Invisible Barcode Landmark Recognition via Lidar Infrared Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artificial landmarks are aesthetically unappealing, suffer from high recognition errors in dark environments or long distances, and require a specific size or separate cameras for effective recognition, limiting their usability in spaces emphasizing exterior appearance.
Innovation Solution
An artificial landmark that is not visible to the naked eye is recognized by an apparatus and a Lidar system, which analyzes scanned points to identify the landmark without the need for a separate camera, using an invisible barcode that reflects, absorbs, or emits light in specific wavelength bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an artificial landmark is made visible to increase recognition rate, then recognition accuracy improves, but aesthetic appeal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The artificial landmark uses materials with different reflectance properties in visible and infrared wavelength bands. The landmark appears visually appealing in the visible spectrum while having specific reflective characteristics in the infrared band that enable accurate recognition by the Lidar system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection system (Lidar with infrared sensing) that operates in a wavelength band different from human vision. This intermediary allows the system to detect the landmark's functional properties (infrared reflectance patterns) without compromising its aesthetic appearance in the visible spectrum.
2Measurement precision
If a separate camera is used to recognize the artificial landmark, then recognition capability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the landmark detection function with the existing Lidar system used for navigation and mapping. The same Lidar that scans the environment for spatial information also detects the artificial landmark by analyzing reflected infrared light, eliminating the need for a separate camera system.
Solution Approach 2:
The Lidar system is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both its traditional navigation/mapping functions and the new function of artificial landmark recognition. The system analyzes points scanned during normal operation to identify landmarks without requiring additional dedicated hardware.
3Measurement precision
If the artificial landmark is made larger to improve recognition in dark environments, then recognition rate improves, but space adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameter from visible light reflection to infrared light reflection. This allows the landmark to maintain a small physical size while achieving reliable detection in various lighting conditions, including dark environments, because the Lidar system actively emits infrared light that illuminates the landmark independently of ambient lighting.
Data Source
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AI summary
The exemplary embodiments provide an artificial landmark which is not visible through naked eyes of a user but is recognized by an apparatus for recognizing an artificial landmark and an artificial landmark recognizing apparatus and a moving object which recognize the artificial landmark by analyzing points scanned during a process of scanning the surroundings without providing a separate camera for recognizing the artificial landmark.