System and method for map and position-determination enhancement

• US 20060120601A1
• Filed: 11/15/2005
• Published: 06/08/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 11/15/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Omron Corporation
• Original Assignee: Adept MobileRobots LLC (Omron Corporation)
• Inventors: Dietsch, Jeanne, LaFary, Matthew
• Granted Patent: US 7,650,013 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 382/173
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 20/10 Terrestrial scenes scenes under surveillance with static cameras G06V20/52; scenes perceived from the exterior of a vehicle G06V20/56; scenes perceived from the interior of a vehicle G06V20/59

Abstract

A system and methods for map and position determination enhancement. The method includes obtaining at least one image of a view in an area. Also, identifying at least one high-contrast feature in the image of the area and, embedding the high-contrast feature in a map of the area. The result is the generation of an enhanced map of the area which can be used to determine the position of any device or object.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

obtaining at least one image of a view in an area;

identifying at least one high-contrast feature in said image; and

embedding said high-contrast feature in a map of said area whereby an enhanced map of said area is generated and used to determine position of a device.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising providing radiation to said area whereby said radiation creates said at least one high-contrast feature in said image.

3. The method of claim 1 further comprising generating a map of said area.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein said at least one high-contrast feature is at least one ceiling light in said area.

5. A method comprising:

identifying at least one high-contrast feature in a view using a spatial data collection device;

calculating center point coordinates of said at least one high-contrast feature;

comparing said center point coordinates from at least two known points of view; and

determining actual location of said spatial data collection device based on results of said comparing.

6. The method of claim 5 further comprising providing radiation to said area whereby said radiation creates said at least one high-contrast feature in said image.

7. The method of claim 5 further comprising generating a map of said area.

8. The method of claim 5 wherein said at least one high-contrast feature is at least one ceiling light in said area.

9. A method comprising:

obtaining at least one image of a view of an area using a spatial data collection device;

identifying at least one high-contrast feature in said image;

determining distance of said at least one high-contrast feature from said spatial data collection device;

generating a spatial database of said view and said at least one high-contrast feature; and

embedding said high-contrast feature in a previously prepared spatial database of said area of said view whereby an enhanced map of said area is generated and used to determine position of said device.

10. The method of claim 9 further comprising providing radiation to said area whereby said radiation creates said at least one high-contrast feature in said image.

11. The method of claim 9 further comprising generating a map of said area.

12. The method of claim 9 wherein said at least one high-contrast feature is at least one ceiling light in said area.

13. A method comprising:

generating a map of an area;

obtaining at least one view of said area from a predetermined position;

identifying at least one high-contrast image in said view; and

embedding said at least one high-contrast image into said map of said area whereby an enhanced map of said view is generated and used to determine position of a device.

14. The method of claim 13 further comprising providing radiation to said area whereby said radiation creates said at least one high-contrast feature in said image.

15. The method of claim 13 wherein said at least one high-contrast feature is at least one ceiling light in said area.

16. A method comprising:

obtaining at least one view of an area from a predetermined position;

identifying at least one high-contrast image in said view; and

embedding said at least one high-contrast image into a pre-existing map of said area whereby an enhanced map of said area is generated and used to determine position of a device.

17. The method of claim 16 further comprising providing radiation to said area whereby said radiation creates said at least one high-contrast feature in said image.

18. The method of claim 16 further comprising generating a map of said area.

19. A system comprising:

a spatial data collection device;

a camera integrated onto said spatial data collection device, said camera facing upward;

means for determining position of said spatial data collection device;

means for determining presence and position of at least one high-contrast feature in a view of an area;

means for storing position data of said at least one high-contrast feature;

means for calculating position of said at least one high-contrast features center point; and

means for generating an enhanced map of an area using said position data and previously created map.

20. The system of claim 19 further comprising means for generating radiation, said means for generating radiation integrated onto said spatial data collection device, whereby said means for generating radiation produces at least one high-contrast feature in said view of said area.