Infrared Stage Localization Using Edge and Pattern Detection

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information processing devices struggle to accurately estimate the self-location of a moving apparatus on a stage in noisy and dynamically changing environments, such as concert venues, due to interference from electromagnetic waves, lighting changes, and cable arrangements.

Innovation Solution

The use of a ranger equipped with infrared light-based ranging sensors to detect distances to the stage edge and a predetermined pattern, combined with a self-location estimator to analyze these detections, allows for precise self-location estimation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If LiDAR SLAM or radar is used for self-location estimation, then the system can operate in general environments, but the measurement precision deteriorates in noisy stage environments with electromagnetic wave interference, lighting changes, and cable arrangements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental adaptabilityVSAvoidself-location estimation precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary reference system consisting of markers placed on the stage and a camera to detect them. This intermediary system mediates between the moving apparatus and the environment, allowing accurate self-location estimation by detecting known reference points rather than relying directly on electromagnetic wave-based sensing that is susceptible to interference from lighting changes and electromagnetic waves in noisy stage environments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the electromagnetic wave-based LiDAR SLAM and radar systems with a visual detection system using a camera to detect markers. This substitution eliminates the susceptibility to electromagnetic wave interference and lighting changes that plague the original systems, while the marker detection provides robust mechanical/geometric reference for accurate self-location estimation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If traditional ranging methods are used in noisy environments, then the device complexity remains low, but the reliability of self-location estimation deteriorates due to electromagnetic wave interference and environmental changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidself-location estimation reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary reference system consisting of markers placed on the stage and a camera to detect them. This intermediary system mediates between the moving apparatus and the environment, allowing accurate self-location estimation by detecting known reference points rather than relying directly on electromagnetic wave-based sensing that is susceptible to interference from lighting changes and electromagnetic waves in noisy stage environments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from electromagnetic wave-based distance measurement (prone to interference) to visual pattern recognition of markers. By changing the fundamental detection parameter to something that is not affected by electromagnetic wave interference or lighting changes, the system achieves high reliability while maintaining relatively simple device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 self-location estimation on stages with changing environments by utilizing infrared light to detect stage edges and patterns, even in noisy conditions where traditional methods like LiDAR SLAM and radar fail.

Implementation Method 1

a ranger that detects a distance to an end part of a stage and detects a pattern provided on the stage with infrared light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared light ranging: LIDAR

Data Source

PatentUS12535829B2Information processing device, information processing method, and moving apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

An information processing device of the present disclosure includes a ranger that detects a distance to an end part of a stage and detects a predetermined pattern provided on the stage, with infrared light, and an estimator that estimates a self-location on the basis of a detection result of the ranger.