Sensor Array for AR Vision Computing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current augmented reality systems face challenges in optimizing sensor arrays for wearable technology, including maximizing field of view, minimizing measurement errors, and balancing data collection with constraints on weight, power consumption, processing power, and user comfort.

Innovation Solution

A sensor array configuration that includes multiple sensors such as monochrome cameras, depth sensors, color cameras, inertial measurement units, and thermal sensors, optimized through a mechanical assembly that positions these sensors to provide a wide compound field of view and overlapping field of view, while minimizing the number of sensors to reduce weight, power consumption, and heat generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If multiple sensors are included in the sensor array, then the field of view and data collection capability are improved, but the weight, power consumption, and heat generation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefield of viewVSAvoidweight
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor array is segmented into functional modules, each sensor type (monochrome camera, color camera, depth sensor, IMU, thermal sensor) is positioned to capture specific aspects of the environment. This segmentation allows the system to achieve comprehensive coverage without requiring every sensor to do everything, optimizing the balance between field of view and weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a selective approach where not all possible sensors are included, but rather a curated set that provides sufficient coverage for the intended applications. The mechanical holder positions sensors to maximize the compound field of view while using a manageable number of sensors, avoiding excessive weight while maintaining adequate functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Area of stationary object

If multiple sensors are included in the sensor array, then the field of view and data collection capability are improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefield of viewVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor array is segmented into functional modules, each sensor type (monochrome camera, color camera, depth sensor, IMU, thermal sensor) is positioned to capture specific aspects of the environment. This segmentation allows the system to achieve comprehensive coverage without requiring every sensor to do everything, optimizing the balance between field of view and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a selective approach where not all possible sensors are included, but rather a curated set that provides sufficient coverage for the intended applications. The mechanical holder positions sensors to maximize the compound field of view while using a manageable number of sensors, avoiding excessive power consumption while maintaining adequate functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Area of stationary object

If multiple sensors are included in the sensor array, then the field of view and data collection capability are improved, but the heat generation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefield of viewVSAvoidheat generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor array is segmented into functional modules, each sensor type (monochrome camera, color camera, depth sensor, IMU, thermal sensor) is positioned to capture specific aspects of the environment. This segmentation allows the system to achieve comprehensive coverage without requiring every sensor to do everything, optimizing the balance between field of view and heat generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a selective approach where not all possible sensors are included, but rather a curated set that provides sufficient coverage for the intended applications. The mechanical holder positions sensors to maximize the compound field of view while using a manageable number of sensors, avoiding excessive heat generation while maintaining adequate functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Area of stationary object

If sensors are positioned to maximize compound field of view, then the coverage area is improved, but the overlapping field of view for stereoscopic sensing is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompound field of viewVSAvoidoverlapping field of view
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical holder uses asymmetric positioning of the monochrome cameras at opposite ends with a specific angle (between 120-150 degrees) to create an optimized balance. This asymmetric arrangement maximizes the compound field of view while ensuring sufficient overlapping field of view for stereoscopic depth sensing, resolving the contradiction through geometric optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS10477157B1Apparatuses, methods and systems for a sensor array adapted for vision computing
Publication Date: 2019.11.12 META COMPANY
  • US10477157B1 patent drawing
  • US10477157B1 patent drawing
  • US10477157B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Aspects of the disclosed apparatuses, methods and systems provide a sensor array including multiple sensors configured and arranged to enable one or more augmented or virtual reality applications in computer vision system. For example, the sensor array is arranged and configured to acquire different types of sensor data that are combined and processed using computer vision processes in order to augment a user's physical environment with virtual information.