Interactive Device Antenna Controller Circuitry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing interactive devices require separate hardware components to support directional and non-directional wireless technologies, leading to increased cost and complexity in achieving seamless communication.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating both omnidirectional and directional antennas with controller circuitry that detects predefined events to enable directional communication, allowing for shared hardware support of both technologies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate hardware components are used to support directional and non-directional wireless technologies, then communication capability is improved, but device cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidhardware complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single antenna system that can operate in both omnidirectional and directional modes. The controller circuitry dynamically configures the antenna elements to provide omnidirectional coverage for initial connection and directional focus for data transmission, eliminating the need for separate hardware components for each mode while maintaining full communication capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna system transitions dynamically between omnidirectional and directional modes based on operational requirements. The controller circuitry adjusts the phase and amplitude of signals across antenna elements in real-time, allowing the same hardware to adapt its radiation pattern from 360-degree coverage to focused directional beams, thereby reducing hardware complexity while preserving versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate hardware components are used to support directional and non-directional wireless technologies, then communication capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By designing a single antenna array that can perform both omnidirectional and directional functions through electronic configuration rather than separate physical components, the patent reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and tested. This universal approach lowers bill of materials costs and simplifies the manufacturing supply chain while maintaining full communication capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of omnidirectional and directional antennas into a single integrated antenna array with shared elements and common control circuitry. This consolidation eliminates redundant hardware, reduces assembly steps, and simplifies quality control processes, directly impacting manufacturing cost reduction while preserving both communication modes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11133876B2Interactive device with multiple antennas

Publication Date: 2021.09.28 DISNEY ENTERPRISES INC

AI summary

A method and related system and apparatus are described, in which the method comprises detecting a predefined event using an omnidirectional antenna of a first interactive device, and responsive to detecting the predefined event, enabling a directional antenna of the first interactive device. The method further comprises transmitting a first signal using the directional antenna, and responsive to receiving the first signal at a second interactive device, performing an audiovisual effect.