Magnetic Sphere Magnet Position Tracking Without Line of Sight

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing position tracking systems face limitations in achieving millimeter-scale precision and low-power operation, especially in environments without line-of-sight and are sensitive to environmental factors like lighting conditions.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic field-based position tracking system utilizing a small sphere magnet and coils to generate a specific magnetic field configuration, allowing for precise three-dimensional tracking without the need for line-of-sight, using 3-axis magnetic field sensors and a data processing unit to calculate positional data with millimeter-level precision and low power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If vision-based positioning systems are used, then position tracking can be achieved, but line-of-sight is required and the system is sensitive to lighting conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition tracking reliabilityVSAvoidenvironmental adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces vision-based optical systems with a magnetic field-based system. Instead of using cameras and light to track position, the invention uses magnetic field generators and magnetic field sensors to detect position through magnetic field interactions, eliminating dependency on line-of-sight and lighting conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary medium for position tracking. Magnetic field generators create magnetic fields that penetrate through obstacles, and magnetic field sensors detect these fields to determine position, allowing tracking through walls and other obstacles that block visual systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If millimeter-scale precision position tracking is achieved, then accurate position data is obtained, but system complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition measurement precisionVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic action by rotating the sphere magnet at a known speed to generate time-varying magnetic fields. This periodic rotation allows the magnetic field sensors to detect characteristic signal patterns that encode position information, enabling precise tracking while using simple, low-power hardware components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses dynamic magnetic field generation through rotating magnets rather than static fields. The rotation creates time-varying magnetic fields that provide richer information for position determination, improving precision while maintaining low power consumption through efficient electromagnetic induction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a sphere magnet and coils are used to generate magnetic field configuration, then three-dimensional tracking without line-of-sight is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking environment flexibilityVSAvoidsystem structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a sphere magnet instead of conventional magnet arrangements. The spherical geometry creates a symmetric, omnidirectional magnetic field pattern that simplifies the mathematical modeling of field interactions and enables three-dimensional tracking from any orientation, reducing the complexity of coordinate transformations and calibration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a multi-functional magnetic field system where the same magnetic field generators and sensors can track multiple objects simultaneously in three dimensions. The system can detect both position and orientation, and can operate in various environments (through walls, in dark conditions, etc.) using the same hardware configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 accurate, low-power, and low-distortion position tracking in three dimensions with millimeter-scale precision, independent of lighting conditions and other environmental factors, suitable for applications like augmented and virtual reality systems.

Implementation Method 1

tracking the position of objects using a time-varying magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

magnetic field sensors that sense the magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS10704929B1Tracking position and movement using a magnetic field

Publication Date: 2020.07.07 OMMO TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

In a general aspect, a position tracking system includes a sphere magnet that produces a magnetic field in a space. A magnetic field control system is configured to change the magnetic field by rotating the sphere magnet through a time-series of rotations over a time period. A position marker includes a magnetic field sensor that is configured to measure the magnetic field in the space during the time period. A data processing apparatus is configured to determine the position of the position marker based on magnetic field measurements obtained by the magnetic field sensor in the space during the time period.