Mixed Reality Pose Estimation Magnetic Interference Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mixed-reality systems face challenges in accurately tracking user interactions due to magnetic interference from objects in the environment, leading to inaccurate pose estimation and immersive experience degradation.

Innovation Solution

The system transmits a magnetic field signal, detects interfering objects using sensors, and adjusts the pose-estimation model to compensate for interference, ensuring accurate pose calculation and enhanced user interaction in mixed-reality environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If magnetic field signals are used for pose estimation in mixed-reality systems, then tracking capability is enabled, but magnetic interference from environmental objects causes inaccurate pose estimation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepose estimation accuracyVSAvoidmagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system detects magnetic interference from environmental objects and converts this harmful effect into useful information by using the interference characteristics to identify and exclude corrupted measurements, thereby improving pose estimation accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors magnetic field measurements, compares them against expected values, and adjusts pose estimation in real-time based on detected interference, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism that maintains accuracy despite environmental disturbances

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If magnetic interference detection and correction mechanisms are added to the system, then pose estimation accuracy improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepose estimation accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic field sensing device performs multiple functions: it both tracks pose information and detects magnetic interference from environmental objects, eliminating the need for separate detection systems and reducing overall device complexity

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own magnetic field measurements to detect and correct interference, making the correction mechanism self-contained and avoiding the need for additional external correction devices or complex calibration systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

This approach significantly improves pose estimation accuracy, providing a more immersive and precise user experience by mitigating magnetic interference and adapting to environmental conditions.

Implementation Method 1

cause a magnetic transmission device to transmit a magnetic field signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

cause a magnetic-field sensing device to determine a measurement of the magnetic field signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field sensing: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3559789B1Magnetic interference detection and correction
Publication Date: 2022.01.26 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP3559789B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3559789B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3559789B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A mixed-reality system causes a magnetic transmission device to transmit a magnetic field signal. The mixed-reality system also causes a magnetic-field sensing device to determine a measurement of the magnetic field signal. The mixed-reality system then identifies, using one or more input devices, that a magnetically-interfering object is located within a same environment as both the magnetic transmission device and the magnetic-field sensing device. The mixed-reality system also determines one or more characteristics of magnetic field interference that the magnetically-interfering object is imparting on the magnetic transmission device or the magnetic-field sensing device. The mixed-reality system then computes an adjustment to a pose-estimation model based upon the one or more characteristics of magnetic field interference. The pose-estimation model is used to calculate a pose of at least one of the magnetic transmission device or the magnetic-field sensing device.