Systems and methods for orienting a robot in a space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous robot systems face challenges in determining their location within a space due to the high cost and calibration requirements of motion detecting sensors, and uniform projection surfaces lack identifying characteristics for visual reference frames.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a base station that projects a pattern onto a projection surface, an auxiliary station projecting an auxiliary pattern, and a robot equipped with an imaging device to detect these patterns, allowing the robot to determine its location and orient itself using a processor-readable instruction set.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If motion detecting sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes) are used to determine robot location, then location tracking is achieved, but the system becomes expensive and requires recalibration due to drift and environmental changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical motion detecting sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes) with an optical vision-based system. The robot uses an imaging device to capture images of a projection surface with a known pattern, and a processor calculates location based on image processing and geometric relationships, eliminating the need for expensive mechanical sensors and their associated calibration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy/reference frame by projecting a known pattern onto the projection surface. This projected pattern serves as a reference that the robot can repeatedly detect and use for location determination, replacing the need for physical sensors that require calibration against reference locations
2Device complexity
If a visual reference frame is provided on a uniform projection surface, then location determination becomes less expensive, but uniform surfaces provide no identifying characteristics for the robot to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color/visual pattern changes to the projection surface by projecting a distinct pattern (such as an array of dots, lines, or geometric shapes) onto the surface. This pattern provides high-contrast identifying characteristics that the robot's imaging device can easily detect and use for location determination, transforming the uniform surface into an information-rich reference frame
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a projected pattern as an intermediary between the robot and the projection surface. This pattern acts as a mediator that carries location information from the base station to the robot, enabling the robot to determine its position without requiring physical markers or complex sensors on the surface itself
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
This solution provides a cost-effective and adaptable method for robots to determine their location and navigate within a space, reducing the need for expensive sensors and enabling accurate orientation and object detection.
Implementation Method 1
a base station that projects a pattern onto a projection surface
Implementation Method 2
a robot equipped with an imaging device to detect these patterns
Data Source
AI summary
An orientation system includes a base station comprising a light emitter that projects a pattern onto a projection surface of a space, an auxiliary station including an auxiliary emitter that projects an auxiliary pattern onto the projection surface, and a robot including a moveable base supporting an imaging device. The robot detects the pattern and the auxiliary pattern with the imaging device, and determines a location of the robot within the space based on the pattern.