Head Tracking Position Sensing System for Computer Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for controlling computers based on the movement of a movable object, such as a user's head, face challenges in accurately translating real-world movements into virtual reality interactions, particularly in applications like flight simulators, due to complexities in positional data processing and the need for efficient interoperability with existing software and hardware.
Innovation Solution
A position sensing system that uses sensors to detect movements of a user's head or other objects, processing this data to generate control signals for computer applications, with the integration of engine software and command interfaces to translate raw positional data into actionable commands, and employing methods to resolve ambiguities in positional data through empirical constraints and redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are used to detect movements of a user's head or other objects, then measurement precision of positional data is improved, but device complexity increases due to integration of position sensing system, engine software, and command interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary software layer (engine software and command interface) that bridges the position sensing system and the controlled application. This intermediary processes raw sensor data, resolves ambiguities using empirical constraints, and translates movements into actionable commands, thereby managing the complexity of integrating multiple components while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into distinct functional modules: position sensing apparatus for data collection, engine software for processing and ambiguity resolution, and command interface for application control. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together as an integrated system, balancing measurement precision with manageable complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensed locations are used to track movements, then measurement precision is improved, but processing time increases due to the need to resolve ambiguities in positional data
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-establishes a mapping between sensed locations and possible positional interpretations during system initialization or calibration. By preparing empirical constraints and resolution rules in advance, the system can quickly resolve ambiguities during real-time operation without extensive computational processing, thus maintaining high precision while minimizing processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from multiple sensed locations to continuously refine position estimates. By comparing expected positions based on empirical constraints with actual sensor readings, the system rapidly resolves ambiguities and corrects errors, achieving high measurement precision without significant time loss through iterative refinement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a position sensing system is integrated with existing software and hardware, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to interoperability requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The command interface is designed with universal functionality to work with multiple types of applications and control systems. It provides standardized methods for translating position data into commands that can be used across different software environments, thereby improving adaptability while managing interoperability complexity through a unified interface design.
4Measurement precision
If empirical constraints and redundancy are used to resolve ambiguities, then measurement precision is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameters used for position calculation by incorporating empirical constraints (such as expected movement ranges, velocity limits, and acceleration constraints) into the processing algorithm. These parameter-based constraints allow the system to resolve ambiguities through simple threshold comparisons and logical deductions rather than complex computational methods, maintaining high precision while limiting processing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for controlling operation of a computer based on movements and/or position of a movable object. The system includes a sensing apparatus configured to obtain positional data based on movements of a sensed object. Engine software may process the positional data and generate control commands to produce a virtual position in an application running on the computer. A visual comparator is operatively coupled with the engine software and configured to display an actual indicator and a virtual indicator to provide a visual comparison between the virtual position and the actual position of the sensed object.