Enhanced visual landmark for localization

• US 8,635,015 B2
• Filed: 12/17/2009
• Issued: 01/21/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 12/17/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Deere & Company
• Original Assignee: Deere & Company
• Inventors: Anderson, Noel Wayne
• Primary Examiner(s): Amin, Bhavesh V
• Application Number:
  US12/640,953
• Publication Number:
  US 20110153072A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,496 Days
• Field of Search: 701/50, 340/988, 700245-259
• US Class Current: 701/400
• 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 to the localized machine 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.

15. The localization apparatus of claim 5, wherein the programs and behaviors database is accessed by the orientation controller to employ a behavioral action in response to a detected condition regarding the localized machine.

16. The localization apparatus of claim 5, wherein the programs and behaviors database comprises at least one of behaviors of the identification signal, behaviors for monitoring the localized machine, and power saving behaviors.

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

automatically controlling via a processor, 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 to the localized machine when the localized machine leaves the defined environment.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprising:

accessing a programs and behaviors database to control the displaying of the identification signal using instructions retrieved from the programs and behaviors database.