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with an optical system. A camera captures images of a coded strip containing position information, and image processing algorithms extract location data. This substitution of mechanical systems with optical/electronic systems achieves faster positioning speed while reducing overall system complexity, as the coded strip is a simple visual pattern rather than a complex mechanical encoder.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a coded strip that contains encoded position information visible as a visual pattern. Instead of direct mechanical measurement, the system creates an optical copy of the position data through the coded strip's visual representation, which is then decoded by image processing. This copying approach simplifies the positioning system while maintaining accuracy and improving speed.
2Measurement precision
If complex position location systems are implemented, then positioning accuracy is improved, but computational burden increases and simplicity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coded strip is pre-designed with specific visual patterns and geometric features that encode position information. The strip contains predetermined markings with known geometric relationships, allowing the robot to determine its location by simply recognizing these pre-encoded patterns rather than performing complex real-time calculations. This preliminary encoding of position data in the visual pattern reduces computational burden while maintaining high positioning accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standardized coded strips are used across different arenas, then versatility is improved, but adaptability to specific arena configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coded strip is designed as a universal positioning standard that can be used across multiple performance arenas of different sizes and configurations. The strip contains geometric features and coding patterns that work with various camera positions and arena layouts. This universal design allows the same coded strip to provide accurate positioning in diverse environments, enhancing versatility while the geometric self-alignment features maintain precision without requiring custom calibration for each arena.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise and efficient positioning of robots in various performance arenas, allowing them to operate accurately without the need for extensive calibration, facilitating standardized competitions and operations across different arenas.
Implementation Method 1
a digital camera for acquiring an image comprising one or more of the portions of the sequence of marks
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus to determine the position of an image sensor relative to a predetermined continuous pattern of colors and/or objects based on the images said patterns of colors and/or objects produces within the image sensor.