Angular Measurement Using Multiple Oriented Light Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring relative angular motion, such as MEMS gyroscopes and camera-based systems, are expensive and not suitable for low-cost implementations, lacking precision for applications like robotics and machine control.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost angular measurement system using a remote device with multiple light sources of predetermined light distribution patterns and orientations, where the host device includes a light sensor and controller to interpret light intensity ratios and calculate the remote's orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If MEMS gyroscopes are used to measure relative angular motion, then measurement capability is provided, but drift errors occur and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical MEMS gyroscopes with an optical system using light sources and photodetectors. The remote device emits light in specific patterns, and the host device detects light intensity ratios to calculate orientation, eliminating mechanical moving parts that cause drift errors while maintaining angular measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical patterns as information carriers instead of mechanical motion. By encoding orientation information in light emission patterns and detecting the resulting light intensity distributions, the system creates an optical copy of the orientation state without physical sensors, avoiding drift accumulation
2Measurement precision
If camera-based systems with external fixed light sources are used, then angular information can be measured, but system cost and complexity increase due to communication requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the communication function from the angular measurement system. By encoding all necessary information in the light emission patterns themselves, the system eliminates the need for separate communication channels. The light patterns carry both control and measurement information, removing the camera and communication backchannel requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The light emission patterns serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as control signals for the remote device and as measurement signals for the host device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate communication infrastructure, reducing system complexity while maintaining angular measurement capability
3Measurement precision
If centroid tracking sensors with lateral photodiodes are used, then angular orientation can be measured, but cost remains high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light emission into multiple distinct sources with specific angular orientations. By using multiple LEDs at known angles rather than a single complex sensor, the system achieves precise angular measurement through simple photodetector intensity ratio calculations, reducing overall system cost while maintaining measurement precision
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, low-cost angular measurement for controlling host devices and determining machine part orientations, applicable in consumer electronics and robotics, with potential for cost-effective implementation and improved accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The remote may include a plurality of light sources with predetermined light distribution patterns and angles of orientation with respect to a major axis of the remote. The light sources may be located on/in the remote and may emit light from the remote.
Implementation Method 2
The light sensor may detect light emitted from the remote (via the light sources) and may generate output signals that may be interpreted by the controller.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention may provide a relative angular motion measurement system that includes a remote device used to control operations of a host device. The remote may include a plurality of light sources with predetermined light distribution patterns and angles of orientation with respect to a major axis of the remote. The host device may include a sensor and a controller. The sensor may detect light emitted from the remote (via the light sources) and generate output signals that may be interpreted by the controller. The controller may interpret the output signals from the sensor to estimate received intensity from each light source and calculate the orientation of the remote device based on data representing the light sources' light distribution patterns with fixed angles of orientation.