Optical Marker Grouping for Scalable Indoor Vehicle Self-Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Indoor navigation without satellite signals faces challenges due to the lack of infrastructure for existing localization methods, which are often complex and require high-quality sensors and algorithms, and existing optical marker systems do not support scalable and flexible self-localization in dynamic environments.
Innovation Solution
A method using groups of at least three optical markers with limited code values, where each marker encodes a single digit or number, allowing for a combination code that clearly identifies positions, enabling self-localization with a simple camera and reducing the need for complex infrastructure or algorithms, and allowing for scalable navigation in one, two, or three dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If satellite-based methods (GPS) are used for self-localization, then positioning accuracy is improved, but infrastructure availability deteriorates (not available indoors)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces optical markers as intermediary objects that mediate between the camera and the positioning system. These markers serve as artificial reference points that the camera can detect and use to determine position, replacing the satellite signal intermediary that is unavailable indoors. The markers are placed at known positions in the environment, creating a local reference framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates artificial copies of geographic reference points through optical markers placed at specific locations. Instead of relying on natural satellite signals, the system copies the function of GPS reference stations by placing detectable markers at known positions, allowing the camera to determine location by detecting these marker copies rather than satellite signals.
2Adaptability or versatility
If image-based methods (SLAM) are used for self-localization, then infrastructure requirements are reduced, but device complexity and sensor quality requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex SLAM problem into a simpler marker detection and recognition task. Instead of requiring the system to simultaneously perform feature extraction, map building, and pose estimation as SLAM does, the system only needs to detect pre-placed markers and recognize their identities, significantly reducing computational and sensor requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-placing markers with known identities and positions in the environment before the navigation task begins. This eliminates the need for real-time map building and feature extraction, as the reference framework is already established. The camera only needs to detect and recognize these pre-configured markers.
3Ease of operation
If traditional optical markers are used for self-localization, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to new situations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the optical markers universal by enabling them to communicate multiple types of information through their visual appearance. Markers can encode their identity, position, and potentially other navigation-relevant information, allowing a single marker design to serve multiple functions across different navigation scenarios and environments.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for self-localization in a navigation environment (18) is described in which an optical marker (16a-c) is attached at a multitude of positions. An optical code reader (12) detects and reads a marker (16a-c), and its position is determined from the code content of the marker (16a-c). The markers (16a-c) are attached in groups (14) of at least three markers (16a-c). The range of values of the code content of the markers (16a-c) is smaller than the number of positions with an optical marker (16a-c), and the code contents of the at least three markers (16a-c) in a group (14) together uniquely designate the position of the group (14).