Three dimensional tracking system employing a rotating field
First Claim
1. Apparatus for determining the position and orientation of an object relative to a reference frame, comprising:
- a generator, associated with the reference frame, which produces a magnetic or electric field pattern rotating about a fixed axis;
a plurality of detectors, each of which generates at least one signal responsive to at least one of the electric and magnetic fields at at least one point associated with the object; and
calculation circuitry, responsive to the at least one signal, which determines the coordinates of the at least one point associated with each of said detectors with respect to the generator based on the total field strength at the at least one point, and which determines the three-dimensional position and orientation of the object, wherein the generator comprises two dipole radiators having different orientation and phase.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Apparatus for determining the position and orientation of a helmet worn by a crew member in a vehicle including a generator, associated with the vehicle, which produces a rotating magnetic and electric field of fixed strength, orientation and frequency within at least a portion of the vehicle. The apparatus also includes a plurality of detectors each of which generates a signal proportional to at least one of the electric or magnetic fields at least one point associated with the helmet and calculation circuitry responsive to the signal for ascertaining the coordinates of the at least one point with respect to the generator and for determining the position and orientation of the helmet.
209 Citations
32 Claims
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1. Apparatus for determining the position and orientation of an object relative to a reference frame, comprising:
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a generator, associated with the reference frame, which produces a magnetic or electric field pattern rotating about a fixed axis; a plurality of detectors, each of which generates at least one signal responsive to at least one of the electric and magnetic fields at at least one point associated with the object; and calculation circuitry, responsive to the at least one signal, which determines the coordinates of the at least one point associated with each of said detectors with respect to the generator based on the total field strength at the at least one point, and which determines the three-dimensional position and orientation of the object, wherein the generator comprises two dipole radiators having different orientation and phase. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32)
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Specification