Virtual IMU Generation for Machine Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of multiple inertial measuring units (IMUs) at different locations on machines, such as trucks, is cost-prohibitive and can be impractical for certain applications, as it is difficult or impossible to position IMUs on all desired locations, necessitating a method to generate virtual IMU data from a single IMU location.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize an IMU at a first location on a machine to generate predicted positioning data for a second location, creating a virtual IMU that provides virtual positioning data, which can be used by machine controllers and applications without the need for additional physical IMUs at the second location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple IMUs are used at different locations on the machine, then positioning data accuracy at multiple locations is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual IMU at a second location by copying and transforming data from a physical IMU at a first location. The virtual IMU replicates the positioning functionality without requiring a physical duplicate, thus maintaining measurement precision while reducing device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtual IMU as an intermediary between the physical IMU and the applications requiring positioning data. This virtual intermediary processes and transforms data from the physical sensor to provide accurate positioning information at locations where physical sensors cannot be installed
2Reliability
If physical IMUs are installed at all desired locations, then complete positioning coverage is achieved, but installation difficulty and feasibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of physically installing IMUs at all desired locations, the patent creates virtual copies of the IMU functionality through data transformation. This allows complete positioning coverage to be achieved without the installation complexity of placing physical sensors in difficult-to-reach or inaccessible locations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical installation of physical IMUs with a computational approach. By using software-based virtual IMUs that process data from a single physical sensor, the system eliminates the need for complex physical installations while maintaining complete positioning coverage
Data Source
AI summary
A system for monitoring positioning of a machine is disclosed. The system includes an IMU located at a first location on the machine and configured to generate positioning data associated with the first location. The system includes a machine controller operatively associated with the machine. The machine controller is configured to determine predicted positioning data for a second location on the machine based on positioning data associated with the first location. The machine controller is further configured to generate a virtual IMU at the second location based on the predicted positioning data for the second location, wherein the virtual IMU generates virtual positioning data for the second location. The system further includes an application controller operatively associated with the machine controller and configured to use the virtual positioning data as input data for one or more machine-associated applications.