Handheld Inertial Sensor 3D Measurement System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating three-dimensional measurements of physical objects are limited by precision, require user interaction, and are restricted to planar objects or necessitate costly infrastructure, with no real-time solutions utilizing inertial sensors in handheld devices.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a handheld device equipped with a gyroscope, magnetometer, and accelerometer to capture three-dimensional measurements by generating a raw rotation matrix, filtering data, and calculating dimensions through Euler angles and correction factors, allowing for accurate estimation without special setups or additional hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If markers are used for dimension estimation, then measurement can be performed without physical contact, but precision is limited and application is restricted to planar objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/optical measurement systems (markers, cameras, laser scanners) with an inertial sensor-based system. The mobile device uses accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers to track its own motion and calculate three-dimensional measurements, eliminating the need for external markers and complex optical infrastructure while achieving accurate measurements of both planar and non-planar objects
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system uses the mobile device itself as both the measurement tool and the reference frame. The inertial sensors on the device track its own movement and orientation, and this self-reported motion data is used to calculate spatial relationships and dimensions, making the system self-sufficient without requiring external calibration objects or infrastructure
2Measurement precision
If sensors offering better precision are utilized, then measurement accuracy improves, but additional infrastructure is required increasing cost and space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the mobile device perform multiple functions: it serves as the measurement instrument, the reference frame, and the processing unit. The same inertial sensors that track device orientation and position are used directly for dimension calculation, eliminating the need for separate measurement equipment, calibration targets, or specialized infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inexpensive, widely available mobile devices with built-in inertial sensors instead of expensive specialized measurement equipment. The system leverages consumer-grade sensors that are already present in smartphones and tablets, making high-precision measurement accessible without requiring costly laboratory-grade instruments or infrastructure
3Ease of operation
If manual identification of object boundary is required, then user interaction is needed, but this increases time consumption and reduces automation
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically captures the entire measurement process by continuously tracking the mobile device's motion and orientation through inertial sensors. The device's own movement data defines the measurement volume and object boundaries without requiring manual intervention, enabling fully automated three-dimensional measurement while maintaining ease of operation
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, real-time estimation of three-dimensional measurements with reduced costs and increased accessibility, applicable to various domains without the need for complex infrastructure or user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
A system and method utilizing a handheld device equipped with a gyroscope, magnetometer, and accelerometer to capture three-dimensional measurements
Implementation Method 2
A system and method utilizing a handheld device equipped with a gyroscope, magnetometer, and accelerometer to capture three-dimensional measurements
Implementation Method 3
A system and method utilizing a handheld device equipped with a gyroscope, magnetometer, and accelerometer to capture three-dimensional measurements
Data Source
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AI summary
Method and System for estimating three dimensional measurements of a physical object by utilizing readings from inertial sensors is provided. The method involves capturing by a handheld unit, three dimensional aspects of the physical object. The raw recordings are received from the inertial sensors and are used to develop a raw rotation matrix. The raw rotation matrix is subjected to low pass filtering to obtain processed matrix constituted of filtered Euler angles wherein coordinates from the processed rotation matrix is used to estimate gravitational component along the three axis leading to determination of acceleration values and further calculation of measurement of each dimension of the physical object.