Modular Sensor System for Full-Body Motion Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current virtual- and augmented-reality systems face limitations in tracking and analyzing full human movement patterns due to reliance on external sensors, non-modular wearables, and restricted user mobility, which hinders immersive experiences and biomechanical performance.
Innovation Solution
A modular system incorporating a variety of sensors such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, and biopotential sensors embedded in wearable fabrics, allowing for full-body motion capture and location tracking without external devices, enabling real-time data fusion and feedback for improved immersion in virtual environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external sensors and non-modular wearables are used for motion tracking, then tracking capability is achieved, but user mobility is restricted and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the motion tracking function into multiple independent modular sensor units that can be distributed across different body parts. Each module contains necessary sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) and can function semi-independently, allowing users to wear only the modules needed for their specific activity, thereby maintaining mobility while achieving comprehensive tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable system is designed to be dynamic and adaptable rather than fixed. Sensor modules can be added or removed based on the user's needs, and the system automatically configures itself to track the relevant body parts. This dynamic configuration maintains user mobility while providing accurate tracking when needed.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive sensor systems are implemented for full-body tracking, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The comprehensive tracking system is segmented into modular sensor units distributed across the body. Each module contains a subset of sensors appropriate for its location, and the system integrates data from multiple modules to achieve full-body tracking accuracy without requiring every module to contain all sensor types, reducing individual module complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor modules are designed with universal interfaces and standardized communication protocols that allow them to function in multiple configurations. The same basic module design can be used across different body parts, reducing overall system complexity through standardization while maintaining full-body tracking capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular sensor modules are distributed across body parts, then tracking coverage improves, but system integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
All sensor modules use standardized interfaces, communication protocols, and data formats that enable seamless integration across different body parts. This universal design allows the system to automatically configure and integrate modules regardless of their location, expanding tracking coverage without proportionally increasing integration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular sensor system includes automatic self-configuration and self-integration capabilities. When modules are added to the system, they automatically register themselves, establish connections, and configure their tracking parameters without requiring manual integration, thereby expanding coverage while minimizing integration complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and apparatus that performs a capture of human motion and location in order to relay the mechanics of joint and body movement to virtual- and augmented-reality based environments. Collected data and measurements using sensors that can be analyzed and sorted. The sensors can be used to passively collect data or can be used to provide data into a feedback loop to drive other systems.