Electromagnetic Actuation for Real-Time Position Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for detecting and controlling the position and orientation of multiple mobile elements in real-time, such as in gaming interfaces, are limited by their reliance on touch screens, infrared tables, and mechanical components that are bulky, expensive, and prone to wear and noise.

Innovation Solution

A device and system that uses electromagnetic signals to generate and control displacement forces in mobile elements, employing mechanical vibrators and RFID technology for precise position and orientation tracking without rolling elements, reducing noise and mechanical wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If touch screens or infrared tables are used for detecting position and orientation of mobile elements, then real-time tracking capability is achieved, but the device becomes bulky, expensive, and rigid

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition and orientation detectionVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical detection systems (touch screens, infrared tables with cameras) with a simplified system using mobile elements equipped with localization modules that actively emit or reflect electromagnetic signals. This substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining real-time tracking capability, as the system no longer requires bulky fixed infrastructure but rather autonomous mobile units with integrated positioning technology

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces electromagnetic signals as an intermediary medium for position and orientation detection. Instead of direct mechanical contact or complex optical systems, mobile elements use localization modules that communicate their position through electromagnetic field interactions with the support surface, enabling non-contact, real-time tracking without bulky infrastructure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If motors and mechanical components are used for moving mobile elements, then controlled movement is achieved, but mechanical wear and noise are generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement controlVSAvoidmechanical wear
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces motor-driven mechanical movement systems with magnetic field-based actuation. Mobile elements incorporate magnets that interact with electromagnetic coils embedded in the support surface, enabling controlled movement without mechanical contact. This eliminates wear from mechanical components while maintaining precise movement control through electromagnetic forces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs electromagnetic fields as a non-mechanical actuation medium, analogous to pneumatic and hydraulic systems that use fluid pressure instead of mechanical linkages. The interaction between magnets on mobile elements and electromagnetic coils in the support surface creates force without physical contact, eliminating mechanical wear and reducing noise while preserving controlled movement capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Speed

If rolling elements like wheels are used for moving mobile elements, then movement is achieved, but mechanical wear and fouling occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement capabilityVSAvoidmechanical wear
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces rolling element mechanisms (wheels, treads) with electromagnetic actuation systems. Mobile elements with magnets interact with electromagnetic coils in the support surface to generate motion forces, eliminating mechanical contact entirely. This substitution maintains movement capability while removing the source of mechanical wear and fouling associated with rolling elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 reliable, real-time tracking and control of multiple mobile elements with reduced noise and mechanical stress, allowing for precise and cost-effective interaction with computer systems.

Implementation Method 1

means for transmitting an electromagnetic signal, said electromagnetic signal being emitted in response to an activation signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

means for generating at least one displacement force, said means for generating at least one displacement force being controllable to generate a force in several different directions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2983802B1Device and system for generating and automatically controlling a force for moving a moveable element located in real time
Publication Date: 2020.01.08 STARBREEZE PARIS
  • EP2983802B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP2983802B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2983802B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6b

AI summary

The invention relates in particular to generating and automatically controlling a force for moving a moveable element located in real time. The device includes means for generating a force of movement, said means being controllable so as to generate a force in a plurality of different directions. Said device also includes: means for receiving a radio signal; means for transmitting an electromagnetic signal, said electromagnetic signal being transmitted in response to an activation signal and allowing a moveable element comprising said device to be located in real time; and control means connected to said reception means and to said means for transmitting an electromagnetic signal. The control means are configured to control the means for generating at least one force of movement, in response to information for controlling a received electromagnetic signal, and for generating an activation signal, in response to synchronization information of a received radio signal.