Magnet-Embedded Book Page Detection via Compass Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing interactive book systems lack the ability to seamlessly integrate physical and digital media, limiting the potential for enhanced narrative experiences and interactive content delivery.

Innovation Solution

A physical book with magnets on each page that interacts with a digital device's compass sensor to trigger corresponding digital content, such as text, images, animations, and sound effects, by detecting the page open and adjusting the magnetic field to maximize sensor readings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a physical book with magnets is used to interact with a digital device, then the integration between physical and digital media is enhanced, but the device complexity increases due to the need for compass sensors and calibration systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration between physical and digital mediaVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses magnets as an intermediary element that bridges the physical book and the digital device. The magnets are embedded in the book pages and interact with the device's existing compass sensor, enabling communication between physical and digital domains without requiring complex integrated hardware. This mediator approach allows the system to leverage existing sensor capabilities while achieving seamless media integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a digital representation or copy of the physical book's state by detecting which page is open through magnetic field sensing. The digital device replicates the book's content and interaction capabilities in the digital domain, allowing users to access both physical and digital versions of the same content simultaneously, thereby enhancing adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If magnets are placed on each book page to detect page flipping, then the ability to detect page open is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase due to the need for precise magnet placement and calibration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepage detection accuracyVSAvoidmagnet placement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs calibration as a preliminary action during the first use or setup phase. The calibration process establishes a baseline magnetic field signature for each page position, storing this information for future reference. This preliminary characterization of the magnetic environment allows the system to achieve high detection accuracy without requiring extremely precise magnet placement during manufacturing, as the calibration compensates for variations in magnet position and strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter being measured from absolute magnetic field strength to relative change in magnetic field characteristics. By detecting the change in magnetic field pattern when a page is flipped rather than relying on precise absolute positioning, the system achieves high page detection accuracy while being more tolerant of manufacturing variations in magnet placement. The calibration process stores reference parameters that are compared against current readings to detect page state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If the book is designed to maximize magnetic field interaction with the sensor, then the detection sensitivity is improved, but the object-generated harmful factors increase due to potential magnetic interference with the device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidmagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies local quality by placing magnets only in specific locations on the book pages rather than uniformly across the entire book. The magnets are positioned to create detectable magnetic field changes at the sensor's location while minimizing overall magnetic interference with the device. This localized approach allows the system to achieve high detection sensitivity in the critical interaction zone without generating excessive harmful magnetic effects throughout the entire device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system converts the potentially harmful strong magnetic field into a beneficial detection signal. By designing the book to create strong, deliberate magnetic field changes when pages are flipped, the system transforms what could be considered magnetic interference into a useful detection mechanism. The calibration process characterizes these magnetic effects and uses them as the basis for reliable page detection, turning a potential harm into the core functional benefit of the system.

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

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 a synchronized and interactive experience between physical and digital media, allowing for rich-media content and tactile-kinesthetic feedback, while being cost-effective and requiring no active electronics or batteries, enhancing the expressive possibilities of traditional books.

Implementation Method 1

a physical book with magnets on the pages that controls an electronic interactive device through its compass sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

the computer determines which page of the book is open and causes the speaker to deliver audio content related to the open page

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompass sensor detection: Magnetometer

Data Source

PatentEP2987155B1Interactive book electronic system and operation method thereof
Publication Date: 2023.06.28 UNIVERSITY OF MINHO
  • EP2987155B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2987155B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2987155B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Interactive electronic system having a screen and a three-axis compass sensor for detecting flipping of pages of a book, wherein the book comprises a plurality of pages, each having with one or more magnets, and wherein the system is arranged to detect the flipping of pages of the book by the data readings of the value of one axis, X, Y, or Z; or the magnitude of the calculated vector of the values of the axes X, Y, and Z. Also a method of interaction comprises: downloading the software of the book to the electronic device; putting the book which contains the sensors in a pre-determined area near the electronic device in manner to identify the pages; calibrating the system; obtaining the values of the magnitude of the magnetic field by the compass sensor to detect the page that is open; displaying the corresponding digital content in synchronization.