6D Positioning via Shadow Sensor and Light Source Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positioning systems for six-dimensional (6D) positioning are often bulky, require cameras, and lack precision, making them unsuitable for compact and precise applications such as surgical environments.
Innovation Solution
A 6D positioning system utilizing a plurality of punctual light sources and shadow sensors, where the shadow sensor senses shadows cast by the light sources, and a processor synchronizes and computes the 2D positions of the light sources to determine the 6D position of the shadow sensor relative to the light sources, reversing the traditional paradigm and achieving high precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If camera-based positioning systems are used, then positioning function is achieved, but device size becomes large and precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional positioning paradigm by making the sensor stationary and the light sources movable. Instead of tracking a target with a camera, the system uses a sensor to detect shadows cast by moving light sources, reversing who moves and who stays fixed. This inversion enables compact sensor design while achieving high precision through multiple temporal measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from spatial measurement (camera capturing 2D image at one moment) to temporal measurement (sensor recording shadow positions over time as light sources move). By adding the time dimension, the system achieves 6D positioning (3D position + 3D orientation) with a compact sensor, resolving the contradiction between size and precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If camera-based systems are used for 6D positioning, then positioning capability is provided, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the motion function from the sensor and assigns it to the light sources. The sensor becomes a simple stationary detection device, while the light sources carry the movement and encoding information. This extraction simplifies the sensor design significantly while maintaining full 6D positioning capability through temporal analysis of shadow movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical complexity of camera-based 6D measurement with a simpler photodetector system that measures light intensity variations over time. The complex spatial geometry problem is transformed into a temporal signal processing problem, reducing device complexity while preserving positioning capability.
3Measurement precision
If traditional positioning systems are used, then positioning is achieved, but precision and compactness are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a predetermined geometric configuration of light sources before the positioning process begins. This preliminary setup creates known spatial relationships that simplify real-time calculations. The sensor only needs to detect shadow positions over time, leveraging the pre-established geometry to achieve high precision without complex real-time computations.
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
The system achieves high precision and compactness, with the ability to compute the 6D position of the shadow sensor with a precision of up to 1 nanometer, surpassing the precision of conventional camera-based systems, and can be efficiently deployed in surgical environments.
Implementation Method 1
at least one shadow sensor configured to sense shadows cast on the shadow sensor by light emitted from the light sources
Implementation Method 2
compute the 6D position of the at least one shadow sensor with respect to the light sources based on the determined 2D positions
Data Source
AI summary
A positioning system, in particular, six-dimensions positioning system of a shadow sensor with respect to a constellation of light sources is provided. The sensor can be a shadow sensor and has a mask and a 2D imager. By recording the shadow of the mask cast by each light source on the imager, and by properly multiplexing the light sources, the system can compute the 6D position of the shadow sensor with respect to the constellation of light sources. This computation is based, in part, on treating the shadow of the mask cast on the imager as the equivalent of the projection of light in a pinhole or projective camera. In one embodiment, the system is applied in a surgical domain. In another embodiment, the system is rapidly deployed.