Magnetic Object Identification Without Electrical Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing object identification systems require electrical power to function, posing challenges in maintaining power, such as battery replacement or recharging, which can be inconvenient and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

The use of magnet configurations on objects and magnetic sensors in a sensing material to identify and determine the position of objects without the need for electrical power, by detecting the magnetic field created by the magnets, allowing for power-free object identification and orientation determination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If electrical power is used to enable object identification (e.g., RFID antennas or accelerometers), then object identification and orientation detection can be achieved, but the system requires battery replacement or recharging which reduces ease of operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoiduse of energy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical power systems (batteries, RFID antennas, accelerometers) with a magnetic field-based identification system. Magnets embedded in objects create magnetic fields that are detected by sensors in the play mat, enabling object identification and orientation detection without electrical power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic identification system is self-powered through the natural magnetic fields generated by the magnets themselves. The magnets passively create detectable magnetic field patterns that encode object identity and orientation information, eliminating the need for external power sources or energy management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If electrical power systems are implemented for object identification, then identification functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases due to power management requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification functionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates complex electrical power management systems by substituting them with passive magnetic field generation. The identification functionality is achieved through magnetic field patterns created by magnets in various configurations, which are detected and decoded by the sensing system without requiring power management circuitry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Use of energy by moving object

If magnets are arranged in specific configurations on objects, then object identification and orientation detection are enabled without electrical power, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidmagnet arrangement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses variations in magnetic field parameters (strength, direction, spatial distribution) created by different magnet arrangements to encode object identity and orientation information. The system detects and decodes these magnetic field parameter variations to identify objects and determine their orientation without requiring extremely precise magnet placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 effective and power-independent object identification and orientation tracking, enhancing usability and reducing maintenance needs in applications like gaming and exercise tracking systems.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic field created by an arrangement of one or more magnets proximate to a surface of the object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS10598811B2Magnetic identification of an object

Publication Date: 2020.03.24 INTEL CORP

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to materials, devices, systems, and processes for magnetic identification of an object. Embodiments may include receiving from a plurality of sensors arranged within a layer of material an indication of a strength or signature of a magnetic field proximate to the corresponding sensor. The magnetic field may be created by the arrangement of one or more magnets proximate to a surface of the object where the surface is proximate to the plurality of sensors. Embodiments may include determining, based upon the indication of the strength or signature of the magnetic field proximate to the corresponding sensor, an arrangement of magnets proximate to the surface of the object. Based on the determined arrangement of the magnets on the surface of the object, the process may include identifying the object or the surface of the object. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.