Magnetic Field Measurement for Volume Configuration Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the configuration of a measurement volume, such as those using magnetic trackers, require additional processing and can be inaccurate due to induced magnetic fields from elements within the volume, and often rely on optical or inertial sensors that have limitations like requiring a direct line of sight or suffering from drifting.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a transmitter and receiver within the measurement volume that generates and measures magnetic fields, compares the measured data to pre-recorded reference datasets to identify the configuration, and adjusts or notifies based on matches or discrepancies, allowing for accurate determination without external sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnetic trackers are used to track position and orientation, then tracking capability is provided, but induced magnetic fields from elements within the measurement volume cause measurement inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures the induced magnetic field caused by elements within the measurement volume and uses this information beneficially. By comparing the measured magnetic field against reference datasets corresponding to different configurations, the system identifies the actual configuration of elements, thereby converting the harmful induced field into a useful measurement signal for determining element positions and orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a database of reference configuration datasets as an intermediary. These reference datasets, pre-measured for known configurations, serve as a comparison基准 to identify the actual configuration by matching measured magnetic field data, thereby resolving the ambiguity caused by induced fields without requiring direct observation of elements.
2Loss of information
If location sensors are attached to elements or users define spatial arrangement, then configuration information is obtained, but additional processing is required and accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the measurement system to determine configuration information autonomously by measuring the magnetic field and comparing it against reference datasets. The system self-identifies the configuration of elements without requiring external attachment of sensors to elements or manual user input, thereby reducing both information loss and processing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/optical sensor attachment methods with a magnetic field-based measurement approach. Instead of physically attaching sensors to elements or requiring user input, the system uses magnetic field measurements and database comparison to automatically determine configuration, eliminating the need for additional physical sensors and reducing processing burden.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If optical sensors are used to determine configuration, then spatial arrangement can be detected, but constant line of sight to elements is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical sensing mechanisms with magnetic field-based measurement. Magnetic fields penetrate materials that block optical lines of sight, allowing the system to detect configurations of elements regardless of physical obstructions. This substitution eliminates the line of sight requirement while maintaining the ability to detect spatial arrangement.
4Reliability
If inertial sensors are used for configuration determination, then position and orientation can be tracked, but significant drifting occurs over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces inertial sensors with a magnetic field measurement system that references a database of known configurations. Unlike inertial sensors that accumulate drift over time, this system continuously compares measurements against reference datasets, providing stable and accurate configuration determination without time-dependent drift, as each measurement is independently validated against known configurations.
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 provides accurate and reliable configuration determination within the measurement volume, eliminating the need for external sensors and addressing the inaccuracies of existing methods, while being capable of detecting configurations not observable by external users.
Implementation Method 1
at least one transmitter adapted to be positioned within the measurement volume at corresponding at least one transmitter position and adapted to generate a transmitted magnetic field within the measurement volume
Implementation Method 2
at least one receiver adapted to be positioned within the measurement volume at corresponding at least one receiver position, the at least one receiver is adapted to measure a total magnetic field in the measurement volume at the at least one receiver position
Implementation Method 3
the transmitted magnetic field may induce electric currents within the element(s) thereof that in turn may generate at least one induced magnetic field within the measurement volume
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining a configuration of a measurement volume, the method may include: generating, by at least one transmitter, a transmitted magnetic field within the measurement volume; measuring, by at least one receiver positioned, a total magnetic field in the measurement volume at at least one receiver position and generating at least one receiver output signal; generating, by a processing unit, a measured dataset; comparing, by the processing unit, the measured dataset with at least one of at least two reference configuration datasets each for determined for one of at least two different configurations of the measurement volume; and identifying, by the processing unit, a reference configuration dataset of the at least two reference configuration datasets that corresponds to the measured dataset.