Optical Mouse Sensor for Non-Contact Displacement Measurement

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing navigation and robotic applications face challenges in measuring high-resolution linear and angular displacement due to the need for special precision markings or physical contact with surfaces, making optical and mechanical encoders impractical in many situations.

Innovation Solution

The use of optical mouse sensors mounted adjacent to a surface at a predetermined distance, coupled with a processor to calculate linear and angular displacement values without requiring precision markings or physical contact, allowing for non-contact, low-cost, and high-resolution measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If optical or mechanical encoders are used to measure linear and angular displacement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of manufacture deteriorate due to requirements for precision markings or physical contact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelinear and angular displacement measurement precisionVSAvoidencoder implementation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical encoders and optical encoders with a camera-based vision system. Instead of using mechanical sensors that require physical contact or optical sensors that require precision markings, the invention uses a camera to capture images and computationally determine linear and angular displacement through image processing and feature tracking algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a visual copy of the environment through camera imaging. By capturing images and tracking features in these visual copies across multiple frames, the system determines displacement without physical contact or surface markings. The visual information serves as a substitute for direct mechanical or optical measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If optical or mechanical encoders are used to measure linear and angular displacement, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to special precision markings or physical contact requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplacement measurement precisionVSAvoidsurface preparation and installation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical encoders and optical encoders with a camera-based vision system. Instead of using mechanical sensors that require physical contact or optical sensors that require precision markings, the invention uses a camera to capture images and computationally determine linear and angular displacement through image processing and feature tracking algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The camera-based system is universally applicable to various surfaces and environments without requiring special preparation. Unlike optical encoders that need precision markings or mechanical encoders that need specific contact surfaces, the vision system can operate on any surface that provides sufficient visual features for tracking, making it easier to manufacture and install.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If conventional encoders are used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but cost increases due to special components and installation requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplacement measurement accuracyVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a camera, which is a relatively inexpensive and widely available component compared to precision encoders. The camera can be a standard digital camera or even a smartphone camera, making the system much more cost-effective. The software-based measurement approach eliminates the need for expensive specialized hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical encoders and optical encoders with a camera-based vision system. Instead of using mechanical sensors that require physical contact or optical sensors that require precision markings, the invention uses a camera to capture images and computationally determine linear and angular displacement through image processing and feature tracking algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 and cost-effective measurement of linear and angular displacement for various moving objects, including autonomous vehicles and rotatable devices, facilitating applications like dead-reckoning navigation and precise position tracking without the need for surface modifications.

Implementation Method 1

optical mouse sensor mounted adjacent to and at a predetermined distance from a surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS8552362B2System and method for linear and angular measurements of a moving object

Publication Date: 2013.10.08 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

A system and method for measuring linear and angular displacement of a moving object, such as an autonomous moving object. In one embodiment, the system comprises at least one optical mouse sensor mounted adjacent to and at a predetermined distance from a surface of the autonomous moving object or a working surface. A processor on the autonomous moving object is operatively coupled to the optical mouse sensor. The optical mouse sensor outputs linear and angular displacement values to the processor during movement of the autonomous moving object to determine a direction and distance traveled by the autonomous moving object.