Electromagnetic Mobile Robot Following for Multi-Person Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile robots face challenges in accurately and stably tracking human body targets in outdoor and multi-person environments due to limitations in wireless electromagnetic tracking methods and wired connections, leading to signal attenuation and loss in complex scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A mobile robot following method using electromagnetic positioning that includes acquiring electromagnetic signals, determining single-person or multi-person following modes, and employing linear and angular accelerations to track targets through a combination of electromagnetic sensors and intelligent control algorithms like force control of a virtual spring and social force models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If wireless electromagnetic tracking method based on permanent magnet is used, then tracking range is extended, but magnetic field strength attenuates rapidly limiting effective distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of electromagnetic signal generation from static permanent magnets to dynamic alternating electromagnetic fields. This allows the system to maintain signal strength over distance by continuously regenerating the electromagnetic field at the receiver end, overcoming the rapid attenuation inherent in static magnetic field methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic alternating electromagnetic signals instead of static fields. The transmitter generates alternating electromagnetic fields that periodically interact with the receiver's coils, enabling continuous tracking with maintained signal strength throughout the extended range, directly resolving the attenuation problem.
2Reliability
If wired connection of transceiver ends is used for alternating electromagnetic tracking, then signal stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to connection complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless electromagnetic coupling system. The transmitter and receiver communicate through electromagnetic fields without physical contact, maintaining signal stability through field coupling while completely eliminating the mechanical connection complexity and improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary between the transmitter and receiver. This intermediary enables stable signal transmission without direct physical connection, allowing the system to maintain reliability while removing the operational burden of wired connections.
3Ease of operation
If Bluetooth or UWB sensors are used for tracking, then ease of operation is improved, but communication distance is short and signals are lost in multi-person scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electromagnetic frequency and power parameters to create a dedicated tracking signal that operates at higher power levels than standard Bluetooth or UWB. This extends the effective communication distance while maintaining the simplicity of wireless operation, allowing reliable tracking through multiple people and over longer distances.
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 accurate 360° position and orientation tracking of one or more people with improved stability, allowing for better human-machine interaction and collaboration in dynamic environments, enhancing the practicality and intelligence of the robot's following capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
acquiring electromagnetic signals sent to one or more receiving modules located on one or more pedestrian targets by a transmitting module located on the mobile robot
Data Source
AI summary
A following method of a mobile robot based on electromagnetic positioning includes the following steps. Acquiring electromagnetic signals sent to one or more receiving modules by a transmitting module, and obtaining position and orientation information of the one or more receiving modules relative to the transmitting module; determining whether the mobile robot is in a single-person following mode or a multi-person following mode; following a single one of one or more pedestrian targets using a linear acceleration and an angular acceleration of the mobile robot when the mobile robot is determined to be in the single-person following mode; and finding an average value of the position and orientation information and following multiple of the one or more pedestrian targets using the linear acceleration and the angular acceleration of the mobile robot when the mobile robot is determined to be in the multi-person following mode.