Dynamic Magnetic Card Power Mode Transition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetic cards and devices face inefficiencies in power management and detection mechanisms, leading to increased energy consumption during non-use periods and reduced sensitivity to ambient events.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic magnetic communications device with multiple operational modes, including low-power and deep-sleep modes, that utilizes touch-sensitive displays and electromagnetic field generators to detect passive ambient events and transition between modes for efficient energy use and data exchange with magnetic stripe readers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the magnetic card operates in normal mode continuously, then detection sensitivity and data communication capability are maintained, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically transitions between operational modes (normal mode, low-power mode, deep-sleep mode) based on detected ambient events. The processor adjusts its operational state in real-time, switching from high-power continuous operation to low-power states while maintaining the ability to detect ambient events and transition back when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic sampling of ambient events at different intervals depending on the operational mode. During low-power and deep-sleep modes, ambient event detection occurs at reduced frequencies compared to normal mode, allowing the system to maintain detection capability while reducing overall energy consumption over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Use of energy by moving object

If the magnetic card enters low-power mode, then energy consumption is reduced, but detection sensitivity to ambient events decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoiddetection sensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements different detection sensitivities and sampling rates for different operational modes. During low-power mode, the system maintains ambient event detection capability but at a lower sampling rate than normal mode, creating localized quality differences in detection performance matched to the current power state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (sampling rate, detection threshold, processor clock speed) based on the current mode. When transitioning to low-power mode, parameters are adjusted to reduce energy consumption while maintaining sufficient detection sensitivity for the intended application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Duration of action of moving object

If the magnetic card enters deep-sleep mode, then battery life is extended, but responsiveness to ambient events is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery lifeVSAvoidresponsiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by detecting ambient events at a basic level even in deep-sleep mode. When a potential event is detected, the system prepares for wake-up by pre-loading necessary data or configuring detection parameters, reducing the actual wake-up time and improving effective responsiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous ambient event detection capability across all power states, including deep-sleep mode. While the sampling rate is reduced, detection remains ongoing rather than completely suspended, ensuring that useful action (event detection) continues without interruption throughout the power management cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Use of energy by moving object

If the processor frequently transitions between operational modes, then energy efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the operational states into distinct modes (normal, low-power, deep-sleep) with clearly defined transition criteria. Each mode has specific characteristics and thresholds for transition, breaking down the complex power management into manageable segments with explicit entry and exit conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from ambient event detection and operational state monitoring to automatically determine when to transition between modes. The processor continuously monitors system state and ambient conditions, using this feedback to make automatic mode transition decisions without requiring complex external control logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

The solution reduces energy consumption during non-use periods while maintaining sensitivity to ambient events, allowing for efficient data communication when needed, thereby extending battery life and improving user experience.

Implementation Method 1

A magnetic emulator may be provided to generate electromagnetic fields that directly communicate data to a read-head of a magnetic stripe reader

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field generation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

A magnetic encoder, for example, may be utilized to modify information that is located on a magnetic medium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field encoding: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS9053398B1Passive detection mechanisms for magnetic cards and devices
Publication Date: 2015.06.09 DYNAMICS INC
  • US9053398B1 patent drawing
  • US9053398B1 patent drawing
  • US9053398B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A card exhibiting enhanced operating modes is provided. A normal-operating mode reverts to a low-power mode of operation after a period of inactivity has transpired. The card automatically reactivates in response to a passive detection event during a low-power mode of operation when the card is ready for use.