Robot Arena Positioning With Coded Strip Visual Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing position location systems for robots in performance arenas lack speed, simplicity, computational efficiency, and versatility, making it difficult for robots to accurately determine and utilize their positions within these environments.
Innovation Solution
A performance arena system featuring a coded strip with a non-repeating sequence of dark and light blocks mounted around the perimeter, combined with a digital camera and processor to identify feature points and determine the robot's position and orientation, allowing precise location tracking within the arena.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a position location system is implemented for robots in performance arenas, then robots can determine and utilize their positions, but the system lacks speed, simplicity, computational efficiency, and versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The coded strip is segmented into multiple distinct code marks with unique patterns arranged in sequence along the perimeter of the performance arena. Each code mark contains identifiable features that can be independently detected and recognized by the positioning device, allowing the system to determine position by identifying which specific code mark is currently visible
Solution Approach 2:
The physical code marks on the coded strip serve as tangible references that are captured as images by the digital camera. The processor then compares these captured images against stored reference patterns of the code marks, effectively using a digital copy for comparison to determine the robot's position without requiring complex physical sensing mechanisms
2Speed
If existing position location systems are used, then robots can track their position, but the systems lack speed and computational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The code marks utilize distinct visual patterns involving dark and light blocks arranged in specific configurations. These high-contrast visual features are easily detectable by the digital camera's image sensor and can be rapidly identified through simple image processing techniques, enabling fast position determination without sacrificing accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of position determination from complex multi-sensor data fusion to simple visual pattern recognition. By encoding position information in the spatial arrangement of code marks that can be quickly captured and compared, the system achieves both high speed and high precision position tracking
3Adaptability or versatility
If a coded strip with sequence of marks is implemented, then position and orientation can be determined, but the system may lack versatility for different performance arena configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The coded strip design with sequential code marks can be applied to performance arenas of various sizes and shapes by simply adjusting the number and spacing of code marks along the perimeter. The same basic positioning device and recognition algorithm can handle different arena configurations, making the system universally applicable without requiring redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The coded strip can be dynamically configured for different performance arenas by adjusting the number, position, and arrangement of code marks to match the specific arena geometry. This flexibility allows the system to adapt to various arena configurations while maintaining the same fundamental positioning mechanism
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 fast, accurate, and efficient position tracking of robots within the arena, facilitating their operations and maneuvers by providing real-time position signals, thus improving operational efficiency and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
a digital camera for acquiring an image comprising one or more of the portions of the sequence of marks
Data Source
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.