Optical Position Sensing for RF Wall Imaging Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices fail to accurately identify the position of objects behind walls and characterize the material composition of these objects, such as pipes and wiring, during building maintenance or remodeling, leading to increased labor and equipment costs.
Innovation Solution
A radio frequency (RF) imaging device equipped with an optical position sensor assembly that captures RF and optical images, utilizing RF sensors to generate images of objects behind walls and an optical sensor to enhance material differentiation, combined with positioning and displacement sensors for precise positioning and orientation, enabling the creation of composite and panoramic images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If commercially available devices such as stud finders are used, then the devices can detect objects behind walls, but the position identification accuracy is insufficient and material composition characterization is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing modalities (RF sensing, optical sensing, and positioning sensors) into a single integrated device. The RF sensor assembly detects objects behind walls, the optical sensor captures surface images with material characteristics, and positioning sensors track device location, merging these functions to achieve both accurate position identification and material composition characterization simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device is designed as a multi-functional system that performs object detection behind walls, surface imaging, material characterization, and position tracking all within a single device. This universal approach eliminates the need for multiple separate tools and provides comprehensive information including both location precision and material composition data
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are integrated for accurate positioning and imaging, then position and material identification improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments its sensing functions into distinct modular components: an RF sensor assembly for subsurface object detection, an optical sensor for surface imaging and material characterization, and positioning sensors for location tracking. Each module operates independently but integrates through a common processing system, allowing precise measurements while managing complexity through functional separation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a processing system that acts as an intermediary between the multiple sensor types. This mediator coordinates data from RF sensors, optical sensors, and positioning sensors, integrating their outputs into unified position and material identification results, thereby managing the complexity of multi-sensor integration
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
The RF imaging device provides accurate identification of object positions and material composition, reducing labor and equipment costs by enhancing the precision of excavation and maintenance tasks.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor to capture an optical image of the field of view of the optical sensor
Implementation Method 2
an RF sensor assembly to generate an RF image of a space behind a surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for optical sensor-based position sensing are provided. In the method and apparatus, a first displacement is detected by a first optical position sensor and a second displacement is detected by a second optical position sensor of an optical position sensor assembly located on a radio frequency (RF) imaging device. A processor coupled to the optical position sensor assembly determines a position of the RF imaging device based at least in part on the detected first and second displacements. The processor determines a tilt of the RF imaging device based at least in part on the detected first and second displacements and associates, in a memory, the position and the tilt of the RF imaging device with data representing an RF image of a portion of a space disposed behind a surface captured by the RF imaging device.