Mobile Robot Reflector Layout for Accurate Pose Recognition
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for position and orientation recognition of mobile robots face challenges in accuracy due to high reflection intensity objects in the environment, making it difficult to discriminate reflection targets, leading to low position recognition accuracy and inability to specify robot orientation.
Innovation Solution
A mobile robot design featuring at least two rotating reflection parts with reflection surfaces on side surfaces, where the reflection surface angle is 90 degrees or more to 360 degrees, allowing for accurate position and orientation recognition using a combination of range scanners and imaging devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a reflection target is used for position recognition, then position recognition is enabled, but high reflection intensity objects in the environment cause misrecognition and reduce accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The reflection target is divided into multiple reflection elements arranged in a specific pattern. This segmentation allows the recognition system to identify the unique spatial arrangement of elements, distinguishing the reflection target from other high-reflection objects in the environment that do not share the same element pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflection elements are arranged in an asymmetric pattern that is unique to the reflection target. This asymmetric configuration creates a distinctive reflection signature that can be easily differentiated from symmetric or differently arranged high-reflection objects, thereby improving recognition accuracy and reducing misrecognition.
2Measurement precision
If a simple reflection target is used, then position recognition is achieved, but orientation of the robot cannot be specified
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric arrangement of reflection elements encodes orientation information in the spatial configuration. When the recognition system detects the pattern of reflected light from these asymmetrically arranged elements, it can determine both the position and the orientation of the robot by analyzing the geometric relationships between the reflected beams.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflection elements are arranged in a two-dimensional pattern rather than a simple one-dimensional configuration. This dimensional expansion allows the system to extract both positional information (from the overall location of the pattern) and orientational information (from the angular relationships between elements), thereby recovering the orientation data that would be lost with simpler reflection targets.
3Measurement precision
If multiple reflection elements are used with specific arrangement, then orientation recognition is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reflection target is segmented into multiple discrete reflection elements that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows for a compact and modular structure where each element contributes to the overall pattern recognition, enabling orientation detection without requiring a large or complex mechanical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflection elements are arranged in a circular or radially symmetric pattern around the robot. This curved arrangement simplifies the mechanical implementation compared to linear or angular configurations, as it can be easily mounted on a rotating platform or circular base, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining orientation recognition capability.
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 solution enables high-accuracy recognition of position and orientation of mobile robots, even in complex environments with varying reflection intensities, by utilizing the unique reflection surface angles and shapes of the rotating reflection parts, reducing misrecognition and improving control capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
at least two first reflection parts having first reflection surfaces reflecting electromagnetic waves
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile robot includes at least two first reflection parts, each of the at least two first reflection parts having a first reflection surface on a side surface thereof, the first reflection surface being configured to reflect electromagnetic waves. For each of the at least two first reflection parts: a cross-sectional shape obtained by being cut in a first direction perpendicular to a reference axis is symmetrical and continuous with respect to points passing through the reference axis, the first direction being parallel to a top surface of the first reflection part or a bottom surface of the first reflection part; and a reflection surface angle defined by the points passing through the reference axis and both ends of the first reflection surface is 90 degrees or more to 360 degrees or less when the first reflection part is viewed along the reference axis.