Amazon.com, Inc.
System for generating a navigational map of an environment

Abstract:

A point cloud or map of an environment is generated by determining sets of landmark points from multiple images, such as through use of a Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) algorithm. Images acquired using a depth camera are used to determine depth points indicative of at least one object not represented by the landmark points. A combined map is generated to include both the landmark points and the depth points. The set of depth points is mapped to a corresponding set of landmark points based on proximity of the points, similarity of the camera poses, or times that the images were acquired. The relationship between the depth and landmark points may be determined. When the landmark points are moved, such as to account for error in the SLAM algorithm, the depth points may be moved to a modified location relative to the landmark points so that the relationship remains constant.