7,313 research outputs found
FPGA-based module for SURF extraction
We present a complete hardware and software solution of an FPGA-based computer vision embedded module capable of carrying out SURF image features extraction algorithm. Aside from image analysis, the module embeds a Linux distribution that allows to run programs specifically tailored for particular applications. The module is based on a Virtex-5 FXT FPGA which features powerful configurable logic and an embedded PowerPC processor. We describe the module hardware as well as the custom FPGA image processing cores that implement the algorithm's most computationally expensive process, the interest point detection. The module's overall performance is evaluated and compared to CPU and GPU based solutions. Results show that the embedded module achieves comparable disctinctiveness to the SURF software implementation running in a standard CPU while being faster and consuming significantly less power and space. Thus, it allows to use the SURF algorithm in applications with power and spatial constraints, such as autonomous navigation of small mobile robots
CNN for IMU Assisted Odometry Estimation using Velodyne LiDAR
We introduce a novel method for odometry estimation using convolutional
neural networks from 3D LiDAR scans. The original sparse data are encoded into
2D matrices for the training of proposed networks and for the prediction. Our
networks show significantly better precision in the estimation of translational
motion parameters comparing with state of the art method LOAM, while achieving
real-time performance. Together with IMU support, high quality odometry
estimation and LiDAR data registration is realized. Moreover, we propose
alternative CNNs trained for the prediction of rotational motion parameters
while achieving results also comparable with state of the art. The proposed
method can replace wheel encoders in odometry estimation or supplement missing
GPS data, when the GNSS signal absents (e.g. during the indoor mapping). Our
solution brings real-time performance and precision which are useful to provide
online preview of the mapping results and verification of the map completeness
in real time
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