Common Reference Frame for Mobile Platform Position Exchange

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inertial sensors on mobile platforms provide data in unique local reference frames, making it difficult to exchange position information between platforms due to orientation and sensor error variations.

Innovation Solution

Establishing a common reference frame through physical contact between mobile platforms, using acceleration vectors to define the frame, and transforming local reference frame data into this common frame for wireless communication and spatial relationship determination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If each mobile platform uses its own local reference frame for position data, then the position data is accurate for that specific platform, but the position data cannot be exchanged or compared between different mobile platforms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition data accuracyVSAvoidposition data exchange capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a common reference frame as an intermediary coordinate system that mediates between multiple local reference frames. Each mobile platform transforms its position data from its local reference frame to the common reference frame, enabling exchange and comparison while preserving the accuracy of original measurements. The common reference frame acts as a neutral mediator that allows data from different sources to be meaningfully compared.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the coordinate system parameter from local reference frames to a common reference frame. By transforming the position data coordinates using mathematical transformation matrices based on orientation data from accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers, the system maintains measurement precision while enabling cross-platform data exchange through parameter transformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If physical contact is used to establish a common reference frame, then accurate spatial relationships can be determined, but the process requires direct physical interaction between platforms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespatial relationship determinationVSAvoidplatform interaction requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by establishing the common reference frame through physical contact before the mobile platforms need to exchange position data. During this initial contact phase, the system captures orientation data from sensors to define the common reference frame, so that subsequent position exchanges can occur without requiring repeated physical contact. This preliminary setup enables easy ongoing operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical requirement for continuous physical contact with a sensor-based orientation detection system. Instead of requiring ongoing mechanical interaction to maintain the common reference frame, the system uses accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers to detect and track orientation changes, substituting mechanical contact with electronic sensing and computational transformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 and efficient exchange of position data between mobile platforms, overcoming the uniqueness of local reference frames and facilitating spatial relationship determination.

Implementation Method 1

Inertial sensors, such as accelerometers and gyroscopes, are increasingly used in mobile application for location or orientation awareness

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInertial sensing: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 2

The common reference frame is established by physical contact between the mobile platforms, which is used to define the common reference frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical contact detection: Impact Force

Implementation Method 3

The position in the local reference frame is transformed to a position in the common reference frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCoordinate transformation:

Data Source

PatentUS8467964B2Multi-user interactive motion tracking using sensors

Publication Date: 2013.06.18 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Mobile platforms exchange their positions in a three-dimensional common reference frame based on data from their respective inertial sensors. The mobile platforms establish the common reference frame, e.g., by contacting each other. The position of each mobile platform is updated in its local reference frame and the position is transformed into a position in the common reference frame. The position in the common reference frame may then be transmitted to the other mobile platform, which can then determine the spatial relationship between the mobile platforms based on the received common reference frame position. Either mobile platform may pass the common reference frame to additional mobile platforms by establishing a new reference frame with a new mobile platform, generating a transformation from the new reference frame to the common reference frame and providing the transformation to the new mobile platform.