Loop Antenna System for Precise Object Transit Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing antenna systems for determining the transit of a moving object through a detection plane face challenges in achieving high spatial resolution due to the difficulty in generating precise electromagnetic fields over large areas, leading to inaccurate detection of object passage, especially in scenarios like soccer where the ball's movement is rapid and close to the goal line.

Innovation Solution

The antenna system employs loop antennas arranged perpendicular to the detection plane, with a ground loop signal path generating an exciting electromagnetic field that induces a magnetic field in the moving object, allowing for precise detection of the object's transit by sensing the phase change in the received signal, which is enhanced by using a transformer and compensation signal paths to minimize cross-talk and eddy current interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If antenna loops fully encircle the area of interest within the detection plane to provide a magnetic field of precisely predetermined geometry, then the field configuration accuracy is improved, but the spatial resolution decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefield configuration accuracyVSAvoidspatial resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the detection system into multiple antenna loops positioned at different locations around the detection plane. Instead of using a single large encircling loop, multiple smaller loops are segmented and distributed, with each loop contributing to the overall magnetic field generation. This segmentation allows for better spatial resolution while maintaining field configuration accuracy through coordinated operation of multiple loops.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar encirclement to a three-dimensional arrangement of antenna loops positioned at different heights and angles. By adding the vertical dimension and using loops oriented in different spatial directions, the system achieves precise field control without requiring a single large encircling loop, thereby improving spatial resolution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Manufacturing precision

If two antenna loops on each side of the detection plane receive high-frequency signals with opposite phase to provide magnetic fields cancelling each other out, then the field cancellation accuracy is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefield cancellation accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple antenna loops into integrated assemblies where loops are physically and electrically connected. By merging the loops into unified structures with shared signal paths and common control, the system achieves field cancellation through a simplified architecture rather than through complex independent control of multiple separate loops.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna loops serve multiple functions simultaneously: they generate magnetic fields for detection, provide field cancellation through opposite-phase signals, and can be configured for different detection planes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This configuration enables precise detection of the object's complete passage through the detection plane with high accuracy, reducing false positives and negatives, and is adaptable to various goal designs, ensuring reliable scoring determinations in sports applications.

Implementation Method 1

a ground loop signal path is connected to the terminals of the at least one loop antenna such as to close a conductive loop enclosing the detection plane to generate an exciting electromagnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the at least one loop antenna comprises one or more antenna loops arranged only within an antenna plane which is perpendicular to the detection plane... the loop antenna, the antenna is sensitive to a field component of the magnetic field emitted by the moving object which is parallel to the detection plane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

a transformer comprising said first coil and said second coil further comprises a third coil coupled to the first coil and the second coil such that essentially no current is induced in the third coil when a current through the first coil and the second coil is essentially equal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field cancellation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2834880B1Antenna system for determining a transit of a moving object through an area of interest
Publication Date: 2020.06.10 FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV
  • EP2834880B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2834880B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2834880B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An antenna system (2a-d) for determining a transit of a moving object (11) through an area of interest within a detection plane (22), the moving object (11) emitting an electromagnetic field (12), comprises at least one loop antenna (4c) for receiving the electromagnetic field (12), the at least one loop antenna (4c) comprising one or more antenna loops arranged only within an antenna plane, the antenna plane being perpendicular to the detection plane (22). The at least one loop antenna (4c) further comprises a signal terminal (60) for providing a receive signal (44a, 44b), the receive signal (44a, 44b) comprising information on a position of the moving object (11).