Wireless Stylus Sensor Fusion for Portable Coordinate Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coordinate measuring machines require dedicated components for tracking probe movement and location, often necessitating robust external tracking equipment, which can be cumbersome and limit portability.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held, wireless stylus with integrated sensors such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, and compasses that measure and record position data without mechanical or optical attachment to external equipment, allowing for accurate coordinate measurement and mapping of objects in a three-dimensional coordinate system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external tracking equipment is used to track probe movement and location, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and portability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple tracking functions (accelerometer for linear acceleration, gyroscope for angular velocity, compass for orientation) into a single integrated sensor module within the probe. This merging of previously separate external tracking components into one unified handheld device reduces system complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy through sensor fusion algorithms that process data from all sensors simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensor fusion algorithms as an intermediary processing layer that combines data from multiple sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, compass) to calculate precise three-dimensional coordinates. This intermediary computational approach enables accurate position tracking without requiring direct mechanical or optical connection to external equipment, resolving the contradiction between accuracy and portability.
2Measurement precision
If external tracking equipment is used to track probe movement and location, then measurement accuracy is improved, but portability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is designed to be self-sufficient with all necessary tracking sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, compass) integrated directly into the handheld device. The probe independently measures its own position, orientation, and movement without requiring external tracking equipment, enabling portability while maintaining measurement accuracy through self-contained sensing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or optical tracking systems with electronic sensor-based tracking. Instead of using mechanical linkages or optical markers that require external equipment, the system uses electronic sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, compass) to electronically determine position and orientation, significantly improving portability while maintaining measurement precision.
3Ease of operation
If integrated sensors are used within the handheld device, then portability is improved, but measurement precision may be worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously collects data from multiple sensors and uses feedback loops to refine position calculations in real-time. The sensor fusion algorithm processes incoming data from accelerometers, gyroscopes, and compasses, continuously adjusting and correcting position estimates to maintain high measurement accuracy despite the portable, integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite sensing system that combines multiple different sensor types (accelerometer for linear motion, gyroscope for rotation, compass for orientation) into a unified measurement platform. This composite approach leverages the strengths of each sensor type to achieve accurate three-dimensional coordinate measurement while maintaining portability through integration.
Data Source
AI summary
An input device, such as a hand-held, wireless stylus, can be used to measure coordinates of a three-dimensional object. Position data can be calculated based on, for example, acceleration, orientation, and static parameters of a stylus. As the stylus contacts contours of the object, the position data of the stylus can allow mapping of the object as well as digital rendering thereof. The stylus can also be used to virtually create three-dimensional illustrations.