Robot Arena Positioning With Coded Strip Image Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current position location systems for robots in performance arenas lack speed, simplicity, computational efficiency, and versatility, making them inadequate for real-time positioning and navigation in dynamic environments.

Innovation Solution

A positioning device mounted on robots that uses a coded strip with a non-repeating sequence of dark and light blocks, detected by an image sensor, to determine the precise location and orientation of the robot within the arena, enabling real-time position feedback and navigation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If traditional position location systems are used for robots in performance arenas, then the systems can provide basic positioning capability, but they lack speed, simplicity, computational efficiency, and versatility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning speedVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The performance arena perimeter is segmented into discrete position indicators with unique patterns, allowing the robot to determine its location by recognizing specific segments rather than calculating position from continuous data, thereby increasing positioning speed while maintaining system simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical or computational positioning systems with an optical recognition system using image sensors to detect coded patterns, eliminating the need for complex calculations and improving both speed and computational efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If complex position location systems are implemented to improve accuracy, then positioning precision may be improved, but the systems become less simple and more computationally demanding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses distinct visual patterns (dark and light blocks) on position indicators that can be easily differentiated by image sensors, achieving high positioning precision through simple optical contrast recognition rather than complex measurement systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple position indicators use identical structural designs with unique pattern arrangements, allowing the robot to recognize positions through pattern matching rather than complex coordinate calculations, maintaining precision while simplifying the system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional positioning systems are used, then basic positioning can be achieved, but they require extensive calibration or reprogramming across different arena configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearena configuration adaptabilityVSAvoidcalibration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The position indicators use a universal coded pattern design that can be deployed in various arena configurations without requiring recalibration, as the robot identifies positions through pattern recognition rather than pre-programmed coordinates, thereby improving adaptability while reducing calibration complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables robots to autonomously identify their positions through real-time recognition of coded patterns, eliminating the need for external calibration processes or reprogramming when arena configurations change

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 precise and efficient real-time positioning of robots within performance arenas, allowing for accurate navigation and operation without the need for extensive calibration or reprogramming across different arena configurations.

Implementation Method 1

A positioning device mounted on robots that uses a coded strip with a non-repeating sequence of dark and light blocks, detected by an image sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3959049B1Performance arena for robots with position location system
Publication Date: 2024.01.10 INNOVATION FIRST INC
  • EP3959049B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3959049B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3959049B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus to determine the position of an image sensor relative to a predetermined continuous pattern of colors and/or objects based on the images said patterns of colors and/or objects produces within the image sensor.