Contactless Portable Object Field Indicator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing contactless communication systems, particularly those using passive portable objects, lack the ability to effectively measure and indicate the electromagnetic field level emitted by a reader, which affects communication effectiveness and system behavior assessment.

Innovation Solution

A contactless portable object with an electronic circuit, antenna, and field indicators that measure and display the electromagnetic field level, allowing users to assess the communication field strength and behavior between the object and the reader.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If electromagnetic field detectors are powered by mains or battery, then measurement capability is provided, but portability and contactless operation are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnetic field measurement capabilityVSAvoidportability and contactless operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The portable object uses the electromagnetic field from the reader to power its own operation. The object's antenna captures electromagnetic energy from the reader's field, converting it to electrical energy to power the field indicator assembly, eliminating the need for external power sources or batteries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The portable object serves dual functions: it acts as both a contactless communication device and an electromagnetic field measurement tool. The same antenna and electronic circuit that enable communication also power the field indicator assembly for measurement purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If LED devices are used to indicate field presence, then visual indication is provided, but quantitative field value measurement is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual indication of field presenceVSAvoidquantitative field value measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The field indicator assembly is divided into multiple segments or levels that correspond to different field strength ranges. Each segment can be activated independently based on the measured field value, providing quantitative information through segmented visual indication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of field indicator activation based on the measured electromagnetic field strength. Different field strengths trigger different indicator states (e.g., number of LEDs lit, color changes, or intensity variations), providing quantitative measurement through parameter variation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If existing measurement devices are used, then electromagnetic field level can be measured, but system behavior assessment and compliance testing are not enabled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnetic field level measurementVSAvoidsystem behavior assessment and compliance testing

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The portable object provides feedback about the electromagnetic field conditions to the user during communication operations. The field indicator assembly continuously monitors and displays field strength, enabling real-time assessment of communication effectiveness and system behavior under different conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system monitors changes in electromagnetic field parameters during various operations (reading, writing, communication) and provides corresponding indications. This enables assessment of system behavior under different operating conditions and verification of compliance with standards like ISO/IEC 14443.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 users to determine the electromagnetic field level and assess the communication effectiveness, serving as a diagnostic tool for system installation, maintenance, and evaluation of contactless communication systems, ensuring compliance with standards like ISO14443.

Implementation Method 1

When the contactless portable object enters the electromagnetic field emitted by the reader, the antenna of the object transforms the field into an electromagnetic flow, then into an induced current

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an assembly of field indicators that provides to the user a measurement of the value of a physical quantity proportional to the quantity of the electromagnetic field which passes through the antenna

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8496170B2Contactless portable object capable of providing an indication on the performance of a contactless reader

Publication Date: 2013.07.30 ASK SA (FR)

AI summary

The invention concerns a contactless portable object (11) featuring an electronic circuit (14) and an antenna (12) connected together enabling coupling between the electronic circuit and a reader associated with the portable contactless object. According to the main characteristic of the invention, the contactless portable object includes a set of field indicators (18) that provide the user with a measurement of the value of a physical quantity proportional to the quantity of the electromagnetic field which passes through the antenna (12).