Telepresence Robot Localization Using Live Markers for Dynamic Navigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current telepresence robotic systems are not intelligent enough to navigate dynamically based on location and environment, failing to follow specific paths and focus on presenters effectively, limiting their flexibility and interaction in video conferencing scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A processor-implemented method and system for dynamic localization of telepresence robots using live markers, which involves recognizing fiducial markers to generate a map and navigate autonomously, allowing the robot to adapt its path and focus on presenters within the environment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If telepresence robots use fixed video conference facilities, then system stability is maintained, but adaptability to different locations and environments deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different locationsVSAvoidnavigation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary mapping of the environment by detecting fiducial markers and building a map before the robot needs to navigate. This pre-established map allows the robot to later determine its location and plan paths without real-time complexity, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Fiducial markers serve as intermediaries between the robot and the environment. These markers provide reference points that simplify the robot's localization and navigation tasks, enabling adaptability to different locations without requiring complex autonomous navigation systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If telepresence robots navigate autonomously using live markers, then flexibility and interaction improve, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in operationVSAvoidlocalization system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The robot autonomously detects fiducial markers, determines its own location, and plans its own path without requiring external control systems. This self-service capability improves operational flexibility while the marker-based approach keeps the underlying system complexity manageable through standardized detection algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of information

If telepresence robots use traditional fixed setups, then reliability is maintained, but location-based intelligence deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation-based intelligenceVSAvoidsystem reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The robot continuously detects fiducial markers in its environment and uses this feedback to update its location estimate and adjust its navigation path. This feedback loop provides location-based intelligence while maintaining reliability through verified marker detection and established mapping algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4130924B1Method and system of dynamic localization of a telepresence robot based on live markers
Publication Date: 2024.10.02 TATA CONSULTANCY SERVICES LTD
  • EP4130924B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4130924B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4130924B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Currently teleconferencing robotic systems available are not smart and unable to navigate based on specific path and fail to focus on presenter based on overall environment. This disclosure relates to method of dynamic localization of a telepresence robot based on plurality of live markers. A plurality of images is received from an image capturing device connected to the telepresence robot. The plurality of images is processed to identify the plurality of live markers in a path of the telepresence robot. A binary matrix is decoded to identify at least one identifier (ID) associated with the at least one live marker from the plurality of live markers. A plurality of parameters is identified based on the at least one ID associated with the at least one live marker. A further path is dynamically localized to navigate the telepresence robot based on the plurality of parameters and the plurality of live markers.