Tracking Beacon with Infrared Light Diffuser for Precise 3D Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accurately tracking the motion and position of objects in a physical space is challenging due to the free and unpredictable movement of people and things, making it difficult to achieve precise tracking using conventional methods.
Innovation Solution
A tracking system that employs small, self-contained tracking beacons emitting infrared light, detected by multiple cameras for triangulation, which identify the beacons' position and movement through unique blinking patterns or frequencies, allowing for real-time tracking of multiple objects simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional tracking methods are used, then the system is simple, but tracking precision deteriorates due to free and unpredictable movement of objects
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the tracking task by assigning unique identifiers to individual objects and using separate tracking beacons for each object. Multiple cameras independently track each beacon's position, and the system integrates these segmented measurements to achieve precise multi-object tracking in complex environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces tracking beacons as intermediary objects that emit distinctive signals (such as infrared light or RFID tags). These beacons serve as mediators between the cameras and the objects being tracked, converting the complex problem of tracking arbitrary moving objects into a simpler problem of detecting and triangulating beacon positions.
2Productivity
If multiple objects are tracked simultaneously, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases due to need for multiple cameras and beacons
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the tracking functions of multiple cameras into a unified processing system that simultaneously detects and triangulates positions of multiple beacons. The cameras share common hardware resources and the processing system integrates data from all cameras to track multiple objects in parallel, increasing productivity without linearly increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from 2D image processing to 3D spatial tracking by using multiple cameras at different positions. This dimensional approach allows the system to simultaneously track multiple objects in three-dimensional space by triangulating their positions from multiple viewing angles, thereby increasing tracking capacity.
3Ease of operation
If small beacons are used, then ease of operation improves, but measurement precision may deteriorate due to limited detection range
Solution Approach 1:
The system compensates for the small size of beacons by changing the detection parameters - using multiple cameras positioned at different distances and angles, and employing signal processing techniques that enhance the detection capability for small, distant objects. This allows small beacons to maintain both ease of attachment and detection accuracy.
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
Enables precise and convenient tracking of objects in three-dimensional space with high accuracy and adaptability, using small, low-profile beacons that can be easily attached to various objects, and a charging station for synchronization and power management.
Implementation Method 1
A tracking system that employs small, self-contained tracking beacons emitting infrared light, detected by multiple cameras for triangulation
Data Source
AI summary
A tracking beacon is provided that is trackable using image sensors. The beacon includes a housing with a lower portion and an upper portion. The upper portion include a light diffusing structure with protrusions to help scatter the emitted light in different directions. A light source is positioned within the housing, and electrical contacts are positioned on an external surface of the lower portion.