Magnetic Positioning Device for Line-of-Sight-Free Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Determining the position and orientation of an object in three-dimensional space is complex, particularly in robotics and tracking applications, as existing methods like computer vision are dependent on lighting and line-of-sight conditions.
Innovation Solution
A device with measurement points and an orientation sensor is placed on the object, aligned with a reference feature, and signals are transmitted to determine the object's position and orientation using trilateration or triangulation calculations, allowing for precise positioning without requiring line-of-sight or favorable lighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If computer vision systems are used to determine object position and orientation, then measurement capability is provided, but the system becomes dependent on lighting and line-of-sight conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical measurement systems with a magnetic field-based measurement system. A magnetic field generator creates a magnetic field in the measurement space, and magnetic sensors detect the field characteristics. This substitution eliminates dependency on lighting conditions and line-of-sight requirements, as magnetic fields are not affected by optical environmental factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary medium for position and orientation determination. Instead of directly using light or visual contact between the measurement system and object, the magnetic field serves as a mediator that carries measurement information through the space, enabling indirect but robust measurement that works independently of visual conditions.
2Measurement precision
If sophisticated image processing techniques are used, then object position can be determined, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical image processing systems with a simpler magnetic field-based measurement system. The magnetic field generator and sensors provide direct physical measurements of position and orientation through field interactions, eliminating the need for sophisticated image capture and processing algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field automatically provides measurement information through its physical interaction with the magnetic sensors. The field characteristics (strength, direction, distribution) directly encode position and orientation data that can be read by the sensors without requiring complex processing or interpretation algorithms.
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 efficient and precise determination of an object's position and orientation, facilitating robotic operations and tracking tasks without the limitations of traditional computer vision methods.
Implementation Method 1
the device could be attached by magnetic force to the object
Data Source
AI summary
A device (10) is placed on an object (30). A reference feature of the object (30) is aligned with a reference feature of the device (10). Based on signals transmitted between at least one measurement point of the device (10) and a further device (20), a position of the at least one measurement point is measured. The position of the object (30) is then determined based on the measured position of the at least one measurement point and based on information on arrangement of the at least one measurement point in relation to the reference feature of the device (10).