FMT Sensors for 3D Object Tracking via Orthogonal Signals
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current VR and AR systems lack effective mechanisms for tracking the position and orientation of objects in 3D space, detracting from the immersive experience due to the limitations of Fast Multi-touch (FMT) sensors in this context.
Innovation Solution
Implementing FMT sensors with a multiplexing scheme based on orthogonal signaling, such as frequency-division multiplexing (FDM), code-division multiplexing (CDM), or hybrid modulation techniques, to enable the tracking of objects and frequency-emitting beacons in 3D environments, using sensors and beacons that transmit and receive orthogonal frequency signals to determine the 3D location and orientation of objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If FMT sensors are used for touch sensing on flat and curved surfaces, then low latency touch sensing is achieved, but the ability to track position and orientation of objects in space is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The FMT sensor system is extended to perform multiple functions: traditional touch sensing on surfaces and new spatial tracking of objects in 3D space. The same sensor architecture processes both surface touch signals and spatial position/orientation data from objects equipped with frequency-emitting beacons.
Solution Approach 2:
Frequency-emitting beacons are introduced as intermediary elements attached to tracked objects. These beacons emit orthogonal frequency signals that the FMT sensors detect to determine object position and orientation, bridging the gap between the sensor system and the objects being tracked.
2Adaptability or versatility
If orthogonal multiplexing schemes (FDM, CDM) are implemented for tracking, then 3D position and orientation tracking is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking system divides the 3D space into discrete measurement zones using multiple orthogonal frequency channels. Each frequency channel corresponds to specific spatial dimensions, allowing the system to process position and orientation data through segmented frequency-based measurements rather than monolithic complex processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic orthogonal frequency signals emitted by beacons and detected by sensors. The regular oscillation at distinct frequencies enables continuous tracking through periodic signal detection and phase analysis, converting complex spatial tracking into manageable temporal frequency measurements.
3Ease of operation
If FMT sensors track objects in 3D space with six degrees of freedom, then immersive VR/AR interaction is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual copy of the physical object's six degrees of freedom in the digital VR/AR environment. Frequency-emitting beacons transmit positional and orientational data that the FMT sensors capture and translate into corresponding virtual object transformations, maintaining immersion without requiring complex mechanical tracking mechanisms.
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 immersive 3D tracking of objects, allowing for precise interaction within VR/AR environments by enhancing the range and accuracy of sensing capabilities, including touch and hover detection, and improving environmental location determination.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter adapted to transmit a plurality of frequency-orthogonal signals
Implementation Method 2
a receiver adapted to receive signals from at least two beacons
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a sensor enabled object. Beacons may be placed at fixed locations within an environment. The movement of the sensor enabled object can be tracked throughout the environment by analyzing received signals. The relative distances from the known positions of the beacons can be used in order to orient the sensor enabled object within the environment. Alternatively, the sensor enabled objects can be used to determine the relative positions of mobile objects by measuring the respective distances from each other and correlating the relationships.