EAGLE - Enabling Ground Truth for Localization in Indoor Environments

Background

Despite intensive research, significant problems in the localization of mobile devices in indoor environments are still not completely solved. There is still no full-fledged counterpart to global navigation satellite systems (e.g. GPS, Galileo) for indoor use. Within the framework of the INNOMAP research project, the Telematics Research Group has developed a method that is based on the use of simple cameras and markers placed in the environment. The elaboration of this solution is so far advanced that a further cooperation with industrial partners has already taken place and will be further enhanced. In cooperation with these partners different opportunities for practical application have already been explored (see project AR-LocGraph). 

There is a high demand for application-oriented research to investigate results of basic research in different application contexts. For logistics, autonomous driving, robotics, but also in the field of virtual and augmented reality applications (VR/AR), there are many potential use cases that require a very precise indoor localization. Especially for the latter applications it is crucial to be able to determine not only the position but also the orientation of a mobile device in space.

In order to further support research in these applications and to improve the quality of the different systems, reliable reference measurements for the position (also called "ground truth") are required. Without the availability of this data, the developed measuring methods and measuring systems cannot be sufficiently validated. For some approaches it is also absolutely necessary to precisely measure certain reference points, since these act as supporting points.

The investment project EAGLE has opened up new opportunities to conduct and extend application-oriented research and projects in the fields of indoor localization, autonomous driving and VR/AR.

For this purpose, a system for the precise measurement of reference points for indoor localization will be purchased, which will also enable the acquisition of reference measurements for the research of algorithms and systems for indoor localization. The system provides very precise motion estimation and tracking by tracking a measuring unit, robot platform or other objects. The acquired ground trouth data can be used to test and validate measuring methods and systems during development. 

In order to explore application scenarios for indoor localization, modern head-mounted displays (HMD) for augmented reality (AR) will also be acquired. The HMDs will provide a platform for testing various application scenarios and thus accelerate the transfer of knowledge. In addition, further equipment such as laptops and monitors will be purchased, which are needed for the development and research processes.
    
The devices planned in this investment project are to be integrated into the CVision:Lab of the Wildau University of Applie Sciences, so that they can be used by students, scientists and by regional companies within the scope of research projects.

This integration will open up new opportunities for cooperation. EAGLE pursues the goal of considerably increasing the attractiveness of the Wildau University of Applied Sciences as a research partner for regional companies.

Project volume

56,320.00 Euro

Duration

2020 - 2021

Funding Source

Land Brandenburg | MWFK