Mobile Device Cooperation via Magnetic Field Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing device cooperation systems, such as those used in digital signage, require users to perform complex operations like photographing barcodes or touching IC card readers, making it difficult for devices to cooperate accurately and efficiently, especially when the mobile device is away from the display apparatus.
Innovation Solution
A device cooperation control system that includes a communication unit for inputting sensor values from device motion and a control apparatus that determines device partnerships based on sensor values from both the device and an object in front of the apparatus, allowing for accurate cooperation with minimal user load, even when devices are separated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a two-dimensional barcode is arranged near the display apparatus for device cooperation, then the display apparatus and mobile device can exchange information, but the user operation load becomes heavy and the system becomes impossible to operate when the mobile device is away from the display apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical interaction system (barcode scanning requiring line-of-sight and close proximity) with a magnetic field-based sensor system. The display apparatus includes a magnet, and the mobile device includes a magnetometer that detects the magnetic field's direction and intensity. This substitution allows the mobile device to identify the display apparatus without requiring visual contact or close physical proximity, thereby reducing user operation load while maintaining reliable device cooperation.
2Reliability
If a non-contact IC card reader/writer is provided for device cooperation, then information can be exchanged between devices, but the user must touch the mobile device closer to the reader/writer which increases operation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic induction system (IC card reading requiring close contact) with a magnetic field detection system using a magnetometer. The display apparatus includes a magnet that generates a detectable magnetic field, and the mobile device's magnetometer detects this field's characteristics. This allows the mobile device to identify and cooperate with the display apparatus without requiring physical contact or close proximity, significantly reducing user operation complexity while maintaining reliable device pairing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If position information and orientation information from sensors are used to identify the display apparatus, then device cooperation can be realized, but the system requires complex sensor processing and data management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and utilizes only the essential magnetic field detection capability from the mobile device's sensor suite, specifically the magnetometer. Instead of processing complex position and orientation data from multiple sensors, the system simply detects the presence, direction, and intensity of the magnetic field generated by the display apparatus's magnet. This extraction approach maintains versatile device identification capability while significantly reducing sensor processing complexity and data management requirements.
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 and efficient cooperation between display apparatuses and mobile devices with reduced user effort, allowing for seamless interaction even in public spaces without the need for direct proximity, while protecting personal information by not attaching it to acquired sensor data.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetometer to detect a direction and an intensity of a magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile device and a display apparatus are caused to cooperate. A user is instructed to do a predetermined action and the user holds and moves the mobile device. A motion of the mobile device is detected by the mobile device and the motion of the user is detected by the display apparatus. A pair of the mobile device and the display apparatus that detect the same action at the same time is caused to cooperate.