Position Measurement Using Light Sources and Position-Sensitive Detectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for calculating the position of a movable object are prone to errors, particularly those relying on gyroscopes or radio waves, and often require expensive hardware, while wireless devices face power constraints and interference issues.
Innovation Solution
A system using a light source and position-sensitive detectors (PSDs) to calculate the position of a movable device by focusing light onto PSDs, generating electrical signals that are processed to determine the device's position in three-dimensional space, allowing for accurate tracking without radio waves or gyroscopes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If gyroscopes are used to calculate position, then position tracking is achieved, but errors accumulate and periodic resetting is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical gyroscopes with an optical measurement system using position-sensitive detectors (PSDs) and light sources. Instead of mechanically sensing orientation changes, the system uses optical triangulation to directly measure position coordinates (x, y, z) of the movable device, eliminating gyroscope drift and error accumulation while maintaining position tracking capability
2Measurement precision
If radio waves are used for position measurement, then position can be calculated, but interference from other radio wave generating devices occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes radio wave-based position measurement with an optical system using visible or infrared light. The light sources emit optical signals that are detected by PSDs, creating a measurement mechanism that is immune to radio frequency interference from other electronic devices while achieving comparable or superior position measurement precision
3Measurement precision
If video cameras and computational methods are used to track movable devices, then position can be calculated, but expensive hardware is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential position measurement function from complex video camera systems and implements it using simple, inexpensive position-sensitive detectors (PSDs). The PSDs directly convert light position into electrical coordinates without requiring image capture, processing, and computational analysis, dramatically reducing hardware complexity and cost while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive PSD components that can be easily manufactured and replaced compared to expensive video camera systems. The simple optical-detector architecture uses low-cost light sources and PSDs that provide sufficient measurement capability without the high expense of consumer or professional video equipment
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
This method provides reliable and accurate position tracking of movable objects, reducing errors and hardware costs, and is suitable for wireless devices, enabling real-time monitoring and control applications.
Implementation Method 1
Each optical detector may generate a pair of electrical signals in response to incident light from one or more light sources
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices for a remote control device for a display device are disclosed. In one embodiment, the remote control device may comprise a plurality of light sources that each has a light profile angled in a predetermined degree different from other light sources. In another embodiment, the remote control device may comprise a controller; and a plurality of optical detectors coupled to the controller. Each optical detector may generate a pair of electrical signals in response to incident light from a plurality of light sources located on a display device and the controller may calculate the position of the remote control device based on the electrical signals.