Optical Vehicle Positioning Using Surface Markers and Odometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle positioning systems in industrial environments face inaccuracies due to metal structures, power inefficiencies, and high costs, especially in environments with significant metal content and large areas, where RSSI-based solutions are unreliable, time-of-flight solutions lack power efficiency, and angle of arrival methods are complex and noisy.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing image capture devices on movable objects to detect anchor points and virtual markers on a two-dimensional surface, combining odometry measurements and collaborative optimization to determine precise positions, reducing the need for extensive infrastructure and improving accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RSSI-based positioning is used, then positioning can be implemented, but accuracy deteriorates in environments with metal structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces radio frequency-based positioning (RSSI, TOF, AOA) with an optical-based vision system. The movable object uses an image capture device to detect visual markers on the two-dimensional surface, and a controller processes these images to determine position. This substitution eliminates interference from metal structures that affect RF signals, providing reliable and accurate positioning in industrial environments.
2Measurement precision
If time of flight-based positioning is used, then positioning accuracy can be achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image capture device captures images periodically or at specific trigger events rather than continuously transmitting signals. The controller processes images to determine position based on detected visual markers, performing calculations only when needed. This periodic operation significantly reduces power consumption compared to continuous signal transmission required by time of flight methods.
3Reliability
If angle of arrival-based positioning is used, then positioning can be implemented, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses simple visual markers (copies or representations of position information) placed on the two-dimensional surface instead of complex multi-antenna anchor devices. The image capture device captures images of these markers, and the controller determines position by analyzing marker locations in the image. This approach replaces expensive, complex angle of arrival hardware with simple visual markers and image processing.
4Area of stationary object
If traditional positioning infrastructure is installed, then positioning coverage can be achieved, but installation cost and maintenance burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses inexpensive visual markers that can be placed on the two-dimensional surface instead of expensive, permanent positioning infrastructure. These markers can be easily installed and removed without significant investment in fixed infrastructure. The markers work with the movable object's image capture device to provide positioning coverage across the entire two-dimensional area.
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 system achieves accurate position detection with low latency and minimal infrastructure maintenance, providing sub-0.1 mm precision and robustness against environmental changes without relying on radio frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
an image capture device, such as a camera or the like, attached thereto, the image capture device operative to capture images of the two-dimensional surface
Data Source
AI summary
A device, system and method for determining a position of a movable object on a two-dimensional surface obtains, via an image capture device attached to the movable object, at least one image of a portion of the two-dimensional surface. At one virtual marker is identified in at least one image, and a previously determined estimated position of the at least one virtual marker is retrieved. The previously determined estimated position determined from a combination of an image of at least one anchor point on the two-dimensional surface, the at least one anchor point defining a unique position on the two-dimensional surface, and odometry measurements based on at least two images of the two-dimensional surface. The position of the movable object on the two-dimensional surface is determined from the estimated position of the at least one virtual marker.