Torus Channel Gyroscope with Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inertial navigation systems, particularly low-cost IMUs, suffer from high bias instability and drift due to mechanical imperfections, thermal drift, and low signal-to-noise ratios, limiting their accuracy and reliability for navigation applications.
Innovation Solution
A gyroscope system utilizing torus-shaped channels filled with liquid and neutrally buoyant markers, tracked by digital cameras with image processing software, to determine directional forces applied to the platform, eliminating the need for signal conditioning and providing a high signal-to-noise ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional low-cost IMUs are used, then cost is reduced, but bias instability and drift increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/inertial sensor systems with a fluid dynamics-based gyroscope system. Instead of using traditional MEMS or optical gyroscopes that suffer from bias instability, the invention uses liquid-filled torus channels where fluid motion patterns are captured by cameras and analyzed through image processing to determine angular rate, eliminating the source of mechanical bias instability while maintaining cost-effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hydraulic principle by using liquid-filled torus channels as the sensing medium. The liquid-filled channels allow fluid to respond to rotational motion through centrifugal forces, and this fluid motion is captured optically. This hydraulic approach replaces solid-state inertial sensors, providing a new physical basis for measurement that avoids the bias instability inherent in conventional IMUs
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional low-cost IMUs are used, then cost is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical sensing with optical imaging and image processing to achieve high measurement precision. By using cameras to capture fluid motion patterns in the torus channels and analyzing these patterns through image processing algorithms, the system achieves accurate angular rate measurement without the precision limitations of low-cost conventional IMUs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs tracers or markers within the liquid that can be optically detected. These tracers create visible patterns or contrast changes in the fluid flow that can be captured by cameras and analyzed to determine fluid velocity and direction, providing a precise measurement method that is both cost-effective and accurate
3Measurement precision
If signal conditioning is used in conventional IMUs, then measurement capability is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-service by using the fluid's own motion patterns as the measurement signal. The fluid naturally responds to rotational motion through centrifugal forces, creating observable flow patterns that directly indicate angular rate. This eliminates the need for external signal conditioning circuits or complex signal processing hardware, as the measurement is obtained directly from the fluid dynamics itself
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electronic signal conditioning with optical measurement and image processing. Instead of using electronic circuits to condition and amplify signals from conventional sensors, the system uses cameras to capture fluid motion patterns and processes these images computationally, simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining measurement capability
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 nearly drift-free operation with improved accuracy and reliability, comparable to strategic-grade IMUs, while being cost-effective and compact enough for various navigation platforms.
Implementation Method 1
Each marker is neutrally buoyant within the liquid and a marker tracking system is used to determine the displacement of the marker from its resting place
Implementation Method 2
A gyroscope using torus shaped channels and image processing... at least one torus shaped channel that is filled with a liquid
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods related to gyroscope related applications. A platform having at least one torus shaped channel that is filled with a liquid is used in conjunction with at least one marker to determine the direction of forces applied to the platform. Each marker is neutrally buoyant within the liquid and a marker tracking system is used to determine the displacement of the marker from its resting place after a force has been applied to the platform. The tracking system may be based on at least one digital camera in conjunction with suitable image processing software to determine the marker's position before, during, and after the force has been applied. A gyroscope can be constructed using three such platforms with each platform being orthogonal to the other two. Each platform may have multiple concentric channels with a common center with each channel having a different sensitivity to the applied forces.