Localization in MR-based Indoor Navigation System using point cloud registration

Abstract

This paper addresses the pervasive challenge of localization within indoor navigation systems. Many existing systems grapple with this issue, relying on marker-based methods, Bluetooth beacon localization, and image processing. However, these solutions often necessitate the placement of predetermined markers within the environment, presenting limitations such as marker deterioration over time, spatial constraints, and associated costs. In response, we propose a novel point cloud registration-based approach. This method involves the creation of a comprehensive global point cloud representing the entire indoor environment, effectively serving as a three-dimensional virtual map. Concurrently, a mixed-reality device is utilized to generate a local point cloud specific to the device’s current location within the building. By aligning and registering the local cloud with the global counterpart, the device’s precise location within the virtual map can be determined. This approach enables seamless navigation within indoor environments without the reliance on physical markers, offering a versatile and cost-effective solution to the challenge of localization in indoor navigation systems. Finally, an error analysis was also done to test localization accuracy for different illumination conditions, demonstrating the effectiveness of this method.