Remote Device Self-Positioning Using Sensor-Emitter Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing position tracking systems for remotely controlled devices require precise ambient lighting, are costly, and have high computational demands, leading to less than real-time dynamic navigational information and significant equipment expenses.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising sensors and emitters where the remotely controlled device detects signals from emitter units to determine its own position and orientation using passive or active emitters, allowing for real-time self-positioning without the need for external cameras or extensive processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If field level sensing devices such as overhead cameras are used to track position, then position tracking capability is achieved, but equipment cost and computational processing requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual markers (copies or representations of known patterns) placed on or near the remotely controlled device. Instead of tracking the entire device with complex cameras, the system captures images of these simplified markers and uses template matching to determine position. This copying approach reduces both equipment complexity and computational demands while maintaining position tracking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs inexpensive visual markers rather than expensive overhead camera systems. These markers can be simple printed patterns or stickers that are much cheaper than professional-grade tracking cameras. The system trades the use of expensive, complex equipment for cheaper, simpler markers that achieve the same tracking function.
2Measurement precision
If extensive processing capacity is used to analyze overhead camera input, then position data can be determined, but real-time performance is compromised due to computational demands
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pre-defined template images of visual markers stored in memory. Instead of performing complex real-time analysis of entire device images, the processor simply compares captured marker images against these stored templates using efficient correlation algorithms. This template matching approach dramatically reduces computational requirements and enables real-time position determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-processes and stores template images of visual markers in the processor's memory before actual tracking begins. This preliminary action allows the system to perform rapid template matching during operation without needing to perform complex image analysis in real-time, thus achieving real-time performance while maintaining position data accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If overhead cameras are positioned over the field to record device movement, then position tracking is enabled, but precise ambient lighting conditions are required
Solution Approach 1:
The visual markers use high-contrast color patterns that are easily distinguishable under various lighting conditions. The markers may incorporate specific color schemes or reflective properties that enhance their detectability regardless of ambient lighting variations. This allows the system to maintain position tracking capability without requiring precise control of ambient lighting conditions.
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
Enables reliable, automated, and dynamic self-positioning of remotely controlled devices with improved resolution and reduced latency, reducing equipment costs and computational demands while providing real-time navigational information.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one sensor is configured to receive the signal from the at least one emitter
Data Source
AI summary
A system for a remotely controlled device to determine its location and orientation is disclosed. The system includes a remotely controlled device, at least one sensor connected to the remotely controlled device, the at least one sensor comprising a processor, and at least one emitter, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to receive the signal from the at least one emitter and the processor is configured to determine the location and orientation of the remotely controlled device.