Angled Planar Field Generator Layout for Close-Range Magnetic Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic tracking systems face challenges in accurately determining the position and orientation of sensors due to parallel magnetic fields generated by field generators, which limit the contribution of useful information at close ranges.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a field generator assembly with magnetic field generators oriented at different angular orientations, typically between one and fifteen degrees apart, and includes a magnetic sensor to measure these fields, with a computing device calculating the position and orientation based on these measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If magnetic field generators are positioned close to the sensor, then field strength is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to parallel magnetic fields providing insufficient unique information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by orienting magnetic field generators at different angular orientations relative to the sensor. Instead of all generators being parallel, they are arranged with varying angles (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) to create asymmetric field patterns. This asymmetry ensures that even at close distances, each generator contributes unique directional information, resolving the contradiction between maintaining strong fields and achieving precise measurements.
2Device complexity
If all magnetic field generators are oriented parallel, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of information increases due to redundant field measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the magnetic field generation function by dividing generators into multiple angular groups. Each group is oriented at a specific angle (e.g., first group at 0°, second group at 45°, third group at 90°, fourth group at 135°). This segmentation allows each generator to provide distinct directional information, eliminating redundancy while maintaining manageable system complexity through organized angular distribution.
3Measurement precision
If magnetic field generators are positioned at multiple angular orientations, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional orientation adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces angular orientation as an additional dimension to the traditional planar generator arrangement. By distributing generators across multiple angular orientations (azimuth angles) and potentially multiple elevation angles, the system creates a three-dimensional angular distribution pattern. This dimensional expansion provides rich directional information for precise sensor tracking while the systematic angular spacing (e.g., 45° intervals) keeps the configuration manageable and not excessively complex.
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
This configuration allows for improved tracking of sensors by enabling unique measurements from each magnetic field, even at close distances, enhancing accuracy and reliability in determining the sensor's position and orientation.
Implementation Method 1
a field generator assembly for generating a plurality of magnetic fields, wherein each magnetic field is generated by a respective magnetic field generator of the field generator assembly
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic sensor to measure the plurality of magnetic fields
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic tracking system includes a field generator assembly for generating a plurality of magnetic fields, wherein each magnetic field is generated by a respective magnetic field generator of the field generator assembly, at least one of the magnetic field generators having a first angular orientation and at least another of the magnetic field generator having a second angular orientation, different from the first angular orientation. The magnetic tracking system includes a magnetic sensor to measure the plurality of magnetic fields, and a computing device configured to compute a position and orientation of the magnetic sensor within the magnetic fields being measured by the sensor. The first angular orientation is between one and fifteen degrees and the second angular orientation is between one and fifteen degrees.