Interior Motion Sensing via Embedded Conductors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensors used in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) systems often detract from the immersive experience due to their mechanisms for detecting position and movement, which are not subtle enough.
Innovation Solution
The development of sensors that utilize embedded conductors to detect interior motion within a volume of space by analyzing changes in electrical signals, employing multiplexing schemes like frequency-division multiplexing (FDM) and code-division multiplexing (CDM), and integrating these with signal processors to provide detailed information on position and movement without compromising the immersive nature of the experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional sensors are used to detect position and movement in VR/AR systems, then motion detection capability is achieved, but the immersive experience is compromised due to non-subtle detection mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical motion detection systems with a capacitive sensing system that uses electrical fields and signal processing. The sensor structure employs transmitting and receiving conductors that generate and detect electrical signals, substituting mechanical detection mechanisms with electromagnetic field-based detection to achieve subtle motion tracking that preserves immersion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in electrical parameters (capacitance, signal frequency, phase) caused by interior motion to detect movement. By monitoring parameter changes in the electrical signals between transmitting and receiving conductors, the system achieves precise motion detection through subtle electrical field variations rather than mechanical means.
2Measurement precision
If detailed position and movement information is obtained, then tracking accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases due to multiplexing schemes and signal processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing function into multiple independent conducting elements arranged in arrays or matrices. Each conductor pair can be independently controlled and processed, allowing detailed spatial information to be obtained from multiple discrete sensing points. This segmentation enables precise tracking while organizing complexity into manageable, modular units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic signal transmission and sampling at discrete time intervals to detect motion. By using periodic excitation signals and sampling at specific rates, the system achieves accurate tracking through time-discretized measurements, managing processing complexity through regular, predictable signal patterns rather than continuous complex processing.
3Speed
If interior motion is detected with low latency, then real-time tracking is achieved, but measurement precision may be compromised due to reduced integration time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary signal conditioning, filtering, and processing during the signal transmission and reception phases before final motion calculation. By preparing and pre-processing signals in advance within each integration period, the system achieves low-latency response while maintaining measurement precision through adequate signal preparation time built into the measurement cycle.
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
These sensors enable precise detection of interior motion with low latency, allowing for accurate tracking of body parts and movements within VR/AR environments without detracting from the immersive experience, enhancing user interaction and immersion.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitting conductor adapted to transmit signals; a receiving conductor adapted to receive signals transmitted by the transmitting conductor
Implementation Method 2
the drive and sense circuitry being adapted to cause the transmitting conductor and the receiving conductor to form an interacting pair of conductors, and to measure the interactions between the interacting pair of conductors
Data Source
AI summary
A controller for sensing interior motion includes a sensor structure having transmitting conductors and receiving conductors. The controller comprises circuitry to drive and sense signals on interacting pairs of conductors (the transmitting conductor or receiving conductor can act as the drive side, or as the sense side). Signals are processed to analyze changes in measured signal and analyzed to determine interior movement. When the controller is deployed proximate to human skin, movement of muscles, tendons and bones within the skin are reflected in the measured signals.