Coupling Relative and Absolute Coordinate Systems Using Optical Markers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Camera-based SLAM algorithms can only provide relative localizations and are limited to tracking visible objects, making it difficult to determine absolute positions in environments without visible references, which is a challenge for augmented reality and autonomous systems like driverless vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A method that couples a relative coordinate system of a mobile apparatus's automatic position finding system to an absolute coordinate system using optically identifiable identifiers and a light sensor, allowing the determination of the apparatus's position in the absolute coordinate system by comparing relative and absolute positions of these identifiers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If camera-based SLAM algorithms are used for position determination, then relative localization accuracy is improved, but absolute position determination is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces optically identifiable identifiers as intermediary elements that bridge the relative coordinate system (from SLAM) and the absolute coordinate system (from RTLS). These identifiers are detected by the light sensor and have known positions in both coordinate systems, enabling transformation between them. The identifiers act as mediators that allow the mobile apparatus to determine its absolute position by comparing relative detections with known absolute positions of the identifiers.
2Productivity
If SLAM algorithms are used to track visible objects, then relative orientation tracking is improved, but knowledge of invisible objects is not obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The optically identifiable identifiers serve as intermediaries that carry absolute position information regardless of whether they are visually detectable by the mobile apparatus's camera. The light sensor detects these identifiers and retrieves their absolute positions from the RTLS, enabling the system to obtain information about invisible objects (objects without camera visibility) while maintaining efficient relative orientation tracking through SLAM.
3Reliability
If RTLS with stationary components is used for absolute localization, then absolute position reference is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the light sensor multi-functional by using it for both relative position determination (SLAM) and absolute position determination (RTLS coupling). The same light sensor that captures images for SLAM also detects the optically identifiable identifiers for RTLS coupling, eliminating the need for separate sensors and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable absolute position reference.
4Measurement precision
If coupling relative and absolute coordinate systems is implemented, then position determination accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing the RTLS with stationary components having known absolute positions, and pre-processing the detection of optically identifiable identifiers. The relative position determination is performed first, then the coupling with absolute coordinate system is established through comparison with pre-known identifier positions, enabling efficient real-time operation without excessive processing time delays.
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 method enables accurate and reliable position determination in both visible and invisible areas, enhancing the interaction between real and augmented environments with low latency, improving the accuracy and reliability of automatic position finding and visual perception systems.
Implementation Method 1
capturing optically identifiable identifiers of the localization system using a light sensor of a mobile apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A method for coupling a relative coordinate system of a relative automatic position finding system to an absolute coordinate system of an absolute localization system includes capturing optically identifiable identifiers of the localization system using a light sensor of a mobile apparatus of the relative automatic position finding system. The method further includes ascertaining a relative position for each of the captured optically identifiable identifiers in the relative coordinate system of the relative automatic position finding system, retrieving absolute positions of the optically identifiable identifiers in the absolute coordinate system, determining a position of the light sensor in the absolute coordinate system, and coupling, based on the determined position of the light sensor, the relative coordinate system to the absolute coordinate system.