Automatic Orientation Calibration for Body-Mounted Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for calibrating the orientation of body-mounted devices relative to the body are resource-intensive, requiring skilled personnel, time, and additional equipment, and are not suitable for accurate and fast detection of device orientation in three dimensions, especially for lighter physical activities.
Innovation Solution
A device and method using a three-dimensional orientation detection unit with a control unit that determines device orientation relative to the body by analyzing uncontrolled output data over time, incorporating reference conditions defined in a body reference system, allowing for automatic calibration without additional resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional calibration methods (visual inspection, additional measurements, calibration procedures) are used to determine device orientation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and loss of time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs automatic self-calibration by analyzing uncontrolled output data from the orientation detection unit. The control unit automatically determines device orientation relative to the body by processing accelerometer data without requiring external calibration procedures, skilled personnel, or additional measurement devices. This self-service approach eliminates manual calibration time while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter being measured from controlled calibration measurements to uncontrolled output data analysis. By analyzing the natural output of the orientation detection unit during normal operation, the system derives orientation information without requiring the device to be in specific calibration positions or states, thus eliminating calibration time while preserving accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If traditional calibration methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional equipment and personnel requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses its existing orientation detection unit and control unit to perform automatic calibration without requiring additional measurement devices or skilled personnel. The control unit processes uncontrolled output data from the accelerometer to determine device orientation, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the complexity associated with external calibration equipment and personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the calibration function from the existing device components rather than adding separate calibration equipment. The control unit, already present for device operation, is utilized to perform calibration by analyzing output data from the orientation detection unit. This extraction approach eliminates the need for additional calibration devices and reduces overall system complexity.
3Device complexity
If uncontrolled output data is analyzed for calibration, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may worsen without proper reference conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically identifies and applies relevant reference conditions from the uncontrolled output data without external intervention. By autonomously determining which reference conditions are present in the natural device operation data, the system maintains measurement precision while keeping the calibration process simple and automatic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the uncontrolled output data to automatically adjust and determine device orientation. The control unit continuously monitors the output from the orientation detection unit and uses this feedback information, combined with reference conditions, to calculate accurate device orientation relative to the body, maintaining precision through iterative data analysis.
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 accurate, inexpensive, and fast detection of device orientation relative to the body in three dimensions, reducing the need for personnel, time, and equipment, while providing reliable posture detection for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
Accelerometers are not only sensitive to actual accelerations, but also to gravitational fields. As a result, in the absence of large accelerations, the output of an accelerometer reflects its orientation relative to the direction of the earth's gravitational field
Data Source
AI summary
In order to eliminate the need of tiresome and complex calibration procedures for posture-detecting devices, means are provided for determining an orientation of a body- mounted or implanted device (1) relative to the body (2), the device (1) having an orientation detection unit, wherein an uncontrolled output of the orientation detection unit over a period of time together with one or more reference conditions defined in a body reference system (xb, yb, zb) are used for determining the relative orientation of the device and hence for calibration.