Anchor-Based Object Tracking for Tiny and Occluded Targets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing object tracking technologies struggle with tracking tiny objects due to physical limitations, and methods like infrared LEDs and optical codes are prone to occlusion or dirtiness, limiting their applicability and increasing costs.

Innovation Solution

A system and method using first and second tracking equipment to obtain spatial relationship information between an electronic device and an anchor object, and between the anchor object and the target object, with an information processor calculating the target object's spatial information relative to the electronic device, employing infrared cameras and ultrasound transmitters for precise 6-DOF tracking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional trackers are used for tracking, then tracking function is provided, but they are not applicable to tiny objects due to physical limitations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicability to tiny objectsVSAvoidphysical limitation of tracker

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an anchor object as an intermediary carrier that holds multiple trackable devices. This intermediary allows the tracking system to function for tiny target objects by transferring the tracking burden to the larger anchor object, thereby resolving the physical limitation of attaching trackers directly to small objects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments the tracking function by separating the trackable devices from the target object itself. Instead of requiring a tracker on every object, the system divides tracking capabilities across multiple trackable devices mounted on an anchor object, enabling tracking of tiny objects that cannot carry their own trackers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If infrared LED and optical code are used for tracking, then tracking is enabled, but they are easily occluded or dirtied becoming invalid

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking validityVSAvoidocclusion and dirtiness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from 2D surface markers (infrared LEDs and optical codes) to 3D ultrasonic trackable devices. This dimensional change allows the tracking system to penetrate through occlusions and ignore surface dirtiness, as ultrasonic waves can pass through various materials and detect the spatial position of trackable devices even when visually obscured.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Measurement precision

If specific environment is designed for tracking, then tracking accuracy is improved, but it costs a fortune and lacks wide applicability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking accuracyVSAvoidapplicability to different places

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses universal ultrasonic trackable devices that can operate in diverse environments without requiring specialized infrastructure. The anchor object with mounted trackable devices serves multiple functions across different locations and applications, eliminating the need for expensive, location-specific tracking environments while maintaining tracking accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables precise, real-time tracking of occluded objects with a wider field of view, reducing costs by avoiding occlusion issues and increasing applicability across various environments.

Implementation Method 1

employing infrared cameras and ultrasound transmitters for precise 6-DOF tracking

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation detection: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

employing infrared cameras and ultrasound transmitters for precise 6-DOF tracking

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic wave emission: Ultrasound

Data Source

PatentUS12484976B2Object tracking method, object tracking system and non-transitory computer readable storage medium

Publication Date: 2025.12.02 HTC CORP

AI summary

The present disclosure provides object tracking method and system. The object tracking method is applicable to the object tracking system configured to track a target object. The object tracking method includes: by a first tracking equipment, obtaining first spatial relationship information between an electronic device and an anchor object; by a second tracking equipment, obtaining second spatial relationship information between the anchor object and the target object; and by an information processor, calculating spatial information of the target object in relation to the electronic device according to the first spatial relationship information and the second spatial relationship information.