Title
Robust multiple-sensing-modality data fusion using Gaussian Process Implicit Surfaces
Abstract
The ability to build high-fidelity 3D representations of the environment from sensor data is critical for autonomous robots. Multi-sensor data fusion allows for more complete and accurate representations. Furthermore, using distinct sensing modalities (i.e. sensors using a different physical process and/or operating at different electromagnetic frequencies) usually leads to more reliable perception, especially in challenging environments, as modalities may complement each other. However, they may react differently to certain materials or environmental conditions, leading to catastrophic fusion. In this paper, we propose a new method to reliably fuse data from multiple sensing modalities, including in situations where they detect different targets. We first compute distinct continuous surface representations for each sensing modality, with uncertainty, using Gaussian Process Implicit Surfaces (GPIS). Second, we perform a local consistency test between these representations, to separate consistent data (i.e. data corresponding to the detection of the same target by the sensors) from inconsistent data. The consistent data can then be fused together, using another GPIS process, and the rest of the data can be combined as appropriate. The approach is first validated using synthetic data. We then demonstrate its benefit using a mobile robot, equipped with a laser scanner and a radar, which operates in an outdoor environment in the presence of large clouds of airborne dust and smoke.
Year
Venue
Keywords
2014
Information Fusion
gaussian processes,sensor fusion,gpis process,gaussian process implicit surfaces,airborne dust,consistent data,distinct continuous surface representations,inconsistent data,laser scanner,local consistency test,mobile robot,multiple-sensing-modality data fusion,radar,smoke,robotics,laser
Field
DocType
Citations 
Radar,Computer vision,Local consistency,Laser scanning,Sensor fusion,Synthetic data,Artificial intelligence,Gaussian process,Engineering,Robot,Mobile robot
Conference
2
PageRank 
References 
Authors
0.39
11
4
Name
Order
Citations
PageRank
Marcos P. Gerardo-Castro120.39
Thierry Peynot210714.82
Fabio Tozeto Ramos320.39
Robert Fitch432338.97