Audio-Visual Localization Using Echolocation in Low-Light Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing localization methods relying solely on visual data face challenges in low-light conditions and scenarios where matching visual data to a 3D map is difficult.
Innovation Solution
Supplement or replace visual data with echolocation data by emitting sounds and detecting reflections using microphones to determine the pose of a device, incorporating audio data to enhance localization accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual data alone is used for localization, then the system is simple to implement, but localization accuracy deteriorates in low-light conditions and challenging scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines visual data from cameras with audio data from microphones to create a multi-sensory localization system. The camera captures images while microphones capture sound waves, and both data streams are processed together to determine device pose, thereby improving reliability in conditions where one modality alone would fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multiple sensing modalities (visual and audio) that can function independently or together. The audio component can operate in low-light conditions where visual data fails, while the visual component provides complementary information in well-lit conditions, creating a universal localization system that adapts to various environmental conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If visual data is used for localization, then the system can operate in well-lit conditions, but it fails in low-light conditions such as at night
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs multiple sensing modalities that function independently across different environmental conditions. The audio sensing component operates effectively in low-light conditions where visual components fail, while visual components operate in well-lit conditions, creating a universal system that maintains reliability across the full range of operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The audio data acts as an intermediary modality that bridges the gap in conditions where visual data is insufficient. Sound waves can penetrate and reflect in low-light environments, providing an alternative pathway for gathering environmental information when light-based sensing becomes unreliable.
3Loss of information
If only camera field of view is used, then the system is simple to process, but information from outside the field of view is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges visual data from the camera's field of view with audio data that captures information from all directions around the device. Sound waves propagate omnidirectionally and reflect off surfaces outside the camera's view, allowing the system to reconstruct a more complete understanding of the environment by combining both data streams.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from purely two-dimensional visual information within the camera frame to three-dimensional spatial understanding by incorporating audio data that provides depth and directional information from outside the visual field, effectively adding another dimension of environmental perception.
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
Improves localization accuracy by capturing information outside the camera's field of view and enhances performance in low-light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The echolocation data may be generated by the device emitting a sound (e.g., a chirp or audio pulse) and detecting reflections of the sound from surrounding surfaces using one or more microphones.
Data Source
AI summary
A reference image and recorded sound of an environment of a client device are obtained. The recorded sound may be captured by a microphone of the client device in a period of time after generation of a localization sound by the client device. The location of the client device in the environment may be determined using the reference image and the recorded sound.