Compact Scale Apparatus for Concealed Magic Trick Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magicians face challenges in accurately identifying selected items during magic tricks while concealing technology from observers, as existing solutions are difficult to integrate without being detected.
Innovation Solution
A scale apparatus designed to fit within a playing card tuck box, featuring a pressure plate, wireless transmitter, and microcontroller that continuously measures weight and transmits measurements, allowing for the identification of removed objects through a control system that estimates object identity and number.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If technology is incorporated to assist magician in identifying selected items, then identification accuracy is improved, but concealment from observer deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The scale apparatus is nested within a playing card tuck box, with the pressure plate, wireless transmitter, and microcontroller all contained within the compact housing that fits inside the standard card box. This nesting allows the technology to be concealed within an ordinary-looking object that magicians and observers are familiar with, maintaining the illusion while enabling accurate weight measurements for item identification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical identification systems with electronic and wireless components. The microcontroller continuously measures weight and automatically transmits data wirelessly when weight holds steady or changes, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages, displays, or manual operation mechanisms that would be difficult to conceal
2Volume of stationary object
If scale apparatus is made compact to fit in card box, then concealment is improved, but measurement capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs high-sensitivity pressure plate technology and optimized measurement parameters that allow accurate weight detection in a compact form factor. The microcontroller implements intelligent measurement algorithms that continuously monitor weight and transmit data when stable readings are achieved, enabling precise measurements despite the constrained space within the card box housing
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 accurate and concealed weight measurement and identification of objects, ensuring the magician can predict the selected item with high accuracy without revealing the technology to observers.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure plate operable to measure a weight of a plurality of objects
Implementation Method 2
a wireless transmitter... transmit a first weight measurement via the wireless transmitter
Data Source
AI summary
A scale apparatus is described. The scale apparatus may include a housing sized to fit within a playing card tuck box; a pressure plate operable to measure a weight of a plurality of objects; a wireless transmitter; and a microcontroller in communication with the pressure plate and the wireless transmitter. The microcontroller may be configured to: continuously measure the weight on the pressure plate; when the weight holds steady for a sequence of measurements, transmit a first weight measurement via the wireless transmitter; measure a change in the weight; and when the change in the weight is steady, transmit a second weight measurement via the wireless transmitter.