Optical Tracking Signal Edge Detection via Phase Unwrapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical tracking systems face challenges in accurately tracking objects with abrupt changes in shape, color, and distance, leading to inaccuracies and noise, particularly at edges, which affects head tracking implementations.
Innovation Solution
A system that performs smoothing and sharpening operations on input signals using both real and imaginary components to reduce noise and enhance edge detection, thereby improving the accuracy of distance measurements and reducing artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If optical tracking systems attempt to identify distances at locations with sharp changes in shape, color, and distance (edges), then edge detection capability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to ambiguities and artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the signal processing into multiple components by separating pixels into first pixels (one distance value) and second pixels (different distance value) based on their phase measurements. This segmentation allows independent processing of different spatial regions, enabling accurate edge detection while maintaining measurement precision in each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different processing strategies to different regions of the signal. Transition region pixels are identified and processed differently from non-transition pixels, with specific unwrapping error mitigation applied only where needed. This local quality approach improves edge detection without compromising overall measurement accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If optical tracking systems use edge detection methods for head tracking, then tracking functionality is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to jitter and artifacts in the tracking signal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by analyzing phase measurements to identify transition regions and applying unwrapping error mitigation specifically in those regions. This feedback loop continuously monitors signal quality and applies corrections where needed, improving tracking reliability without sacrificing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the processing parameters for different signal regions by applying phase unwrapping error mitigation selectively to transition region pixels while using standard processing for other pixels. This parameter differentiation stabilizes the tracking signal by reducing artifacts in critical edge regions.
3Measurement precision
If optical tracking systems apply filtering to reduce jitter, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional processing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies unwrapping error mitigation selectively only to transition region pixels rather than processing the entire signal uniformly. This partial action approach reduces measurement errors at critical edges while minimizing the overall processing complexity and computational burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and isolates transition region pixels from the rest of the signal for specialized processing. By separating these problematic pixels and applying specific unwrapping error mitigation only to them, the system improves precision without requiring complex processing of the entire signal.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for providing an improved optical tracking signal. A system receives an input signal which is based on a reflected optical signal comprising light reflected off of two or more real-world objects. The input signal includes a first region representing light reflected off of a first real-world object, a second region representing light reflected off of a second real-world object, and a transition region between the first region and the second region. The input signal includes jitter in at least one of the first region, the second region, or the transition region. The system also performs a sharpening operation to sharpen the transition region for an output signal created from the input signal. The sharpening operation includes a complex operation utilizing both real and imaginary components of the input signal. The system also outputs the output signal as an improved version of the input signal.