Hidden Object Locating with Orientation-Aided Position Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locating devices for invisible objects within walls, ceilings, and floors are complex, prone to errors, and expensive to manufacture, and require complex sensors for precise positioning.
Innovation Solution
A handheld locating system with a locating sensor and orientation sensor, combined with an evaluation device, determines relative position information using simplified sensors and signal processing to estimate distance and direction of hidden objects, reducing sensor complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex sensors are used to determine precise position and direction of hidden objects, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates position determination into two independent components: location detection (using simple locating sensors to detect hidden objects) and movement tracking (using basic orientation sensors to track device motion). This segmentation allows each component to use simpler, cheaper sensors while collectively achieving adequate positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary computational approach where the evaluation device processes signals from simple sensors and combines them with orientation data to derive position information. This intermediary processing layer compensates for the lower precision of individual sensors, enabling accurate positioning without requiring complex individual sensor components.
2Measurement precision
If complex sensors are used for precise positioning, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces expensive, complex precision sensors with cheaper, simpler sensors that have lower individual precision but can be used in combination. The locating sensors and orientation sensors are chosen to be cost-effective components rather than high-precision expensive sensors, reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining functional accuracy through signal combination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the approach from using high-precision sensors to using multiple lower-precision sensors with different measurement parameters (locating sensor signals combined with orientation sensor data). This parameter diversification allows the system to achieve accurate positioning through data fusion rather than relying on expensive single-point high-precision sensors.
3Measurement precision
If precise path sensors are added to locate objects and determine direction, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the functions of location detection and direction determination into a unified approach. The locating sensor detects the hidden object's position, while the orientation sensor simultaneously tracks the device's movement direction. By combining these two simple sensor inputs, the system determines both object location and direction without requiring complex dedicated direction-finding sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The orientation sensor serves multiple functions: it tracks device movement, determines movement direction, and contributes to both position and direction determination of hidden objects. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate complex path sensors and direction sensors, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A locating system for determining relative position information with respect to a relative position of the locating system relative to an object to be located below an examination surface is disclosed. The locating system has a locating sensor, an orientation sensor, and an evaluation device. The locating sensor is configured to provide a first signal which changes with a change in a distance between the locating system and the object. The orientation sensor is configured to provide a second signal which changes with a change in a direction of movement of the locating system relative to an environment of the locating system. The evaluation device is configured to determine the relative position information with respect to the relative position of the locating system relative to the object, taking into account the first signal and the second signal.