Portable Localization Sensors With Pose-Based Sensor Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current localization and mapping technologies, such as SLAM, face challenges in efficiently managing power consumption and sensor resource utilization, particularly when using depth sensors that consume more energy and perform poorly in certain environmental conditions, leading to suboptimal performance and increased energy usage.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that dynamically activate and deactivate sensors based on environmental conditions and performance requirements, switching between sensors to maintain accurate localization while reducing power consumption, by determining specific device poses where one sensor can take over from another to ensure continued performance and optimize resource use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If depth sensors (LIDAR, active stereo camera) are used for localization and mapping, then measurement precision and information capture are improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocalization accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic sensor selection by determining device poses where different sensors satisfy localization performance requirements, then switching between sensors based on current pose and environmental conditions. This dynamic approach allows the system to use power-efficient sensors (RGB camera) when conditions permit, while reserving depth sensors (LIDAR, active stereo) for scenarios requiring higher measurement precision, thereby resolving the contradiction between localization accuracy and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by identifying specific device poses where sensor performance characteristics change. By determining poses where one sensor can take over from another while maintaining localization performance, the system transitions between different sensor modes, optimizing the balance between measurement precision and energy consumption based on spatial and environmental parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If all sensors are always turned on to ensure accurate localization, then reliability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocalization performanceVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic sensor selection by determining device poses where different sensors satisfy localization performance requirements, then switching between sensors based on current pose and environmental conditions. This dynamic approach allows the system to use power-efficient sensors (RGB camera) when conditions permit, while reserving depth sensors (LIDAR, active stereo) for scenarios requiring higher measurement precision, thereby resolving the contradiction between localization accuracy and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs self-service by autonomously determining which sensor to activate based on current device pose and localization performance requirements. The device independently assesses whether RGB camera or depth sensor data will satisfy localization needs, eliminating the need for continuous operation of all sensors while maintaining reliability through intelligent, context-aware sensor selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If depth cameras are used to capture more environmental information, then manufacturing precision of map is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemap densityVSAvoidsensor configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic sensor selection by determining device poses where different sensors satisfy localization performance requirements, then switching between sensors based on current pose and environmental conditions. This dynamic approach allows the system to use power-efficient sensors (RGB camera) when conditions permit, while reserving depth sensors (LIDAR, active stereo) for scenarios requiring higher measurement precision, thereby resolving the contradiction between localization accuracy and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4220088B1Localization using sensors that are tranportable with a device
Publication Date: 2024.06.26 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP4220088B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4220088B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4220088B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device is configured for performing localization using a set of sensors that are transportable with the device. The device includes at least one processor operationally connected to the set of sensors, and at least one memory that stores program code. The program code configures the at least one processor to determine a first set of device poses (PA) where a first sensor satisfies a localization performance rule, and to determine a second set of device poses (PB) where a second sensor satisfies the localization performance rule. The at least one processor is further configured to activate the second sensor while the first sensor is active based on a pose of the device transitioning from not being within to being within the second set of device poses (PB). The at least one processor is further configured to determine the first set of device poses (PA) where the first sensor satisfies a localization performance rule and to determine the second set of device poses (PB) where the second sensor satisfies the localization performance rule based on obtaining a listing of sensors that are presently active for use by a proximately located other device.