3D Spatial Device Control via Multi-Position Ray Intersection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for identifying and controlling devices in a physical space, such as buildings, are inefficient due to the use of two-dimensional floor plans which are tedious to set up, inaccurate, and fail to scale well to three-dimensional spaces, especially when multiple devices are located at similar positions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses a computing device to determine the position and orientation of a target device in a three-dimensional space by aiming at it from multiple locations, generating rays to calculate precise coordinates, and associating these with intersection volumes for accurate device identification and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If two-dimensional floor plans are used to identify and control devices, then the setup process is simple, but the accuracy and scalability to three-dimensional spaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional floor plans to three-dimensional spatial representations by using multiple cameras positioned at different heights and locations. This dimensional expansion allows the system to accurately locate devices in vertical spaces (e.g., ceiling-mounted devices) while maintaining setup simplicity through automated calibration procedures that require minimal user intervention.
2Device complexity
If two-dimensional floor plans are used, then the system is easy to implement, but it fails to scale to complex three-dimensional environments with multiple devices at similar positions
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the three-dimensional space into multiple viewing zones by deploying several cameras at different positions and heights. Each camera captures a specific portion of the environment, and the system integrates these segmented views to create a comprehensive three-dimensional understanding of device locations, enabling accurate identification even when multiple devices occupy similar horizontal positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal three-dimensional spatial framework that can handle diverse device types and configurations across varying environmental complexities. The ray-tracing methodology and intersection volume calculations provide a unified approach that works consistently whether locating a single device or multiple devices in complex three-dimensional arrangements, thereby achieving both low implementation complexity and high adaptability.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple devices are located at similar positions in 3D space, then device density increases, but identification accuracy using conventional methods deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By incorporating vertical dimension data through multi-height camera positioning, the system resolves ambiguities in device identification. When multiple devices occupy similar horizontal positions, their distinct vertical coordinates (heights) provide the differentiating factor needed for accurate identification, maintaining precision even as device density increases.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for identifying locations and controlling devices are provided. For example, a user may indicate a location by aiming at the location from multiple positions in a physical space. The user may also identify a controllable device to control by aiming at the device. Example systems and methods include determining a first position within a three-dimensional space, receiving a first directional input, and determining a first ray based on the first position and first directional input. Example systems and methods also include determining a second position within the three-dimensional space, receiving a second directional input, and determining a second ray based on the second position and second directional input. Example systems and methods may also include identifying a location within a three-dimensional space based on the first ray and the second ray.