Patent · US Expired

Systems and methods for correction of drift via global localization with a visual landmark

US7177737B2 · kind B2 · utility

167Cited by
31References
58Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 17, 2003
Grant dateFeb 13, 2007
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 3, 2025

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S901/50
  • WIPO fieldControl
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

The invention is related to methods and apparatus that use a visual sensor and dead reckoning sensors to process Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM). These techniques can be used in robot navigation. Advantageously, such visual techniques can be used to autonomously generate and update a map. Unlike with laser rangefinders, the visual techniques are economically practical in a wide range of applications and can be used in relatively dynamic environments, such as environments in which people move. One embodiment further advantageously uses multiple particles to maintain multiple hypotheses with respect to localization and mapping. Further advantageously, one embodiment maintains the particles in a relatively computationally-efficient manner, thereby permitting the SLAM processes to be performed in software using relatively inexpensive microprocessor-based computer systems.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.