3D Location Tracking Using Encoded Light Beams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current three-dimensional location tracking systems for augmented reality and other applications are inefficient and costly, requiring extensive real-time processing power and knowledge of environmental objects, limiting their ability to track users or objects in arbitrary environments with high accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An optical location tracking system using multiple arrays of light sources, where each light source emits a uniquely encoded light beam intersecting with a movable object, allowing a receiver to determine its position by decoding the light beams and calculating angular directions, enabling precise tracking within a three-dimensional space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If video image capture and object recognition algorithms are used for location tracking, then location information can be obtained, but real-time processing power requirements increase and system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex computational image processing systems with a simpler optical encoding system. Instead of using video cameras and object recognition algorithms that require substantial processing power, the invention uses light sources that emit encoded signals and a receiver that decodes these signals to determine location. This substitution of mechanical/computational systems with optical systems directly resolves the contradiction by maintaining location tracking accuracy while dramatically reducing processing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses encoded light signals that carry location information as a simplified copy of the complex video processing approach. Rather than capturing and analyzing full video images, the system encodes essential location data directly into light signals that can be decoded instantly, providing the same functional outcome with minimal processing.
2Measurement precision
If video image capture and object recognition are used for location tracking, then location information can be obtained, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive video capture and processing hardware with simpler optical encoders and receivers. By substituting complex computational systems with direct optical signaling, the invention achieves the same location tracking function at a lower cost, directly addressing the contradiction between accuracy and manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive light sources and receivers that emit and detect encoded signals, replacing costly video processing equipment. These optical components are simpler, more durable, and significantly cheaper to manufacture than video cameras and processing systems, while maintaining location tracking accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If environmental object recognition is required for tracking, then location can be determined, but the system cannot track in arbitrary environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces environment-dependent visual recognition systems with an active optical encoding system. Instead of passively recognizing environmental features, the system actively emits encoded light signals that work in any environment, making location tracking independent of environmental characteristics and significantly improving adaptability while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal location tracking system that functions across all environments by using encoded light signals rather than environment-specific visual features. The optical encoding approach provides multi-functional capability, working equally well in diverse settings from indoor to outdoor, from bright to dark environments, thus resolving the contradiction between accuracy and environmental adaptability.
4Speed
If heavy tracking systems are worn by users for location tracking, then real-time tracking is achieved, but user comfort decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy computational processing systems with lightweight optical components. By substituting powerful processors and video processing hardware with simple light emitters and receivers, the invention achieves real-time tracking capability in a much lighter form factor that can be comfortably worn or attached to users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses lightweight optical encoders that emit coded signals as a simplified alternative to heavy processing systems. This optical copying approach maintains real-time tracking response while dramatically reducing the weight and complexity of the tracking 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
This solution provides a reliable, cost-effective method for tracking objects in three-dimensional spaces with high accuracy, reducing the need for extensive processing power and environmental object recognition, allowing for tracking in arbitrary environments.
Implementation Method 1
each light source emits a uniquely encoded light beam intersecting with a movable object
Implementation Method 2
a receiver to determine its position by decoding the light beams and calculating angular directions
Data Source
AI summary
A location tracking system using encoded light beams emitted from a stationary beacon and a receiver mounted onto an object within a three-dimensional (3D) space within the field of view of the stationary beacon. The receiver receives and processes the encoded light beams from two or more stationary beacons. The receiver is configured to decode information from the received light beams and to calculate the position of the object within the 3D space over a span of several meters, with resolution in the range of a few mm or cm. The receiver location is calculated as a single point at the intersection of three light beam or angular planes. A typical configuration of one-dimensional array beacon consists of a plurality of light sources mounted on a cylindrical curved surface of a particular radius. A vertical apodizing slit placed at the center of the circular curve limits the horizontal angular profile of encoded light beams as can be seen or received by the receiver in the far field to roughly 1-5 encoded light beams at a time. Each light source emits a light beam encoded with a unique code that allows the receiver to identify the light source that emitted the light beam. Certain signal processing techniques allow the receiver to detect, process, and decode information from the light beam including light intensity profile of each received light beam. This information is used by the receiver to infer a point where the receiver is located at the intersection of three angular planes where it is located relative to the beacons, and thus the location of the object is fully determined in 3D space.