Noncontact IC Medium Direction Detection via Signal Subtraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing noncontact IC medium direction detection systems, such as those using single-element patch antennas, face challenges in accurately determining the direction of noncontact IC media due to complex calculations and interference from reflective objects, leading to difficulties in precisely locating the medium.

Innovation Solution

A noncontact IC medium direction detecting apparatus that utilizes receiving means capable of reading signals in different directional orientations, with information processing to perform subtraction or division operations on signal levels from multiple directional orientations to determine the existence direction, and adjusts these orientations based on threshold ranges to accurately locate the medium.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If complicated calculation methods are used to determine direction, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirection detection precisionVSAvoidcalculation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of signal processing by using simple subtraction or division operations on signal levels from different directional orientations, replacing complex calculation methods while maintaining direction detection precision through threshold-based determination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the direction detection process into discrete directional orientations, measuring signal levels at specific angles and comparing them through simple operations to determine the presence and direction of noncontact IC media

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If conventional direction detection methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but object-affected harmful factors increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirection detection precisionVSAvoidreflective object interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of reflective objects into a useful indicator by detecting signal level differences caused by reflections. The system uses the reflected signals as additional information to determine direction through simple subtraction or division operations, making the previously harmful reflective interference into a detectable pattern that aids direction determination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Device complexity

If simple signal processing is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalculation complexityVSAvoiddirection detection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary threshold value that mediates between simple signal processing and precise direction detection. By comparing processed signal levels against predetermined thresholds, the system achieves accurate direction determination through simple operations rather than complex calculations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2233942B1Apparatus, method and program for detecting direction of noncontact IC medium and computer-readable recording medium having the program recorded thereon
Publication Date: 2015.11.25 OMRON CORP
  • EP2233942B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2233942B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2233942B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A noncontact IC medium direction detecting apparatus (1) includes: receiving means (10) capable of reading a noncontact IC medium (25) in different directional orientations; and information processing means (13) that controls the receiving means, the information processing means being arranged to perform: a first obtaining process of aiming a directional orientation toward a first direction to obtain a signal level of a signal received from the noncontact IC medium having predetermined identification information; a second obtaining process of aiming another directional orientation toward a second direction to obtain a signal level of a signal received from the noncontact IC medium; a composition process of subjecting the signal levels corresponding to the first and second directions to subtraction operation or division to obtain a composite signal level; and an existence direction operating process of obtaining a direction where the noncontact IC medium of interest exists from an operation using the composite signal level. This provides the noncontact IC medium direction detecting apparatus (1) capable of easily obtaining an existence direction of a noncontact IC medium, a method therefor, a program therefor, and a computer-readable recording medium having the program recorded thereon.