Robotic Device Navigation Using Angular Relationships
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic devices face challenges in accurately identifying and navigating to user-selected objects without relying on expensive and inaccurate image recognition or range-finding technologies, and in determining authorization to perform tasks based on object type and history.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses angular relationships between the user, robotic device, and objects, combined with a record of object positions within a predefined area, to determine the location and authorization for task execution, eliminating the need for object-specific identifiers or image recognition, and utilizing a positioning hardware device to transmit signals for task instructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image recognition or range-finding technologies are used to identify objects, then object identification accuracy is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the object identification problem from complex image recognition or range-finding approaches and reduces it to simple angular relationship measurements. By taking out only the essential geometric parameters (angles between user, robotic device, and object) needed for identification, the system achieves accurate object localization without expensive sensors or processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/optical systems (image recognition cameras, range-finding sensors) with a mathematical/geometric approach based on angular relationships. The robotic device uses angle measurements combined with a pre-stored object map to identify objects through calculation rather than through complex optical-mechanical recognition systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If image recognition technologies are used to identify objects, then object identification capability is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified copy or representation of the physical environment in the form of a stored object map containing angular relationships and object positions. This digital map serves as a reference that the robotic device queries using measured angles, providing accurate object identification and localization without needing to process complex visual data in real-time.
3Extent of automation
If the robotic device navigates to user-selected objects, then task execution capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic device performs self-navigation by autonomously calculating its own path to the selected object based on angular relationships and the stored object map. The system determines the direction and distance to the object and executes the movement without requiring complex external control systems or sophisticated path-planning algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and/or computer program product controls operations of a robotic device. A robotic device receives a first signal from a positioning hardware device that is worn by a user. The first signal describes a relative location between the user and the robotic device. A second signal describes an angle between the user and the robotic device and between the user and the user-selected object. Based on the first signal, the second signal, and a record of object positions of objects within a predefined area of the user, the identification and location of the user-selected object is determined. A determination is made regarding whether or not the robotic device is authorized to perform a specific task on the user-selected object based on the location of the user-selected object. If authorized, the robotic device performs the specific task on the user-selected object.