Active Motion Capture Markers for Miniature Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical motion capture systems are bulky and do not meet payload limitations for applications such as miniature indoor aerial robots and wearables, leading to reduced accuracy and reliability due to interference from external light sources.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, modular active motion capture system that integrates light sources with power driving components through flexible strips and optimized driver circuit configurations, allowing for attachment to small aerial devices and wearables without exceeding payload limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If passive markers are used for motion capture, then the system is lightweight and simple, but accuracy is reduced due to interference from external light sources
Solution Approach 1:
The marker system generates its own light through integrated light-emitting components (LEDs or lasers) that are self-contained on the marker device. This eliminates dependence on external illumination sources and removes the harmful effect of external light interference, allowing the marker to actively emit light at specific wavelengths detectable by the motion capture system cameras.
2Measurement precision
If active optical motion capture systems are implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light-emitting source components, electronic driver circuit, and flexible strip are integrated into a single unified marker device structure. This merging of components that would traditionally be separate reduces overall device complexity and eliminates the need for bulky external illumination equipment, making the active motion capture system compact and suitable for applications with strict payload limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible strip serves as both a structural support and an electrical connection medium, allowing the marker device to maintain a thin, lightweight profile. This flexible substrate enables the integration of electronic components without adding significant bulk, and the marker can conform to various surfaces while maintaining its active light-emitting functionality.
3Measurement precision
If active components are integrated into motion capture markers, then measurement precision is improved, but weight increases beyond payload limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible strip provides mechanical support and electrical connectivity with minimal weight addition. This thin-film approach allows the active components to be mounted on a lightweight substrate rather than requiring heavy rigid structures, enabling the marker to remain within payload limitations of small aerial vehicles and wearables.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses light-emitting components that operate at specific wavelengths (such as infrared) that are highly detectable by the motion capture cameras. By optimizing the light emission parameters (intensity, wavelength, pulse duration) rather than simply increasing component size or number, the system achieves high measurement precision with minimal weight.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides improved accuracy and reliability by eliminating the need for external illumination, reducing weight and power consumption, and allowing for flexible and modular implementation on devices with stringent design constraints.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of light emitting source components comprise infrared light emitting diodes (e.g., IR LED, visible LED, UV LED, or a combination thereof)
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary motion capture system, device, and method are disclosed herein to facilitate the implementation of active marker technology onto objects and systems whose design considerations require low weight, low power usage, and/or modular implementation. The exemplary motion capture system, device, and method connect light sources with power driving components through modular, flexible strips and optimized driver circuit configuration and structure for minute unmanned or remote vehicles or wearables having very stringent design constraints.