Covert Robot Identification Tags Using UV or IR Markings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robots face challenges in distinguishing obstacles and identifying objects for interaction, as existing technologies require explicit human interaction or visible markings that can be aesthetically undesirable.
Innovation Solution
Implementing machine-readable, human-imperceptible indicia, such as UV or IR reflective markings, to facilitate robot navigation and interaction, using cameras and sensors to detect these markings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visible markings are used on objects for robot identification, then the robot can easily identify objects and navigate, but the aesthetic appearance of objects is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by using markings that reflect different wavelengths of light - specifically, markings that reflect ultraviolet light while appearing transparent or invisible to the human eye. This allows robots equipped with UV sensors to detect and identify objects through these reflective properties, while humans perceive no visual degradation to the object's aesthetic appearance.
2Reliability
If explicit human interaction is required for robot control, then the robot can accurately understand human intentions, but the complexity of operation increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling robots to autonomously identify objects and navigate environments through detecting reflective markings, without requiring explicit human commands or interactions. The robot independently processes visual information from the markings to determine object locations, identities, and navigation paths, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining reliable task execution.
3Loss of information
If markings are made visible to humans, then the function of object identification is clear, but the markings become aesthetically undesirable and intrusive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the identification markings visible only to robots with specialized UV-detecting sensors, while remaining invisible to the human eye. The markings possess different optical properties at different wavelengths - they reflect UV light for robot detection but are transparent or imperceptible in the visible spectrum, thus providing identification information to robots without creating visual intrusiveness for humans.
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 robots to navigate and interact with objects efficiently while maintaining aesthetic appeal and reducing the need for explicit human control.
Implementation Method 1
UV or IR reflective markings
Implementation Method 2
UV or IR reflective markings
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A computer-perceptible marking identifying an object can facilitate interaction and navigation by a robot. The machine readable indicia can comprise symbols that can be perceived and interpreted by the robot. Thus, the indicia can be perceived by the robot, while not interfering with the aesthetics of the environment.