Mobile Robot Following System Using Worn Camera
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing following systems, both GPS and camera types, face challenges in obtaining an optimal following path for mobile robots, particularly in areas with low GPS accuracy, increased distances between the robot and the moving object, and low visibility conditions such as night or dark environments.
Innovation Solution
A camera-type following system where a first camera is worn on the moving object to capture images, and a second camera on the mobile robot uses these images, along with past frames, to determine a following path, even in low visibility conditions by combining images or adjusting camera angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a GPS type following system is used, then the mobile robot can acquire a following path according to GPS information, but the system cannot obtain an appropriate following path in areas where GPS has low accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary device to capture images of the moving object and surrounding environment. These images serve as intermediate information that the mobile robot uses to calculate following paths, replacing direct reliance on GPS signals in areas with low satellite visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the GPS-based mechanical positioning system with a vision-based system using cameras. The camera captures optical information, which is then processed to determine the moving object's position and generate following paths, substituting the electromagnetic GPS signal reception with optical image processing.
2Reliability
If a camera type following system is used, then the mobile robot can obtain a following path in areas with low GPS accuracy, but the robot cannot identify circumstances in front of the moving object in a long-term perspective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the camera mounted on the moving object with the camera on the mobile robot. The camera on the moving object captures images of the surrounding environment and forwards them to the mobile robot, combining multiple image sources to provide comprehensive situational awareness that neither camera could achieve alone.
3Length of moving object
If the distance between the moving object and mobile robot increases, then the mobile robot has more space to operate, but the camera cannot capture images of the moving object
Solution Approach 1:
The camera on the moving object creates visual copies of the moving object's perspective and surrounding environment. These image copies are transmitted to the mobile robot, allowing the robot to see what the moving object sees regardless of distance, effectively extending the robot's visual range without requiring the robot's own camera to physically see the moving object.
4Illumination intensity
If captured images have low visibility at night or in dark places, then the mobile robot cannot recognize obstacles, but increasing light may not be feasible
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system serves multiple functions: it captures images for following path calculation, provides situational awareness of circumstances in front of the moving object, and enables obstacle recognition. By making the camera multi-functional, the system achieves various goals with a single device rather than requiring separate systems for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A following system according to an embodiment, in which a mobile robot follows a moving object, includes a first camera and a mobile robot. The first camera is worn by the moving object and is used to photograph a scene in front of the moving object. The mobile robot includes a second camera for photographing a scene in front of the mobile robot, and acquires a following path according to a first front image from the first camera and a second front image from the second camera.