Marker-Based Robot Localization for True Position and Orientation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies lack a simple and low-cost single-unit device that can be easily mounted on land robots to obtain their actual location and orientation information.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a pinion gear, rack gear, motor, telescopic vertical arms, clamping chuck, and a marker that physically leaves a trace on the ground, allowing for direct measurement of the robot's location and orientation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple cameras and motion capture systems are used to obtain location information, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation information accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential function of location measurement from complex multi-camera systems and implements it through a single marker-based device that can be independently deployed, eliminating the need for elaborate motion capture infrastructure while maintaining measurement capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a simple physical marker as a copy or representation of the robot's location, which can be detected by standard vision systems rather than requiring specialized motion capture cameras and complex processing infrastructure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If special camera systems and motion capture equipment are deployed, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation information accuracyVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the location measurement function into two independent parts: a simple marker attached to the robot and a detection system that can process the marker. This segmentation allows the marker to be easily installed on any robot without modifying the robot itself or requiring complex system integration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The marker serves as a self-contained measurement device that automatically provides location information through its visual features, eliminating the need for external calibration procedures, system synchronization, or complex operational setups required by motion capture systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If multiple cameras and complex systems are used, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation information accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs inexpensive markers that can be easily manufactured and attached to robots, replacing expensive motion capture cameras and specialized equipment. The markers serve their purpose effectively without requiring costly infrastructure or maintenance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The marker design is universal and can be used with standard vision systems across different robot platforms, eliminating the need for expensive specialized motion capture equipment. This multi-functionality allows the same simple marker to work in various localization scenarios without additional cost

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

Data Source

PatentUS20250144660A1True location and orientation acquisition device for land robots
Publication Date: 2025.05.08 ISTANBUL TEKNIK UNIVSI
  • US20250144660A1 patent drawing
  • US20250144660A1 patent drawing
  • US20250144660A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A single-unit device does not require any additional installation, can be easily mounted on the robot to be used, and obtains real location and orientation information of land robots. The device includes a pinion gear, a rack gear, a motor, an upper vertical arm, a clamping chuck, a clamping chuck lock collar, a lower vertical arm, a clamping chuck collar, a bevel gear, a chuck body, and a marker.