Dual-Sensor Position Estimation for Sensor Dropout in Workplaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to accurately estimate the self-position of a worker terminal when one sensor is unable to acquire environment information.
Innovation Solution
A position estimation system with two sensors, a first sensor and a second sensor, where the first sensor acquires environment information in a first direction and the second sensor acquires information in a second direction, allowing the system to estimate self-position based on both sets of information even if one sensor becomes unacquirable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single sensor is used for position estimation, then the system is simpler, but the reliability of position estimation deteriorates when the sensor becomes unable to acquire environment information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by having different sensors (first sensor and second sensor) with different acquisition directions and characteristics. Each sensor is optimized for specific spatial regions or conditions, allowing the system to maintain reliable position estimation by selecting the appropriate sensor based on local environmental conditions or sensor availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by preparing multiple sensors in advance that can compensate for each other. When one sensor becomes unable to acquire environment information, the other sensor is already in place and can immediately take over the position estimation function, cushioning against the failure of any single sensor.
2Reliability
If multiple sensors are used for position estimation, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a control device that can perform multiple functions: it processes information from the first sensor, the second sensor, or both sensors depending on the situation. The control device universally handles position estimation regardless of which sensor is operational, making the system adaptable and reliable without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple sensors into a unified position estimation system. The control device combines information from the first sensor and second sensor when both are operational, or switches to using a single sensor when the other is unavailable, achieving reliable position estimation through coordinated sensor operation rather than independent parallel systems.
3Productivity
If the system switches to a single sensor when one becomes unacquirable, then the system continues operating, but the measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the sensor configuration adaptive rather than static. The control device dynamically switches between using one sensor or both sensors based on real-time conditions such as sensor availability and environmental factors. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain continuous operation while optimizing measurement precision according to current capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite sensing approach where position estimation is performed using combinations of different sensor types and their respective information. When both sensors are operational, the system uses a composite of both data streams for enhanced precision. When one sensor fails, the system transitions to using the remaining sensor's information, maintaining a composite approach adapted to available resources.
Data Source
AI summary
A work information projection system estimates a position in a workplace. The work information projections system includes a camera (13), a stereo camera (14), and a controller. The camera (13) is arranged facing in a first direction and acquires first environment information which is information about an object arranged in and around the first direction. The stereo camera (14) is arranged facing in a second direction and acquires second environment information which is information about an object arranged in and around the second direction. The controller estimates a position in a first coordinate system based on the first environment information when it determines that the second environment information becomes unacquirable.