Light-Based Vehicle Positioning Using Asymmetric Fiducial Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Indoor positioning systems face inaccuracies due to multipath fading in RF-based systems and are limited by fixed mechanical or magnetic track systems, which are not easily adjustable and prone to errors in reflective environments like warehouses.
Innovation Solution
A light-based communication system using luminaires with asymmetric fiducial patterns to transmit luminaire position data, allowing vehicles to determine their position relative to the area through image processing and mathematical modeling, enabling flexible movement without the limitations of traditional tracking systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If RF-based positioning systems are used in indoor environments, then communication signals can be transmitted wirelessly, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to multipath fading in reflective environments like warehouses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces RF-based electromagnetic positioning with a light-based positioning system using visible luminaires. The sensor on the vehicle captures images of luminaires, and the processor determines position based on luminaire coordinates and orientation angles, eliminating multipath fading issues associated with RF signals in reflective environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an asymmetric fiducial pattern displayed by the luminaire as an intermediary element. This pattern provides reference points for the sensor to calculate orientation angles and position, serving as a mediator between the luminaire and the vehicle's positioning system to achieve accurate positioning without direct RF signal interaction
2Reliability
If fixed mechanical or magnetic track systems are used for vehicle positioning, then positioning structure can be established, but system adaptability deteriorates due to inability to easily adjust to different layouts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, fixed track system into a dynamic, flexible system where luminaires can be positioned anywhere in the area and the vehicle can move freely. The positioning structure adapts to different layouts by simply repositioning luminaires and updating their coordinates in the processor, without requiring physical track modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal positioning system where the same basic components (luminaires with asymmetric fiducial patterns, sensors, and processors) can be deployed in any area layout. The system serves multiple functions including positioning, orientation determination, and navigation guidance, replacing the specialized fixed-track approach
3Ease of operation
If traditional tracking systems are used in warehouses, then vehicle navigation can be provided, but system reliability deteriorates due to errors in reflective environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional RF-based tracking systems with a light-based vision system. The sensor captures images of luminaires, and the processor calculates position and orientation using geometric relationships, providing reliable navigation in reflective warehouse environments where RF signals suffer from multipath fading
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an asymmetric fiducial pattern displayed by each luminaire to enable the sensor to determine orientation angles. The asymmetry provides unique reference points that allow calculation of the vehicle's angular position relative to the luminaire, improving navigation accuracy by eliminating ambiguity in orientation determination
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
The system provides accurate vehicle positioning within an area, reducing errors caused by reflective surfaces and allowing vehicles to move freely, while maintaining high precision and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
a luminaire within the area, the luminaire including a plurality of light sources configured to display an asymmetric fiducial pattern
Implementation Method 2
a sensor disposed on the vehicle, the sensor configured to receive an image of the asymmetric fiducial pattern
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques and architecture are disclosed for mobile transport systems configured to determine vehicle positions within an area using light-based communication signals. The system includes a plurality of luminaires located in an area and configured to transmit luminaire position data recognizable by a sensor disposed on a vehicle. The sensor receives an image of a luminaire including a light-based communication signal encoded with luminaire position data. Luminaire position data can be combined with luminaire layout information to determine a known location of the luminaire. A vehicle position relative to the known luminaire location can be determined based on mathematical relationships. Vehicle orientation relative to the area can be determined based an asymmetric fiducial pattern or multiple known luminaire locations. The system can combine a vehicle position relative to a known luminaire location with vehicle orientation relative to the area to determine a vehicle position relative to the area.