Single-Axis Coil Magnetic Tracking System for Compact Multi-User Applications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional magnetic tracking systems with 3-axis coils are unsuitable for applications requiring thin or flat form factors due to their physical geometry and are prone to environmental disturbance, requiring complex coil alignment and calibration.
Innovation Solution
A compact, multi-user, multi-level, multi-target magnetic tracking system utilizing a single-axis coil transmitter with DC and AC magnetometers, inertial sensors, and wireless transceivers for clock synchronization, allowing for reduced form factor, simplified alignment, and improved disturbance rejection through frequency or time division multiplexing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a 3-axis coil is used in the transmitter, then the magnetic field coverage is sufficient for tracking, but the housing form factor becomes bulky and unsuitable for thin or flat applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the 3-axis coil into three separate single-axis coils, each responsible for generating magnetic fields along one of the three orthogonal axes. This segmentation allows each coil to be independently optimized and positioned, enabling a compact flat housing design while maintaining complete 3D magnetic field coverage necessary for accurate tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a volumetric 3-axis coil arrangement to a planar configuration where three single-axis coils are arranged in a flat housing. By changing the dimensional arrangement from three-dimensional to two-dimensional layout, the system achieves the required magnetic field coverage without increasing housing thickness.
2Ease of manufacture
If a 3-axis coil is used in the transmitter, then the magnetic field generation is complete, but the coil alignment and calibration process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the 3-axis coil into three independent single-axis coils, the patent simplifies the alignment and calibration process. Each single-axis coil can be calibrated independently along its respective axis without requiring complex multi-axis coordination, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining tracking precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by using three separate single-axis coils instead of one integrated 3-axis coil. This parameter change allows each coil to operate independently with simpler calibration requirements, eliminating the need for complex coil alignment procedures while preserving the complete magnetic field generation capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transmitters operate simultaneously, then the system supports multiple users, but environmental magnetic disturbance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by assigning different time slots to different transmitters through time-division multiplexing. Each transmitter operates periodically in its designated time slot, allowing multiple users to share the system while eliminating simultaneous magnetic field interference that would occur with continuous operation of all transmitters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the transmitter operation flexible and adaptive through frequency-division multiplexing. Transmitters can dynamically switch between different frequency channels to avoid interference, allowing the system to adapt to varying environmental conditions and maintain multi-user capability while minimizing magnetic disturbance.
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 solution enables reduced complexity, smaller form factor, improved robustness, and enhanced environment disturbance rejection, enabling effective tracking in various applications with reduced calibration needs and the ability to differentiate between multiple users.
Implementation Method 1
The single-axis coil included in the transmitter side emits a magnetic field which is sensed by an AC magnetometer in each of the one or more targets
Implementation Method 2
The DC magnetometers and the inertial sensors included in the transmitter and one or more targets are used to determine the attitudes of the transmitter and one or more targets
Implementation Method 3
The DC magnetometers and the inertial sensors included in the transmitter and one or more targets are used to determine the attitudes of the transmitter and one or more targets
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a compact, multi-user magnetic tracking system. In an embodiment, a compactness is achieved by using a single coil and inertial sensors at the transmitter and magnetometers and inertial sensors at the receiver for sensing the magnetic field generated by the single coil and for determining a position and attitude of the receiver relative to the transmitter. The transmitter and receiver each include a wireless transceiver for exchanging clock synchronization data and sending transmitter attitude data to the receiver. In another embodiment, frequency or time division multiplexing is used to differentiate between multiple users of the multi-user magnetic tracking system.