mmWave and Camera Position Tracking Under Low-Light VR/AR Constraints

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The weight and battery life of wearable electronic devices for VR and AR are compromised due to the inclusion of multiple cameras for position tracking, and illuminance issues hinder effective tracking in certain environments.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an antenna module for wireless communication alongside cameras to enhance position tracking, using mmWave antennas and adjusting tracking methods based on illuminance and feature points to optimize device performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple cameras are mounted for position tracking, then position tracking capability is improved, but device weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition tracking capabilityVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple cameras into a single integrated camera module that performs position tracking functions. Instead of mounting separate cameras for different tracking purposes, the invention integrates these functions into one unified camera system, reducing the overall number of components and device weight while maintaining position tracking capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the camera module multi-functional by enabling it to perform both position tracking and environmental imaging tasks. The same camera hardware is used for multiple purposes: tracking the user's position in VR/AR space and capturing images of the peripheral environment, thereby eliminating the need for separate dedicated tracking cameras.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If multiple cameras are mounted for position tracking, then position tracking capability is improved, but battery consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition tracking capabilityVSAvoidbattery consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the operational loads of multiple cameras into a single camera module, thereby consolidating the power consumption into one component. This reduces the total energy required for position tracking operations compared to running multiple separate cameras simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The camera module is designed to serve multiple functions (position tracking and environmental imaging), which allows the system to use one camera instead of multiple dedicated cameras. This multi-functionality reduces the cumulative battery consumption that would result from operating several separate camera systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If camera-based position tracking is used, then tracking precision is improved, but tracking reliability deteriorates in dark or monochromic environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetracking precisionVSAvoidtracking reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an antenna module as an intermediary system that works in conjunction with the camera. The antenna module provides alternative position tracking capabilities using wireless signal analysis, which can operate independently of lighting conditions. This intermediary system ensures tracking reliability in environments where camera-based tracking would fail.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters of the camera system by adjusting illuminance thresholds and switching between different tracking modes. When illuminance falls below a threshold or the environment is detected as monochromic, the system transitions from camera-based tracking to antenna-based tracking, thereby maintaining reliability across varying environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Improves user immersion by reducing device weight and extending battery life while ensuring effective position tracking in various lighting conditions.

Implementation Method 1

an antenna module 120 for transmitting or receiving a signal to or from the outside

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

when a communication state through the first antenna module 810-1 is not satisfactory, communicate with the external device 902 by using the first antenna module 810-1 and a second antenna module 810-2 among the at least one mmWave antenna module 410

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMicrowave radiation: Microwave Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP4022348B1Electronic device and method for providing position of user
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4022348B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4022348B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4022348B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B

AI summary

Various embodiments disclose an electronic device including a camera, at least one mmWave antenna module, and at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: acquire image information of a surrounding environment via the camera; acquire signal information resulting from a signal emitted from the at least one mmWave antenna module by the surrounding environment; and track a position of the user, based on at least one of the image information acquired via the camera and the signal information acquired via the at least one mmWave antenna module. Various other embodiments derived from the specification are possible.