Methods for an autonomous robotic device to identify locations captured in an image
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile robotic devices struggle to efficiently navigate and perform tasks in specific locations within an environment without manual direction or remote control.
Innovation Solution
A robotic device equipped with sensors, a processor, and a machine-readable medium that captures images, generates a map, extracts objects and features, and autonomously navigates to perform tasks based on image analysis and sensor data, using a communication device for input and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mobile robotic device uses manual direction or remote control to navigate to a particular location, then the device can execute tasks in specific locations, but the operation complexity and user involvement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic device autonomously identifies locations captured in images by comparing extracted objects and features with its stored map, automatically determines navigation paths, and executes tasks without requiring manual direction or remote control intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual control mechanisms with automated image processing and computer vision systems. The processor extracts objects and features from images, compares them with the map database, and automatically generates navigation commands based on the identified location match
2Extent of automation
If the robotic device autonomously identifies locations using image analysis and map comparison, then the extent of automation increases, but the device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The location identification process is divided into distinct modular steps: image capture, object extraction, feature extraction, map comparison, and location identification. Each step is handled by separate processing functions, making the complex system more manageable and maintainable
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic device pre-generates a detailed map of the environment containing objects and features before autonomous operation. This preliminary mapping allows the device to quickly compare incoming images against known data, reducing real-time processing complexity
3Measurement precision
If the robotic device captures and processes images to identify locations, then the measurement precision of location identification improves, but the time required for image processing and analysis increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only relevant objects and features from captured images rather than processing the entire image data. This selective extraction of key identifying elements reduces processing time while maintaining location identification accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The map comparison process focuses on comparing extracted features with corresponding features in the pre-stored map rather than performing exhaustive analysis of all possible location parameters, achieving sufficient precision with reduced processing time
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a robot, including: a chassis; a plurality of sensors; a processor; and a tangible, non-transitory, machine-readable medium storing instructions that when executed by the processor effectuates operations including: receiving, with the processor, an image of an environment captured by a communication device separate from the robot; extracting, with the processor, objects and features captured in the image; determining, with the processor, an area within a map of the environment corresponding with an area captured in the image by comparing the objects and features captured in the image with objects and features within the map; and actuating, with the processor, the robot to navigate to the area captured in the image to perform work.