Indoor mapping vehicle design and application

• Main Author: Choy, Guanghao
• Other Authors: Li King Ho Holden
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2017
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Mechanical engineering::Mechatronics
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/72206
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Since ancient times, there is an inherent need for humans to acquire knowledge of location. Navigation equipment such as hand-drawn maps and compasses have evolved into modern day navigation apps on smartphones such as Google Maps. As technology advances, it is observed that more information could be conveyed to the everyday user. This can be seen from how top-down maps have been upgraded with detailed location information such as landmarks’ opening hours and even actual images where a user can navigate virtually on the map. In the outdoor environment, GPS is primarily used as the de facto means of positioning. However, in an indoor environment, GPS signals get scattered and attenuated due to building components. Therefore, to create an indoor mapping device, alternative solutions need to be explored. This project aims to develop an indoor mapping vehicle that explores the merging of existing indoor mapping camera systems with movement robotic systems. In particular, the NavVis M3 Mapping Trolley and the Matterport Pro Camera MC200 would be the two camera systems in discussion. A progressive approach to the type of control systems for the robot is also discussed in this paper, ranging from radio frequency type remote control to utilizing existing WiFi networks in buildings. A comparison in the performance of both systems highlighting the advantages and limitations, as well as the type of equipment needed will be further explored. This approach aims to set the direction for the project to progress towards autonomous movement in the future.