Relative Tracking for Augmented Reality in Unprepared Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tracking systems struggle to provide precise position and orientation data for small mobile objects or individuals in unprepared environments, especially when they cannot carry or be equipped with sophisticated tracking equipment, which is crucial for applications like Augmented Reality that require accurate registration of computer-generated imagery with the real world.
Innovation Solution
A method where a large mobile unit equipped with precise tracking systems, such as GPS and optical trackers, tracks a smaller mobile unit or individual by combining their tracking information to achieve precise positioning and orientation in world coordinates, allowing the smaller unit to operate freely outside the large unit's structural confines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a small mobile unit or individual carries sophisticated tracking equipment, then tracking precision can be improved, but the weight and complexity of the equipment becomes impractical
Solution Approach 1:
A large mobile unit serves as an intermediary carrier that houses sophisticated tracking equipment (optical trackers, GPS receivers, antennas). This large unit tracks a small mobile unit indirectly, eliminating the need for the small unit to carry heavy tracking equipment while maintaining high tracking precision through the intermediary's measurement systems.
2Measurement precision
If a small mobile unit carries sophisticated tracking equipment, then tracking precision can be improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The large mobile unit acts as an intermediary that consolidates complex tracking infrastructure (optical trackers, multiple antennas, processing systems). The small mobile unit only needs simple passive markers or transponders, dramatically reducing its device complexity while the intermediary handles all sophisticated measurement and computation functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If tracking equipment is mounted on a large mobile unit, then the small mobile unit can operate freely outside structural confines, but the tracking range is limited by the large unit's position
Solution Approach 1:
The large mobile unit is made dynamic and mobile rather than stationary. It can move to different locations to extend the tracking area, allowing the small mobile unit to be tracked across expanding geographic regions. The system adapts its operational area by dynamically repositioning the intermediary carrier throughout the environment.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing relative tracking for a user in an unprepared environment, e.g., in the field. A larger mobile unit, such as a truck, is tracked precisely in world coordinates using GPS and/or other tracking technology. A smaller mobile object or unit is then tracked with respect to the larger mobile unit. The tracking information of the smaller mobile object or unit is then combined with the tracking of the larger mobile unit such that the tracking of the smaller mobile object or unit can be provided in world coordinates. The relative tracking methodology has particular utility in the field of augmented reality where precise tracking in an unprepared environment may be desirable, but where a smaller mobile object may not be able to be tracked directly and precisely in world coordinates.