Asymmetrical Radiation Pattern Orientation Calibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Remotely operated devices, especially self-propelled ones, face challenges in calibration and orientation when controlled from a static frame of reference, leading to suboptimal user experience due to the lack of precise directional and positional data.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that involves a mobile computing device transmitting calibration commands to a self-propelled device to perform spins and traverses, detecting signal pulses to determine direction and position, and dynamically calibrating virtual controls to align with the device's orientation, enabling precise control and tracking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If specialized analog controls are used for remotely operated devices, then the device can be controlled from a static frame of reference, but the user experience is suboptimal due to lack of precise directional and positional data

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol operationVSAvoiddirectional and positional data

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical analog controls with a software-based control system that uses wireless communication signals (asymmetrical radiation patterns) to determine device orientation and position. The mobile computing device detects signal characteristics to calculate directional and positional data, substituting mechanical control mechanisms with electronic signal processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary calibration process that mediates between the static user frame of reference and the dynamic device frame of reference. The calibration sequence uses asymmetrical signal radiation patterns as an intermediary mechanism to establish the relationship between user control inputs and device orientation, enabling accurate control mapping.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If calibration sequences are implemented to determine device orientation, then virtual controls can be aligned with device orientation, but the system complexity increases due to additional calibration commands and signal detection mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice orientation alignmentVSAvoidcalibration system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the wireless communication signal serve multiple functions: it is used both for device control communication and for orientation determination during calibration. The asymmetrical radiation pattern of the existing communication signal is utilized for dual purposes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated calibration hardware or signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration system uses the device's own existing communication signal characteristics (asymmetrical radiation pattern) to perform self-calibration. The device leverages its inherent signal properties without requiring external calibration equipment, making the system self-sufficient and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If the mobile computing device detects signal pulses to determine direction and position, then accurate calibration is achieved, but the loss of information occurs due to signal asymmetry requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirection and position detectionVSAvoidsignal symmetry

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts what could be considered a defect (asymmetrical signal radiation pattern) into a beneficial feature for orientation determination. Instead of requiring perfectly symmetrical signals that would provide no directional information, the system exploits the inherent asymmetry to encode directional and positional data, turning a potential information loss into a useful measurement mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS9760095B2Utilizing asymmetrical radiation pattern to determine relative orientation

Publication Date: 2017.09.12 SPHERO INC

AI summary

Systems and methods are disclosed herein for determining relative orientation between a self-propelled device and a mobile computing device by utilizing the asymmetric radiation pattern of communication link emissions by the self-propelled device. Upon establishing the communication link, the self-propelled device may perform a spin, thereby enabling the self-propelled device and/or the mobile computing device to detect radiated pulses due to the asymmetry in the link. A direction may be determined based on such pulses, which may be utilized for calibration purposes.