Optical Landmark Navigation for Precise Autonomous Machine Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current navigation technologies for autonomously movable machines, such as unmanned aerial vehicles, face limitations in positioning accuracy, particularly with GPS, which can lead to errors and are unsuitable for urban environments where unique signs are required for navigation, and QR codes have limited identification distances and angles.
Innovation Solution
The method employs optical communication devices with cameras to determine location information by scanning and identifying optical tags, allowing for accurate relative positioning and guiding the machine to a destination, using a server to store identification and location information and controlling the machine's movement based on this data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS navigation is used for autonomously movable machines, then the machine can be guided to the vicinity of a target location, but the positioning accuracy is limited with errors of several meters to tens of meters
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation system is segmented into two stages: coarse positioning using GPS to reach the vicinity of the target, and fine positioning using visual identification of landmarks or QR codes for precise location. This segmentation allows each subsystem to operate within its optimal accuracy range while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Visual landmarks or QR codes serve as intermediary objects between the GPS system and the final target location. The machine first navigates to the general area via GPS, then uses these intermediary visual markers to achieve precise positioning, effectively bridging the gap between coarse satellite navigation and fine local accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If QR codes are used for identification, then unique identification is achieved, but the identification distance is very limited requiring the machine to travel close to the QR code
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from two-dimensional QR code patterns to three-dimensional light sources that emit structured light patterns. This dimensional change allows the identification target to be detected from much greater distances and various angles, as the light patterns maintain their structural characteristics over long ranges unlike flat QR codes.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical communication devices use different light colors or wavelengths to encode identification information, allowing the machine to identify targets from distance by detecting specific light patterns. The light-based approach enables long-range detection compared to reflected light QR codes, as active light emission maintains signal strength over distance.
3Measurement precision
If QR codes are used for identification, then unique identification is achieved, but the camera must directly face the QR code roughly for shooting otherwise the code cannot be identified
Solution Approach 1:
The optical communication devices emit dynamic light patterns that can be detected from multiple angles, unlike static QR codes. The light sources can modulate their emission patterns to maintain identifiability from various orientations, making the system adaptable to different viewing angles and machine positions.
Solution Approach 2:
By transitioning from 2D QR codes to 3D light-emitting structures, the system gains angular flexibility. The light patterns radiate in three dimensions, allowing detection from various angles and distances, whereas QR codes require near-perfect frontal alignment for reliable identification.
4Measurement precision
If unique signs are placed at destination for navigation, then accurate navigation can be achieved, but the buyer is required to have a yard suitable for receiving goods and place a unique sign
Solution Approach 1:
The optical communication devices serve multiple functions: they provide unique identification, indicate precise location, and can encode additional information. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for specialized yard spaces or custom physical signs, as standard optical devices can be deployed in various urban environments including apartments and buildings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces physical mechanical signs with electronic optical communication devices. This substitution allows for easier deployment in urban environments where physical yard space is limited, as optical devices can be mounted on buildings, windows, or other vertical surfaces rather than requiring ground-level yard areas.
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
This approach enables accurate long-distance identification and navigation of autonomously movable machines, improving positioning accuracy and suitability for urban environments by allowing identification from various angles and distances, enhancing the reliability and stability of the navigation system.
Implementation Method 1
The optical communication device has associated identification and location information, and a camera is mounted on the machine capable of autonomous movement
Implementation Method 2
scanning and identifying, by the camera mounted on the machine capable of autonomous movement, one or more optical communication devices
Data Source
AI summary
A method for guiding an autonomously movable machine by means of an optical communication device having associated identification, location and orientation information. The method includes: receiving location information of a destination to which the autonomously movable machine travels, where the location information of the destination is determined by scanning and identifying, at the destination, at least one optical communication device around the destination; scanning and identifying the at least one optical communication device around the autonomously movable machine by means of the camera mounted on the autonomously movable machine, so as to determine location information of the autonomously movable machine; and on the basis of the location information of the destination and the location information of the autonomously movable machine, determining the relative location relationship between the autonomously movable machine and the destination, and controlling the autonomously movable machine or a part thereof to travel to the destination.