Head-Mounted Light Sensor Positioning and Viewing Direction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional visible light communication (VLC)-based positioning techniques require an unobstructed view of modulated light sources, limiting their effectiveness when devices are in pockets or bags, and fail to provide orientation information, only determining location in a horizontal plane without vertical position or orientation data.
Innovation Solution
A head-mountable apparatus with light sensors detects modulated light sources to determine not only its own location but also the user's viewing direction, using sensor data and location information to calculate an approximate user view direction, enabling 6 degrees of freedom (6DOF) determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If VLC-based positioning is used to determine location, then location accuracy is improved, but the system fails to provide orientation information and requires unobstructed view of light sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D horizontal plane positioning to 3D positioning by incorporating vertical position data. The head-mountable apparatus uses light sensors to detect modulated light sources and calculates not only horizontal coordinates but also vertical position, achieving full 3D spatial awareness and 6DOF determination when combined with orientation data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system evolves from single-function location determination to multi-functional capability that simultaneously provides location fixing, orientation determination, and viewing direction analysis. The same light sensor array that determines position also captures angular information needed for orientation and gaze direction calculation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If head-mountable apparatus with light sensors is used, then orientation and viewing direction determination is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single head-mountable apparatus: location determination, orientation sensing, and viewing direction detection are integrated into one device worn on the user's head. This consolidation reduces the need for multiple separate systems and simplifies the overall architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The head-mountable apparatus performs self-calibration and automatic determination of its own orientation and position without requiring external calibration equipment. The system uses the known positions of light sources in the environment to automatically compute its location and orientation, eliminating manual setup complexity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple photodiode measurements are taken simultaneously, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs photodiode measurements in periodic cycles rather than continuously. Multiple photodiodes take measurements at specific time intervals, allowing the system to gather sufficient spatial data for accurate positioning while consuming energy only during measurement bursts rather than continuously.
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 location and orientation determination of the head-mountable apparatus on a user's head, allowing for the determination of the user's viewing direction, which can be used to identify objects being looked at, improving usability and functionality in various scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a head-mountable apparatus with one or more light sensors configured to detect light from one or more modulated light sources
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques described herein, which may provide for a location determination of a mobile device, can also provide for the determination of a viewing direction of a user of the mobile device. In particular, a user can wear a head-mountable apparatus with one or more light sensors configured to detect light from one or more modulated light sources. Using this information, not only may a location of the head-mountable apparatus be determined, but also an orientation, which can enable a determination of an approximate direction the user is looking.