Inductive Position Detection for Mobile Device Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current interfaces for detecting the position and orientation of mobile entities relative to a computer system are limited by their reliance on bulky and expensive technologies, such as capacitive touch screens and infrared tables, which do not support multiple simultaneous contacts or altitude detection, and require dedicated items like mice or keyboards.
Innovation Solution
A method using inductive magnetic fields to detect the position and orientation of mobile devices relative to a host station, allowing for intuitive control without additional interface items, by determining the current position, storing position history, and comparing it to reference movements to trigger commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If capacitive touch screens or infrared tables are used to detect position and orientation, then detection capability is provided, but the device becomes bulky, expensive, and lacks mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical detection systems (capacitive touch screens, infrared tables with embedded cameras) with a magnetic field-based detection system. A mobile device equipped with a magnetometer detects the position and orientation of magnetic objects through magnetic field interactions, eliminating the need for bulky electronic detection infrastructure while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic detection system serves multiple functions: it detects position, orientation, and movement of mobile devices without requiring different detection mechanisms for different tasks. The same magnetometer-based system handles various detection needs that would otherwise require separate specialized components.
2Measurement precision
If touch screens are used to detect object position, then contact detection is enabled, but multiple simultaneous contacts and altitude detection are not supported
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-based mechanical detection (touch screens requiring physical contact) with magnetic field-based detection. The magnetometer detects magnetic field disturbances caused by magnetic objects, enabling detection of position, orientation, and altitude without physical contact. This allows multiple simultaneous detections and captures three-dimensional spatial information.
3Ease of operation
If dedicated interface items like mice or keyboards are used, then control functionality is provided, but interface complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device itself serves as the control interface through its magnetometer. The device detects magnetic objects and interprets their movements as control commands, eliminating the need for separate control devices like mice or keyboards. The mobile device's own sensors and processing capabilities are utilized for detection and control interpretation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device performs multiple functions: it uses its magnetometer for detection, processes the detected data to interpret gestures and movements, and generates control commands. This multi-functionality replaces what would otherwise require separate dedicated interface items.
4Measurement precision
If infrared tables with cameras are used for detection, then position detection is enabled, but the table thickness increases and mobility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for thick tables with embedded infrared cameras by using a portable magnetometer-based detection system. The detection functionality is transferred from a fixed, bulky infrastructure to a portable device that can be moved to different locations, eliminating the need for thick construction while maintaining detection precision.
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 efficient and cost-effective detection of multiple mobile devices' positions and orientations, supporting various gestures for command execution without the need for dedicated interface items, enhancing user interaction and reducing complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
a current position of the mobile device relative to an interacting surface of the host station is determined by means of at least one electrical signal induced by at least one inductor magnetic field in at least one electrical circuit of the host device associated with said interacting surface
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a host device for at least one moving device including the following steps: determining a current position of the at least one moving device relative to an interaction surface of the host station using at least one electrical signal induced by at least one inductive magnetic field in at least one electric circuit of the host device associated with the interaction surface; recording the current position in a position history; using the history to compare a change of the position of the at least one device with at least one reference change diagram, the reference change diagram being associated with at least one reference movement; and activating a command of the host station on the basis of the reference movement, if the change corresponds to the reference movement.