Magnetic Sensor Dual Mode Switching for Mixed Reality

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mixed-reality systems face challenges in dynamically adjusting the mode of magnetic sensor devices to optimize performance and flexibility in pose estimations within varying environments.

Innovation Solution

A computer system and method that allows for dynamically switching modes within magnetic sensor devices using a secondary communication channel, enabling them to switch between transmission and reception modes, optimizing performance by adjusting based on environmental needs and sensor configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If magnetic sensor devices operate continuously in transmission mode to ensure reliable pose estimation data, then measurement reliability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepose estimation reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic sensor device dynamically switches between transmission mode and reception mode based on environmental conditions and operational requirements. The device transitions from continuous transmission to opportunistic transmission triggered by detected environmental cues (such as loss of visual tracking or audio input), allowing the system to maintain reliability when needed while conserving power during stable operational periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If magnetic sensor devices transmit data continuously to maintain accurate tracking, then measurement precision is improved, but channel congestion worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetracking accuracyVSAvoidchannel congestion
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous transmission, the magnetic sensor device employs periodic transmission bursts triggered by specific events or environmental conditions. The device transmits pose estimation data periodically when changes occur or when triggered by environmental cues, reducing overall channel traffic while maintaining tracking accuracy through timely updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the system uses multiple magnetic sensor devices simultaneously in transmission mode to improve coverage, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental adaptabilityVSAvoidsystem coordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces a coordinator component that manages multiple magnetic sensor devices, assigning them different roles (transmitters or receivers) based on environmental conditions and spatial relationships. This intermediary coordination layer simplifies the complexity by centralizing the decision-making logic, allowing multiple devices to operate adaptively without each device needing to independently manage complex interactions with all other devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3559787B1Magnetic tracker dual mode
Publication Date: 2021.10.13 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP3559787B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3559787B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3559787B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A computer system for dynamically switching modes within a magnetic sensor device communicates through a secondary communication channel with a first magnetic sensor device and a second magnetic sensor device. The first magnetic sensor device includes at least a magnetic signal receiving functionality. The computer system determines that the second magnetic sensor device includes magnetic signal transmitting functionality and magnetic signal receiving functionality. After determining that the second magnetic sensor device includes magnetic signal transmitting functionality, the computer system causes the second magnetic sensor device to begin transmitting a first magnetic field signal.