ENHANCED VISUAL LANDMARK FOR LOCALIZATION

• US 20110153072A1
• Filed: 12/17/2009
• Published: 06/23/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 12/17/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Deere & Company
• Original Assignee: Deere & Company
• Inventors: Anderson, Noel Wayne
• Granted Patent: US 8,635,015 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 700/245
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 5/16 using electromagnetic waves other than radio waves
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/0234 using optical markers or beacons optical beacons per se G01S1/70

Abstract

The different illustrative embodiments provide a localization apparatus comprising an identification signal and an orientation controller. The identification signal is for recognition by a localized machine for utilizing the localization apparatus as a location point. The orientation controller is configured to control an orientation of the identification signal dependent upon an orientation of the localization apparatus in a defined environment.

Claims

1. A localization apparatus comprising:

an identification signal for recognition by a localized machine for utilizing the localization apparatus as a location point; and

an orientation controller configured to control an orientation of the identification signal dependent upon an orientation of the localization apparatus in a defined environment.

2. The localization apparatus of claim 1, wherein the identification signal includes at least one of an organic light emitting diode sheet, a light emitting diode array, a number of colored light bulbs, an electroluminescent panel, a fluorescent panel, and a transflective liquid crystal display.

3. The localization apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a number of portions having at least one of a number of color components, a number of pattern components, and a number of shapes.

4. The localization apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a moveable light pattern configured to display at least one of a different color and different pattern of light from the identification signal using the orientation controller.

5. The localization apparatus of claim 1, wherein the orientation controller further comprises:

a graphics control system configured to generate graphic instructions for the identification signal; and

a programs and behaviors database.

6. The localization apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

an object detector for detecting the localized machine within the defined environment and outside of the defined environment.

7. The localization apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a signal transmitter for transmitting a signal when the localized machine leaves the defined environment.

8. The localization apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a pose sensor configured to detect a pose of the localization apparatus and send pose data to the orientation controller.

9. The localization apparatus of claim 8, wherein the pose is used to display a light pattern in a particular location relative to a local magnetic field for establishing a boundary.

10. The localization apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a power supply configured to provide power to the orientation controller and the identification signal.

11. A method for localization, the method comprising:

displaying an identification signal on a localization apparatus for recognition by a localized machine for utilizing the localization apparatus as a locating point; and

controlling an orientation of the identification signal dependent upon an orientation of the localization apparatus in a defined environment.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising:

detecting the localized machine within the defined environment and outside of the defined environment.

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising:

transmitting a signal when the localized machine leaves the defined environment.