Positional Tracking Using Rotational Light Beams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positional tracking systems in virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality face limitations in accurately determining the orientation and location of objects due to the rapid fall-off of omni-directional light power and the expense of using multiple illumination systems, especially when multiple base stations are employed for outside-in tracking.
Innovation Solution
The system employs multiple base stations emitting rotational light beams at unique rotational speeds, which are detected by objects equipped with multiple detectors to generate illumination data, allowing for the identification of the base station and determination of the object's orientation by analyzing temporal and spatial asymmetrical light beams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple base stations are used for outside-in tracking, then positional tracking coverage and accuracy are improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each base station emits light beams with a unique rotational speed, creating an asymmetric temporal signature for each station. This allows the system to distinguish between multiple base stations and their respective light beams, enabling accurate positional tracking in multi-base-station environments without requiring complex identification mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The light beams from each base station rotate periodically at a characteristic speed, creating a periodic illumination pattern. By detecting the rotational frequency and temporal characteristics of the light beams, the system can identify which base station emitted each beam and calculate the object's position and orientation relative to that specific station
2Area of stationary object
If omni-directional light beams are used for illumination, then coverage area is improved, but light power density decreases rapidly with distance
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination space is segmented into multiple directional sectors, each covered by a specific light beam emitted at a particular angle. By dividing the omni-directional illumination into discrete directional beams, the system maintains higher power density in each sector while collectively covering the entire surrounding area
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous omni-directional emission, the system uses periodic rotational light beams that sweep through different directions. This periodic action concentrates light power into focused beams that rotate through the space, maintaining high intensity along the beam path while achieving full coverage over time through the rotational motion
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 approach enhances the accuracy and efficiency of positional tracking by distinguishing between light beams from different base stations, reducing errors and costs associated with multi-illumination systems, while maintaining high precision in determining object orientation and location.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination source that generates one or more source light beams
Implementation Method 2
The first light beam and the second light beam rotate around the rotation axis at a first rotational speed that is unique to the illumination device among the plurality of illumination devices
Implementation Method 3
The object includes at least one detector to detect illumination by the first plurality of light beams and a second plurality of light beams over a period of time and to generate illumination data in response to the detected illumination
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes at least two base stations that emit light beams to illuminate an area for positional tracking objects in the area. A base station emits at least two light beams that rotate around a rotation axis at a rotational speed unique to the base station. Responsive to being illuminated by the light beams emitted by the at least two base stations, an object being tracked generates illumination data. The system determines which illumination data corresponds to one of multiple base stations by analyzing the illumination data over time. The system analyzes the illumination data corresponding to one base station to determine an orientation and/or position of the object relative to that base station.