Magnetic Field Sensing Object Tracking for Low Power IoT
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current object motion tracking technologies are processor-intensive and power-hungry, making them unsuitable for the Internet of Things (IoT) devices, which require more efficient and cost-effective solutions to enable seamless tracking without frequent charging or maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A low-power object tracking system using a magnetic field sensor with receiving coils and position tracking circuitry that senses stationary magnetic fields generated by a remote transmitter, reducing power consumption and hardware requirements by eliminating the need for onboard magnetic field generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If processor-intensive computing techniques are used for wireless object tracking, then tracking accuracy can be maintained, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the magnetic field generation function from the moving object (stylus) and places it in a separate stationary base station. The stylus retains only the magnetic field sensing capability, which requires minimal power. This separation allows the moving object to achieve accurate tracking without the power-intensive burden of generating magnetic fields, resolving the contradiction between tracking accuracy and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a stationary base station as an intermediary that generates the magnetic field. The base station acts as a mediator between the power source and the moving object, providing the magnetic field environment needed for accurate tracking while the moving object itself consumes minimal power for sensing and communication.
2Adaptability or versatility
If onboard magnetic field generation is implemented in the tracking device, then self-contained operation is achieved, but device size and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the magnetic field generation components from the moving object and places them in a stationary base station. This extraction allows the moving object to be compact and lightweight, containing only essential sensing and communication components, while still achieving effective self-contained operation within the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The stationary base station serves multiple functions: generating magnetic fields for tracking, providing power to the moving object via wireless energy transfer, and acting as a charging station. This multi-functionality consolidates capabilities that would otherwise require separate components in the moving object, reducing its size while maintaining versatility.
3Reliability
If frequent charging is required to maintain tracking functionality, then device performance can be sustained, but user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements wireless power transfer from the stationary base station to the moving object, enabling the device to recharge automatically when placed near the base station without requiring user intervention for cable connection or power management. This self-service charging mechanism maintains device performance while significantly improving user convenience by eliminating frequent manual charging operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The stationary base station is pre-configured with power transmission capabilities and magnetic field generation functions. By having these capabilities ready in advance at the base station, the system enables automatic power replenishment and tracking functionality restoration without requiring user action, thereby maintaining reliability while enhancing ease of operation.
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 accurate tracking of object movement with millimeter-level precision at distances of a meter or more, reducing device size and power needs, allowing for integration into everyday objects without the need for frequent charging or maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field sensor in communication with the magnetic field sensor comprising one or more receiving coils configured to sense the at least one stationary magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic field transmitter comprising one or more transmitting coils configured to generate at least one stationary magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A low-power object tracking system is disclosed that includes an object tracking device that senses one or more magnetic field(s) to determine a position of the object tracking device. The object tracking device includes a magnetic field sensor including one or more receiving coils and position tracking circuitry in communication with the magnetic field sensor. The position tracking circuitry is configured to determine at least one field strength associated with at least one stationary magnetic field sensed at the one or more receiving coils, and to determine position information associated with the housing based at least in part on the at least one field strength. The object tracking device includes a communication interface configured to transmit the position information to at least one remote computing device.