Radiation Tracking Surface Using Sequential Source Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for tracking objects on a surface, such as touchscreens and whiteboards, face issues with complexity, high computational overhead, and accuracy due to excessive cost and response time limitations.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a frame with radiation sources and sensors that activate sequentially to detect radiation blocking objects by measuring attenuation, with optional diffusers for improved accuracy and modulation to filter out ambient radiation, estimating object position through geometric analysis of radiation patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex tracking systems are used to improve measurement precision, then object position detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the tracking surface into multiple zones corresponding to different radiation sources, with each source independently illuminating a specific region. This segmentation allows simplified detection in each zone while maintaining overall system accuracy, avoiding the need for complex centralized processing.
Solution Approach 2:
Radiation sources are activated sequentially in periodic cycles rather than simultaneously, allowing the system to detect objects in each zone during its specific time window. This temporal segmentation reduces computational overhead and simplifies the detection algorithm by processing one zone at a time.
2Measurement precision
If advanced computational methods are used to improve measurement precision, then object position detection accuracy is improved, but computational overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential information needed for position detection - the attenuation pattern of radiation across sequentially activated zones - and processes this minimal data set. This extraction approach avoids complex computational methods while maintaining detection accuracy, significantly reducing processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses simple, inexpensive computational algorithms that process data quickly rather than sophisticated but computationally intensive methods. The sequential activation scheme enables use of basic attenuation comparison logic that is both computationally efficient and sufficiently accurate for real-time tracking.
3Measurement precision
If more radiation sources and sensors are added to improve measurement precision, then object position detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each radiation source serves multiple functions: it illuminates its specific zone for detection, provides reference intensity levels, and enables detection of objects in adjacent zones through geometric analysis of attenuation patterns. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components while maintaining detection precision.
4Productivity
If radiation sources are activated simultaneously to improve productivity, then detection speed is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
Radiation sources are activated in periodic sequences rather than simultaneously, with each source operating during its designated time window. This approach maintains detection capability across all zones while significantly reducing total energy consumption, as only one source is active at any given moment.
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 simplifies the tracking process, reduces costs, and enhances accuracy by effectively determining the position and size of radiation blocking objects on various surfaces, including touchscreens and whiteboards, while minimizing the impact of ambient radiation.
Implementation Method 1
Radiation sources are provided on the frame and emit radiation across the surface. Radiation sensors are provided at two or more positions on the frame. Each sensor is positioned such that radiation from a plurality of the radiation sources may be incident on each the sensor.
Implementation Method 2
When a radiation blocking object is present on the surface, the radiation blocking object will typically block or attenuate radiation emitted by one or more of the radiation sources from reaching each of the radiation sensors.
Implementation Method 3
In some embodiments, one or more diffusers are used to diffuse radiation emitted by the radiation sources. The diffusers may allow the position of a radiation blocking object to be estimated more accurately.
Data Source
AI summary
Various system and methods for estimating the position of one or more radiation blocking objects on a surface are disclosed. A plurality of radiation sources and radiation sensors are positioned about the surface. A plurality of sectors corresponding to the position of at least some of the radiation blocking objects relative to each of the radiation sensors is determined based on a radiation intensity signal for each radiation sensor. The position of the radiation blocking objects is estimated by analyzing various combinations of the sectors. In some embodiments, the size of a radiation blocking object may be estimated based on characteristics of a polygon corresponding to a combination of sectors.