Multi-Modal Sensor Localization And Orientation Without Continuous GPS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location and orientation determination systems, such as GPS and GNSS, suffer from limited accuracy, require continuous connection to satellites, and cannot utilize inputs from sensors other than predefined modalities, limiting their applicability and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A system that creates a database representation of elements in a space, maps sensor inputs to these representations, and uses machine learning to identify and determine location and orientation using a variety of sensor modalities, including light, audio, heat, and electromagnetic waves, enabling accurate positioning without continuous satellite connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS/GNSS systems are used for location determination, then location information can be obtained, but accuracy is limited to a few meters at best
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the location determination task into multiple independent sensor modalities (camera, microphone, accelerometer, GPS, compass). Each sensor provides partial information that is processed separately and then integrated to achieve high-precision location and orientation determination, overcoming the accuracy limitations of any single sensor including GPS
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges data from multiple diverse sensor types (visual, acoustic, inertial, electromagnetic) to determine location and orientation. This multi-modal fusion approach combines the strengths of different sensors while compensating for their individual weaknesses, achieving accuracy beyond what GPS alone can provide and reducing dependency on satellite connectivity
2Reliability
If GPS/GNSS systems are used for location determination, then location can be obtained, but continuous connection to satellites is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses onboard sensors (camera, microphone, accelerometer, compass) that are always available and do not require external satellite connection. These self-contained sensors can independently determine location and orientation without needing continuous GPS satellite connectivity, making the system self-sufficient and always operational
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs multiple sensor types that serve multiple functions: the camera captures images for visual odometry and can also detect light conditions; the microphone array provides acoustic positioning and environmental awareness; the accelerometer offers motion tracking and orientation data. This multi-functionality ensures positioning availability without relying on a single external satellite connection system
3Adaptability or versatility
If GPS systems are used for location determination, then location can be obtained, but input from other sensor modalities cannot be utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to accept and process input from any sensor modality including camera, microphone, accelerometer, GPS receiver, and compass. Each sensor type contributes to the overall location and orientation determination, with the system adaptively weighting and integrating data from available sensors to achieve high precision while maintaining maximum versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to available sensor modalities and environmental conditions. It can switch between different sensor combinations based on what is available and appropriate for the current situation, allowing flexible use of any sensor type while maintaining measurement precision through adaptive multi-modal fusion
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for determining location and/or orientation of a sensor may include, stored in a database a representation of an element in a first space. A mapping between the representation and input from a first sensor may be created. Using the mapping and input from a second sensor in a second space, one or more elements in the database may be identified. A location and/or orientation of the second sensor in the second space may be determined based on the one or more elements.