Calibration Stick for Automatic Locator Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positioning systems require complex calibration procedures to determine the relative positions of locators, which can be time-consuming and user-dependent, especially when locators are placed without predefined orientations or locations.
Innovation Solution
The use of a calibration stick with two tags, positioned equidistant from a locator, allows for the determination of relative directions and distances between locators using direction of arrival measurement techniques, enabling automatic calibration without user input on locator positions, utilizing equations such as d1 = l^2 * sin(α) * sin(c) to calculate distances between locators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional calibration procedures are used to determine relative positions of locators, then positioning accuracy can be achieved, but the calibration process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a calibration stick as an intermediary object between locators to simplify the calibration process. The calibration stick contains multiple tags at known positions that serve as reference points, enabling automatic determination of relative locator positions without complex manual procedures. This intermediary object mediates the interaction between locators during calibration, reducing both complexity and time requirements while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system performs self-calibration automatically using direction of arrival measurements between locators and the calibration stick tags. The system determines relative positions through automated signal processing and geometric calculations based on known tag positions, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex user-defined procedures. This self-service approach reduces calibration complexity while achieving accurate positioning.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual user input is required for locator positions during calibration, then flexibility in locator placement is maintained, but the calibration time and user dependency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines relative locator positions through direction of arrival measurements and geometric calculations based on known calibration stick tag positions. This self-calibration process eliminates manual user input requirements while maintaining flexibility in absolute locator placement, as locators can be positioned freely and the system will automatically establish their relative positions through the calibration procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration stick is pre-configured with tags at known positions and orientations before the calibration process. This preliminary preparation of reference points enables the locators to automatically determine their relative positions through signal measurements, eliminating the need for manual position input during calibration and significantly reducing calibration time while maintaining placement flexibility.
3Device complexity
If predefined locator orientations are required, then calibration can be simplified, but the adaptability to different installation scenarios is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines both the positions and orientations of locators relative to each other through direction of arrival measurements and geometric calculations. This self-calibration approach eliminates the need for predefined orientations or manual configuration, allowing locators to be installed in various orientations and positions while the system automatically adapts and calculates the correct relative geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration method does not require symmetric or predefined orientations of locators. Instead, it accommodates asymmetric and arbitrary installations by using the known asymmetric geometry of the calibration stick tags and performing calculations based on the actual measured directions. This allows the system to adapt to different installation scenarios without requiring standardized orientations.
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 method simplifies the calibration process, allowing for efficient and automatic determination of locator positions, enabling precise location tracking of tags in positioning systems without requiring predefined locator orientations or user-defined locations, and can be applied in various applications including virtual reality content capture.
Implementation Method 1
the at least two locators each capable of emitting a signal detectable by the other of the at least two locators
Data Source
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AI summary
In respect of an arrangement of at least two locators (201, 202, 203) for determining the location of a tag of unknown location using a direction of arrival measurement technique, the at least two locators each capable of emitting a signal detectable by the other of the at least two locators and determining at least a relative direction, measured with respect to an origin-direction of the particular locator, of a received signal from the tag and the other of the at least two locators, the locators being individually identifiable to each other, the method comprising providing for calibration of the arrangement by determination of the distance between a first and a second locator based on the known distance (d) between a first calibration stick tag (301) and a second calibration stick tag (302), the orientation of the calibration stick (300) relative to the first locator, a first-locator-direction, a second-locator-direction, and one of a first-tag-direction and a second-tag-direction.