Controlled Magnetic Field Sensing for Stable Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic field sensors face challenges in detecting small variations in capacitance due to frequency sensitivity and stability issues caused by vibrations and temperature changes, limiting their effectiveness in applications requiring precise object detection.
Innovation Solution
A controlled magnetic field sensor integrated with an ASIC, featuring a closed-loop oscillator circuit that generates a sine wave and uses a single conductive element as both emitter and receiver, enhancing sensitivity and noise cancellation by directing the magnetic field and detecting disruptions within a controlled magnetic field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If capacitive sensors based on oscillators are used to detect small variations in capacitance, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to frequency instability caused by vibrations and temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the oscillator frequency is continuously monitored and adjusted to compensate for drift caused by temperature and vibrations. The system measures the frequency deviation and applies corrective feedback to maintain stable operation, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving high measurement precision and maintaining reliability under environmental variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the oscillator operating parameters (such as bias voltages or circuit component values) in response to detected frequency drift. This allows the system to maintain both high measurement precision for capacitance variations and reliability against environmental disturbances by adapting to changing conditions.
2Measurement precision
If high frequency sensitivity is achieved for detecting small capacitance variations, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for sophisticated oscillator designs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the oscillator system into modular functional blocks (frequency generation, frequency measurement, capacitance calculation). This modular approach enables high frequency sensitivity through specialized sub-circuits while managing overall device complexity through systematic organization and independent optimization of each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary frequency measurement and processing stage between the oscillator and the capacitance detection output. This intermediary block simplifies the overall design by providing a stable reference framework and systematic processing path, thereby achieving high frequency sensitivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 enables precise detection of objects by measuring disruptions in the magnetic field, distinguishing between different objects and improving sensitivity and reliability, while reducing external noise interference.
Implementation Method 1
an oscillator circuit (102) connected to at least one electrode (101), wherein said oscillator generates a sine wave and said sine wave generates a controlled magnetic field (CMF) in said electrode
Implementation Method 2
measuring disruptions in a magnetic field around a sole conductor which is configured as an antenna that emits a controlled magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A device for measuring disruptions in a controlled magnetic field and generated by the device itself surrounding a sole conductive element, antenna or electrode and comprising, at least: a controlled magnetic field sensor comprising, in turn, an oscillator circuit connected to at least one electrode, a digital module; and a processor connected to the digital module. The applications of the device that is the object of the invention are all those requiring the detection of an object prior to it resulting in the violation of the restricted space. Amongst these applications we can highlight the following: the localisation of people, industrial security applications, robotics, domestic security applications, military applications and vehicle security applications.