Robot Position Estimation Using Onboard Sensor Particles

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robot systems require separate communication devices and complex computational algorithms to estimate the position of movable robots, leading to high manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus that uses a sensor provided in the robot to generate particles on a map, calculate their position accuracy based on sensed data, and select a reference particle to determine the target's position, eliminating the need for separate devices or complex algorithms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If separate communication devices and complex computational algorithms are used to estimate robot position, then position estimation accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition estimation accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the position estimation function from separate communication devices and complex algorithms, and relocates it to the robot's onboard sensor system. By using only the sensor already provided in the robot to generate and evaluate particles, the system eliminates the need for additional communication devices and complex computational infrastructure, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining position estimation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The robot's onboard sensor performs position estimation independently without requiring external communication devices or complex algorithms. The sensor generates particles, calculates their probabilities based on sensed data, and determines the robot's position autonomously. This self-service approach eliminates dependency on separate systems and reduces overall system cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If separate communication devices and complex computational algorithms are used for position estimation, then position estimation capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition estimation capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the position estimation function with the robot's existing sensor system. Instead of using separate communication devices and complex algorithms, the sensor simultaneously performs its primary sensing function and position estimation by generating particles and calculating their probabilities. This consolidation reduces device complexity while maintaining estimation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The onboard sensor is given multiple functions: it performs both its primary sensing role and position estimation. By using the same sensor for both tasks, the system eliminates the need for separate dedicated position estimation devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining accurate position estimation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12314053B2Apparatus for estimating position of target, robot system having the same, and method thereof

Publication Date: 2025.05.27 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

An apparatus for estimating a position of a target may include a particle generator to generate a plurality of particles on a map, a particle selector to calculate position accuracy of each of the plurality of particles, based on data sensed related to a position of a target, and select, as a reference particle, at least one of the plurality of particles, based on the position accuracy, and a position determining device to determine the position of the target, based on the reference particle.