Light-Based Object Map Layer for Localization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing localization methods relying on visible landmarks are unreliable in conditions where visibility is obscured, such as adverse weather or nighttime, limiting the accuracy of GPS-based navigation for vehicles, aircraft, and robots.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing light-based objects, such as light beams or cloud formations, as landmarks, by capturing images and creating a map layer representation to enhance localization through image data processing and machine learning algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS-based localization using visible landmarks is used, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the reliability deteriorates in adverse weather or nighttime conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces light-based objects (artificial light sources such as streetlights, traffic lights, and building lights) as intermediary landmarks that can be detected in adverse conditions. These light-based objects serve as mediators between the localization system and the environment, enabling reliable detection when traditional visual landmarks are obscured by weather or darkness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/optical landmark detection systems with light-based detection using image sensors. By capturing and analyzing light patterns from artificial sources, the system achieves reliable localization without relying on visible physical landmarks, effectively substituting one detection mechanism with a more robust optical approach
2Measurement precision
If traditional landmark-based localization is used, then the method is simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates when landmarks are obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from relying on visible physical characteristics of landmarks to detecting light intensity and patterns from artificial light sources. This parameter change allows the system to measure location accurately even when traditional landmarks are obscured, as light-based objects remain detectable in adverse weather and nighttime conditions
Solution Approach 2:
Light-based objects serve as intermediary detection targets that bridge the gap between obscured physical landmarks and the image sensor. These intermediaries (artificial light sources) provide measurable signals that maintain measurement precision even when direct observation of traditional landmarks is impossible
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, method and computer program product are provided to update a map layer including one or more light-based objects and use the map layer for localization. For example, the apparatus is configured to receive image data including a plurality of images of a light-based object generated by a source, use the image data to create a representation of the light-based object, and update a map layer to include the representation as a landmark. The apparatus is further configured to receive an image captured by an image capturing device and including the light-based object and perform localization for the image capturing device by using the image and the map layer.