Slow Light Orientation Device for Rapid 3D Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gyroscopes fail to accurately determine the orientation of objects during rapid pan and tilt movements, especially in space, due to complexity, cost, and the need for complex algorithms and high processing capabilities, and are not effective for objects with uncontrolled movements.
Innovation Solution
A slow light-based orientation indication device with a housing containing sensors and a light source emitting a continuous slow light beam, where the difference in position between sensors indicates the object's orientation, utilizing material or waveguide dispersion to slow down the light, and a computing unit processes signals from sensors to determine orientation in 3D coordinates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional gyroscopes are used to determine orientation, then orientation parameters can be measured, but the device becomes complex and expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical gyroscope system with an optical system consisting of a light source, optical path, and sensor array. The light beam traverses multiple optical paths at different orientations, and sensor signals are processed to determine orientation parameters, eliminating complex mechanical components while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary (light beam) to transfer orientation information from the object to the sensor system. The light beam serves as a mediator that interacts with the object's motion and transfers this information through optical paths to the sensors, simplifying the direct measurement mechanism
2Speed
If conventional gyroscopes are used for rapid movements, then orientation can be tracked, but measurement accuracy deteriorates during pan and tilt movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures multiple optical paths at different fixed orientations before the object moves. When the object undergoes rapid pan and tilt movements, the light beam already has established paths to detect these movements, allowing accurate tracking without the lag or inaccuracy that plagues conventional gyroscopes during rapid motion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic measurement system where the light beam continuously traverses multiple optical paths as the object moves. The system adapts to rapid movements by maintaining multiple simultaneous measurement paths, allowing real-time accurate tracking of orientation changes during pan and tilt operations
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional gyroscopes are used in space, then orientation determination is attempted, but accuracy is lost due to lack of gravity reference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces gravity-dependent mechanical gyroscope systems with an optical measurement system that determines orientation through light path geometry and sensor measurements. This substitution eliminates the need for gravity reference, enabling accurate orientation determination in space environments where gravity is absent or negligible
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental measurement parameter from gravity-based (conventional gyroscopes) to light-based optical path measurements. By using the speed of light and geometric relationships of optical paths instead of gravitational force, the system becomes adaptable to space environments while maintaining measurement precision
4Measurement precision
If conventional gyroscopes with complex algorithms are used, then orientation can be determined, but processing requirements and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical gyroscope systems requiring sophisticated algorithms with a simpler optical system. The light source and sensor array with pre-configured optical paths provide direct measurement capability that requires less complex signal processing, reducing both manufacturing costs and computational requirements
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 device provides accurate orientation determination in 3D coordinates, even during rapid movements, is cost-effective, simple in construction, and functions without gravity, reducing the need for separate devices for each axis and overcoming limitations of conventional gyroscopes.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing material or waveguide dispersion to slow down the light
Implementation Method 2
utilizing material or waveguide dispersion to slow down the light
Data Source
AI summary
A device (100) for determining orientation of an object (101) is disclosed. The device (100) comprises of a housing (1) configured with a plurality of sensors (4), wherein the plurality of sensors (4) are provided on a surface of the housing. At least one light source (2), is fixed within the housing (1), wherein the at least one light source is configured to emit a continuous light beam (3) on at least one of the plurality of sensors (4) at an initial position (IP) of the object (101). The speed of the continuous light beam emitted by the at least one light source is less than a speed of light. The continuous slow light beam (3) is configured to momentarily impinge on one or more of the plurality of sensors (4) in the same incident ray, when the object (101) is displaced to a displaced position (DP).