Optical Tracking System Using Modulated Emitters for Compact Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radio-based positioning systems are bulky, power-intensive, and costly, necessitating a more efficient real-time position tracking solution.
Innovation Solution
A real-time position tracking system utilizing modulated projectors to broadcast signals with positioning information to tracking receivers, incorporating optical emitters and cameras with machine vision processors for precise location determination, minimizing size, weight, and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radio-based positioning systems are used, then positioning functionality is achieved, but size, weight, power consumption, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces radio-based positioning systems with optical tracking systems. Instead of using radio transmitters and receivers, the invention employs optical emitters (such as LEDs or lasers) that emit modulated light signals detectable by optical sensors (cameras or photodetectors). This substitution of radio waves with light enables more compact, lighter, and lower-power positioning receivers while maintaining or improving positioning accuracy through optical detection methods.
2Measurement precision
If radio-based positioning systems are used, then positioning functionality is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex radio-based positioning infrastructure with simpler optical components. Optical emitters, modulators, and detectors are generally less complex than radio transmitters and receivers requiring antennas, frequency synthesisers, and signal processing hardware. The optical system uses straightforward light modulation and detection principles that reduce overall system complexity while achieving accurate positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical tracking system serves multiple functions: positioning, tracking, and potentially communication. The same optical emitters and detectors used for position determination can also provide tracking information and enable data transmission through modulation, reducing the need for separate systems and thereby lowering overall device complexity and cost.
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 real-time position tracking in various applications, such as large venues and autonomous vehicles, with reduced component size and power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The modulated light source emits a light in relation to the time-varying modulation signal to the optical tracking system
Data Source
AI summary
A tracking system includes one or more cameras and machine-vision processors configured to track the position of a plurality of optical tracking emitters. Each of the plurality of tracking emitters is modulated with a message. The message includes identification information for any of the plurality of tracking cameras receiving the message, so that the cameras can track the location of each emitter.