Barcode Position Markers for Object Orientation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the position and rotational orientation of objects within a predefined space, especially indoors, face challenges such as line of sight obscuration, lack of angular orientation information, and inaccuracy, particularly for mobile objects like industrial vehicles and storage units.
Innovation Solution
A method using a single optical sensor with position markers placed overhead, employing machine-readable symbols like barcodes to determine the position and rotational orientation of objects through image acquisition and processing, allowing for precise location and orientation calculation in real-time, suitable for both stationary and mobile objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If camera-based systems are used to interpret position and motion from image data, then position determination is possible, but the image analysis becomes very challenging and cannot provide exact position or heading determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses physical copies of known patterns (bar code symbols) placed at known locations as reference markers. These patterns serve as standardized templates that can be easily recognized and measured, transforming the complex problem of interpreting arbitrary visual features into a simpler pattern-matching task with known geometric properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs high-contrast visual patterns (black and white bar code symbols) that create distinct optical signatures. These contrasting patterns are easily detectable by optical sensors and provide clear geometric features for precise position and orientation calculation through image processing
2Measurement precision
If GPS is used for position determination, then outdoor position tracking is effective, but it lacks orientation determination capability and fails indoors due to signal attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal positioning system that functions both indoors and outdoors by using optical patterns that can be detected by standard camera sensors. The system provides multiple functions: position determination, orientation determination, and works in environments where GPS fails, making it a multi-functional solution that replaces multiple separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces radio-based GPS systems with an optical-based vision system. This substitution enables operation in indoor environments where radio signals are blocked, while providing additional orientation information that GPS cannot deliver, thus overcoming the limitations of the original radio-based approach
3Reliability
If optical systems with rotating laser beams are used to detect position markers, then position detection is possible, but the beam's field of view can easily become blocked in a factory or warehouse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from using a single rotating laser beam (one-dimensional scanning) to using multiple stationary optical sensors viewing the same space from different angles (multi-dimensional observation). This allows the system to detect markers even when some viewing paths are blocked, as other sensors may have unobstructed views
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multiple optical sensors as intermediaries to detect position markers. Instead of relying on a single laser beam that must directly illuminate and reflect from each marker, multiple sensors can detect markers through different lines of sight, with some sensors serving as backups when others are blocked
4Ease of operation
If AGV guidance systems use embedded wiring or fixed means to guide vehicles, then prescribed paths can be followed, but vehicles lack freedom of movement and rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static, fixed guidance infrastructure (embedded wiring, physical fixtures) with a dynamic vision-based system. The system can adapt to vehicles at any position and orientation without requiring pre-installed physical guides, enabling free movement while maintaining guidance accuracy through real-time image-based position and heading calculation
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
This approach provides a reliable and accurate means for determining the position and rotational orientation of objects within a designated area, overcoming line of sight issues and offering high precision for indoor and outdoor use, enabling flexible movement and navigation of vehicles and storage units.
Implementation Method 1
a machine vision image acquisition apparatus acquires an image
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for determining position and rotational orientation of an object within a predetermined area is disclosed. Position markers, encoded with their identity, are viewed with a camera, images are captured and processed, and the position and rotational orientation of the object are calculated. Three embodiments are disclosed; the first having a camera mounted on the movable object while position markers bearing linear bar codes are fixed in location, the second having a camera mounted on the movable object while position markers bearing two-dimensional bar codes are fixed in location, and the third having a position marker of either type affixed to the object while the camera is fixed in location.