Trajectory-Based Workstation Localization for Absolute Object Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial indoor localization systems face challenges in accurately positioning objects and production lines due to mismatches between site maps and physical layouts, leading to system-level biases and potential hazards, especially in flexible manufacturing environments where frequent reorganization occurs, resulting in costly and time-consuming recalibration processes.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for automatic reverse map matching using pattern recognition models trained on localization and sensor measurement traces to infer and correct mismatches between site plans and physical placements, enabling precise absolute positioning and control of objects and workstations within an absolute coordinate system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a permanent system of anchors with known absolute positions is installed to achieve high precision localization, then localization precision is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of anchor devices from the permanent infrastructure and implements it through mobile devices (smartphones, tablets, wearables) that can be temporarily deployed. Instead of installing fixed anchor devices throughout the site, the system uses mobile devices equipped with sensors to perform localization measurements, thereby achieving high precision without permanent infrastructure installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables mobile devices to serve dual purposes: their primary function (communication, computing) and the localization function. The mobile devices use their own built-in sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) and onboard processors to perform measurements and calculations, eliminating the need for dedicated anchor devices and reducing overall system complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the site map is precisely aligned with physical production line positions, then control accuracy is improved, but the system becomes less adaptable to frequent reorganizations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic coordinate system that can be freely defined and redefined based on current production needs. Instead of fixing the coordinate system to the building structure, the system allows operators to define coordinate origins and axes relative to active production lines, workstations, or process areas. When reorganization occurs, the coordinate system can be quickly updated to match the new layout without requiring physical relocation of infrastructure or recalibration of fixed reference points.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the fundamental parameter of coordinate system definition from fixed physical anchors to flexible virtual references. By storing coordinate transformations and site map data in software, the system can rapidly adjust coordinate origins, scales, and orientations to match reorganized production layouts, maintaining control accuracy while enabling operational flexibility.
3Ease of operation
If traditional localization systems use absolute site coordinate systems, then position matching is simplified, but mismatches between map and physical positions cause control errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coordinate transformation layer that acts as an intermediary between the absolute site coordinate system (from anchors) and the flexible production-line-relative coordinate system. This transformation layer includes algorithms that calculate offset vectors, rotation angles, and scaling factors to convert coordinates between reference frames, ensuring accurate position matching regardless of mismatches between the site map and physical production line positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary coordinate transformations and calibration measurements when the production line is first set up or reorganized. By pre-calculating the transformation parameters between the absolute coordinate system and the production-line-relative system, the system establishes accurate position mappings before control operations begin, preventing control errors from coordinate mismatches.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for controlling a handling of a further object (90) which is handled at a site (10) by at least two different workstations (51, 52) and which is moved between the at least two different workstations, - determining a site plan of the site (10), the site plan indicating the at least two workstations at predefined positions in the site plan, - determining a trajectory of a first object (90) moving in the site (10) in an absolute coordinate system of the site, - deducing absolute positions of the at least two workstations (51, 52) in the absolute coordinate system from the determined trajectory of the first object, - using the absolute positions of the at least two workstations (51, 52) for controlling the handling of the at least one further object handled by the at least two workstations.