3D Position Calibration Using Infrared Signal Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D position and direction estimation methods face challenges in accuracy due to signal interference, equipment costs, and error accumulation, particularly when using ultrasonic waves and inertia sensors, and infrared signal attenuation characteristics vary based on receiver characteristics, affecting precision.
Innovation Solution
A calibration apparatus and method that selects strongest intensity information from receivers, calculates angles and distances using inertia information, and calibrates signal attenuation characteristics using a triangulation scheme to improve accuracy in 3D position and direction estimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasonic waves are used for 3D position estimation, then sensing precision is improved, but signal interference prevents simultaneous transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ultrasonic mechanical waves with infrared electromagnetic waves for position estimation. This substitution eliminates signal interference inherent in acoustic waves while maintaining the ability to measure time of flight and calculate 3D positions with high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental wave parameter from acoustic frequency (ultrasonic) to optical frequency (infrared). This parameter change enables simultaneous transmission without interference while preserving measurement precision through the speed of light-based time of flight calculation.
2Ease of manufacture
If inertia sensors are used for 3D position estimation, then equipment cost is reduced, but error accumulation occurs over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines infrared time of flight measurement with inertia sensor data fusion. The infrared system provides absolute position references that correct the cumulative drift of inertia sensors, while the inertia sensors supplement the infrared measurements, creating a hybrid system that maintains both low cost and high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where infrared position measurements are used to correct and recalibrate inertia sensor readings over time. This feedback loop prevents error accumulation by continuously adjusting the inertia-based position estimates based on the more accurate infrared references.
3Productivity
If camera-based 3D position estimation is used, then real-time sensing is enabled, but accuracy depends on marker size and resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces camera-based optical tracking with direct infrared time of flight measurement. This substitution eliminates dependencies on marker sizes and camera resolutions, enabling real-time position estimation through direct distance measurement without requiring tracked markers or complex image processing.
4Productivity
If signal attenuation characteristic is used for 3D position estimation, then real-time estimation is achieved, but accuracy decreases due to receiver characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback from known transmitter-receiver distances to calibrate and correct signal attenuation variations. By measuring the actual received signal strength at known distances, the system creates correction factors that compensate for receiver-specific attenuation characteristics, thereby improving accuracy while maintaining real-time capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes from using raw signal attenuation values to using calibrated signal strength corrections. This parameter transformation accounts for receiver-specific characteristics by applying individual calibration factors, converting the problematic variable attenuation measurements into accurate position estimates.
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
Enhances the accuracy and stability of 3D position and direction estimation by compensating for signal attenuation variations and equipment limitations, enabling precise real-time tracking and reducing errors.
Implementation Method 1
a method of estimating a 3D position and a direction using a signal attenuation characteristic of infrared ray
Implementation Method 2
it is possible to estimate a 3D position by integrating acceleration, motion and gravitation acceleration that are obtained using a gyro sensor, and a motion acceleration component that is calculated using angular velocity
Implementation Method 3
when time of flight (TOF) of an ultrasonic wave from a transmitter to a receiver is measured using an aspect that an ultrasonic wave moves at the velocity of sound
Implementation Method 4
an ultrasonic wave moves at the velocity of sound, for example, about 340 m/s in the air
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a calibration apparatus and method of a three-dimensional (3D) position and direction estimation system. The calibration apparatus may receive inertia information and intensity information during a predetermined period of time, may calculate distances between a transmitter and the respective receivers, and may calibrate a signal attenuation characteristic of each receiver using the distances between the transmitter and the respective receivers.