Optical Tracking System Using Modulated Projectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current radio-based positioning systems are bulky, power-hungry, 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, which can be implemented using optical transmitters and receivers, minimizing size, weight, and cost while providing accurate location data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If radio-based positioning systems are used, then positioning functionality is achieved, but size, weight, power consumption, and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidreceiver weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces radio-based positioning systems with optical-based positioning systems. Specifically, it substitutes radio transmitters and receivers with optical projectors and optical receivers, leveraging light instead of radio waves for positioning. This substitution fundamentally changes the physical domain from electromagnetic radio frequency to optical frequency, enabling miniaturization and reduced power consumption while maintaining positioning accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameter from radio frequency to optical frequency. By operating at higher optical frequencies instead of radio frequencies, the system achieves better positioning precision with smaller, lighter, and more power-efficient components. The optical receiver can be miniaturized significantly compared to traditional radio-based receivers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If radio-based positioning systems are used, then positioning functionality is achieved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical projector transmits modulated light signals in periodic pulses rather than continuous waves. The system modulates the optical carrier signal with positioning data and transmits it in time-synchronized bursts, allowing receivers to accumulate energy during pulse intervals while consuming power only during active transmission periods, thereby reducing overall power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Measurement precision

If radio-based positioning systems are used, then positioning functionality is achieved, but system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The optical projector serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a display device for visual information and a positioning transmitter for navigation data. By integrating these functions into a single device, the system eliminates the need for separate positioning hardware, reducing overall system cost and complexity while maintaining high positioning accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses existing optical display technology (projectors and screens) as the basis for the positioning infrastructure. By leveraging commercially available optical components already optimized for visual display, the patent avoids the need to develop specialized expensive positioning hardware from scratch, thereby reducing system cost while achieving accurate positioning through optical signal modulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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 precise and cost-effective real-time position tracking in various applications, such as large venues and autonomous vehicles, with the ability to handle multiple receivers and provide location-based commands, reducing the complexity and expense of existing systems.

Implementation Method 1

Each emitter contains one or more modulated light source(s)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission from modulated light source: Light

Data Source

PatentUS10996340B1Tracking system

Publication Date: 2021.05.04 AEROSPACE CORP

AI summary

A tracking system includes one or more modulated projectors configured to broadcast a plurality of signals to a plurality of tracking receivers. Each of the plurality of signals is modulated with a message. The message includes positioning information for any of the plurality of tracking receivers receiving the message. The positioning information identifies a location of one or more the tracking receivers able to receive that message.