Dynamic Virtual Map Update for Moving Object Navigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for generating and updating virtual representations of spaces, such as electronic maps, are static and do not account for dynamic changes in the environment or the position of reference markers, making them ineffective for determining the position and orientation of moving objects in changing environments.

Innovation Solution

A method that continuously updates virtual representations by determining positional and directional information from reference markers using a detection system, calculating the position of reference points with uncertainties, and storing these in a memory, allowing for dynamic adaptation to changes in the space and reference markers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If static maps are used for navigation, then the navigation system is simple to implement, but the system cannot adapt to dynamic changes in the environment or reference marker positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to dynamic changesVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic updating of the virtual representation by continuously detecting reference markers and recalculating their positions. The system transitions from static maps to dynamic virtual representations that automatically adapt to environmental changes, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and system complexity through automated real-time updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms by continuously detecting reference markers, comparing detected positions with stored virtual representations, and automatically updating discrepancies. This closed-loop feedback enables the navigation system to adapt to dynamic changes without manual intervention, balancing adaptability with automated complexity management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If manual map creation and updating methods are used, then the initial map can be created with basic tools, but the map cannot be updated in real-time to reflect environmental changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of position determinationVSAvoidupdate speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous updating of the virtual representation by continuously detecting reference markers and immediately updating their positions in the virtual model. This continuous action ensures both high reliability through frequent updates and high productivity through automated real-time processing, eliminating the need for separate manual update processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The navigation system performs self-updating by automatically detecting reference markers, calculating position discrepancies, and updating the virtual representation without external intervention. This self-service capability simultaneously improves reliability through continuous accuracy maintenance and productivity through automated update operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If absolute position reference points are used in the map, then the map structure is simple, but the map becomes inaccurate when reference markers move or change position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition accuracyVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback by continuously detecting reference markers, comparing detected positions with stored virtual representation positions, and automatically updating discrepancies. This feedback mechanism maintains high measurement precision even when reference markers move, while the automated nature of the process manages processing complexity efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the static absolute reference points into dynamic virtual representation points that are continuously updated based on detected reference marker positions. This dynamic approach maintains measurement precision throughout environmental changes while the automated update process keeps processing complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2749982B1Generation and updating of reference models
Publication Date: 2020.01.01 EINHELL GERMANY AG
  • EP2749982B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP2749982B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2749982B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for generating or updating the positions of reference points (m1, m2, m3, m4) stored within a virtual representation, which correspond to the positions of reference markers (M1, M2, M3, M4) in a space, wherein the stored reference points (m1, m2, m3, m4) are associated with position uncertainties (Um1, Um2, Um3, Um4), and wherein the virtual representation is stored in a first memory, comprising determining a first position information (p1) within the virtual representation for a moving object (1), which substantially corresponds to a first position of the moving object (1) in space (P1), wherein the first position information (p1) is subjected to first position uncertainties (Up1) in each dimension, and acquiring, at the first position in space (P1), first direction information (A1) of one or more reference markers (M1, M2, M3, M4) in space, with respect to an axis (5) of the movable object (1),by at least one detection system (2) connected to the moving object (1), wherein the first direction information (A1) is subjected to first direction uncertainties (UA1), the moving of the moving object (1) to a second position in space (P2), wherein the second position (P2) is a known distance from the first position (P1), the determination of a second position information (p2) within the virtual representation for the moving object (1), which substantially corresponds to the second position in space (P2), wherein the second position information (p2) is subjected to second position uncertainties (Up2) in each dimension, the detection system (2) detects, at the second position in space (P2), second direction information (A2) from one or more reference markers (M1, M2, M3, M4) in space, with respect to an axis (5) of the moving object (1).wherein the second direction information (A2) is subjected to second direction uncertainties (UA2), the identification of one or more reference markers (M1, M2, M3, M4) to which the first and second direction information (A1, A2) can each be uniquely assigned, the calculation of the position of reference points (m1*, m2*, m3*, m4*) in the virtual representation for each of the identified reference markers (M1, M2, M3, M4) based on the first and/or second direction information (A1, A2) and the first or second position information (p1, p2), wherein the position of each calculated reference point (m1*, m2*, m3*, m4*) is subjected to calculated position uncertainties (Um1*, Um2*, Um3*, Um4*) in each dimension, and the storage of the position of each calculated reference point. (m1*, m2*, m3*, m4*), together with its positional uncertainties (Um1*, Um2*, Um3*, Um4*) in a second memory,and comparing the position of each calculated reference point (m1*, m2*, m3*, m4*) and its positional uncertainties (Um1*, Um2*, Um3*, Um4*) with the position of its corresponding stored reference point (m1, m2, m3, m4) and its positional uncertainties (Um1, Um2, Um3, Um4).