A regional point descriptor for global localization in subterranean environments - Robotics Institute Carnegie Mellon University

A regional point descriptor for global localization in subterranean environments

David Bradley, David Silver, and Scott Thayer
Conference Paper, Proceedings of IEEE Conference on Robotics, Automation and Mechatronics (RAM '05), Vol. 1, pp. 440 - 445, December, 2004

Abstract

A regional point descriptor for global localization using natural landmarks in flooded subterranean environments is presented. Global localization in underwater environments is complicated by a lack of sensors that land robots depend on for position estimation such as GPS, LADAR, and wheel odometry. This descriptor, the slide image, is designed to take advantage of orientation references available in subterranean voids while tolerating expected pose estimation errors in the horizontal plane. It will serve as the basis of a robust topological navigation system for Minefish, an untethered, borehole deployable AUV designed to map flooded mines. Results are presented from tests on sonar data collected in the Wakulla springs tunnel system in Florida.

BibTeX

@conference{Bradley-2004-9090,
author = {David Bradley and David Silver and Scott Thayer},
title = {A regional point descriptor for global localization in subterranean environments},
booktitle = {Proceedings of IEEE Conference on Robotics, Automation and Mechatronics (RAM '05)},
year = {2004},
month = {December},
volume = {1},
pages = {440 - 445},
}