Matrix Antenna Coils for Near Field Communication Position Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing near field communication systems cannot effectively utilize the positional relationship between an information storage medium and a processing apparatus, limiting their ability to read and process information accurately.

Innovation Solution

An information reading system with a matrix arrangement of antenna coils that allows for near field communication and precise detection of the information storage medium's position, enabling processing using the positional relationship and redundant information management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a single antenna is used for near field communication, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of the information storage medium's position deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition detection accuracyVSAvoidantenna configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides a single large antenna into multiple smaller antenna coils arranged in a matrix pattern. Each antenna coil corresponds to a specific reading area, enabling precise position detection by identifying which antenna coil detects the information storage medium. This segmentation maintains relatively simple device structure while significantly improving position measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If multiple antenna coils are arranged in a matrix to improve position detection accuracy, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition detection accuracyVSAvoidantenna coil arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple antenna coils into a single integrated antenna portion that functions as one unified detection system. The control section coordinates all antenna coils collectively to determine position and read information, treating them as a single functional unit. This merging approach improves position detection accuracy while preventing excessive device complexity by maintaining unified control and functional integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If the reading area is enlarged to improve detection coverage, then the productivity increases, but the measurement precision of the information storage medium's position deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition detection accuracyVSAvoidreading area coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the total reading area into multiple smaller sub-areas, each corresponding to a specific antenna coil. This segmentation enables precise position detection within each sub-area while collectively covering a large overall area. The system achieves both high measurement precision and extensive coverage by dividing the reading area into manageable segments that can be individually addressed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If information is read from overlapping areas of multiple antenna coils, then the loss of information is reduced through redundancy, but the device complexity increases due to multiple antenna coils

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation reading reliabilityVSAvoidantenna coil system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the reading function across multiple antenna coils with overlapping detection areas. Each antenna coil independently monitors its designated area, creating redundant coverage zones where information can be detected by multiple coils. This segmentation provides reliable information reading through redundancy while maintaining a relatively simple antenna structure that can be systematically controlled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 detection and reading of information from multiple positions, allowing for stable near field communication and efficient management of information from overlapping areas, reducing costs through a single communication control section.

Implementation Method 1

the information processing apparatus and the information storage medium start communicating with each other using near field communication

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNear field communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3001287B1Information reading system, apparatus, program and method, for performing near field communication with an information storage medium
Publication Date: 2018.12.19 NINTENDO CO LTD
  • EP3001287B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3001287B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3001287B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An information reading system performs near field communication with an information storage medium. The information reading system includes an antenna portion and an information acquisition section. In the antenna portion, a plurality of antenna coils are each arranged across at least one of the others and each have a reading area. The information acquisition section performs near field communication with the information storage medium in each reading area, thereby reading information from the information storage medium in proximity to the reading area.