Linear Sensor Optical Detection for Helmet Position and Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical detection systems for position and orientation in the aeronautical field face challenges such as ambiguity, mechanical precision constraints, and interference from stray radiation and light environments, particularly in high-performance applications like pilot helmet tracking.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a single linear electro-optical sensor integrally linked to the moving object, projecting patterns with intersecting networks of parallel segments to calculate the vanishing point in the image plane, allowing for flexible sensor arrangement and reduced mechanical stresses, while using image projection means to determine the object's posture by analyzing image portions received by sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple cameras and sensors are used for position and orientation detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection task into two functional parts: a single camera captures the entire scene, while a single linear sensor array (CCD or CMOS) mounted on the helmet captures image portions. This segmentation allows each component to specialize, with the camera providing broad coverage and the linear sensor providing precise positional data, thereby achieving high measurement precision without requiring multiple cameras and sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that receives the full image from the camera and the image portions from the linear sensor. This intermediary processes the data to calculate position and orientation, acting as a mediator that integrates information from the simple camera and linear sensor to achieve complex detection goals without requiring complex hardware
2Speed
If electromagnetic posture detection is used, then dynamic performance is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to stray radiation and electromagnetic interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromagnetic posture detection systems with an optical-based system using a camera and linear sensor array. This substitution eliminates susceptibility to electromagnetic interference and stray radiation while maintaining dynamic response performance, as the optical system captures position information directly through image portions without being affected by electromagnetic fields
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inert optical environment for detection that is immune to electromagnetic interference. By using optical rather than electromagnetic sensing, the system operates in an environment where stray radiation and electromagnetic interference do not affect measurement reliability, effectively isolating the detection process from harmful electromagnetic factors
3Measurement precision
If LED patterns are used for electro-optical detection, then measurement precision is improved, but harmful factors increase due to light diffusion and parasitic reflections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a linear sensor array that detects specific wavelength ranges, effectively filtering out parasitic reflections and ambient light. By selecting sensors sensitive to particular spectral bands, the system can distinguish the LED pattern from background light sources and reflections, maintaining measurement precision while reducing the impact of harmful light factors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the relevant image portions containing the LED pattern using the linear sensor array, discarding irrelevant visual information. This extraction process isolates the measurement signal from distracting background elements, parasitic reflections, and diffuse light, thereby maintaining precision while eliminating harmful light factors from the detection process
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
This approach enhances precision, reduces mechanical errors, and improves dynamic performance by simplifying calculations and immune to light interference, enabling accurate position and orientation determination of moving objects like pilot helmets.
Implementation Method 1
Device for optical detection of the position and/or orientation of objects comprising at least one linear sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
The electro-optical system for determining the attitude of a moving part comprises a fixed part and a moving part, the fixed part being rigidly connected to at least one virtual image plane. The moving part is rigidly connected to at least one first linear electro-optical device defining a first direction vector. The calculation of the vanishing point position of the projection of the line comprising the first direction vector in the image plane determines a first direction, representing the direction of the projection of the first direction vector onto the image plane, and a first choice of a first point of the projection onto the image plane of the line comprising the first direction vector determines a first sense, representing the sense of the projection of the first direction vector onto the image plane.