NFEMI Antenna Controller Modulating E-H Field Ratio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing near-field electromagnetic induction (NFEMI) systems face challenges in providing robust and reliable wireless communication across longer distances and through structures like the human body, with H-field based systems having limited range and being sensitive to orientation, and E-field based systems being sensitive to body movements and posture.
Innovation Solution
A controller is used to modulate the ratio of energy sent or received between electric (E) and magnetic (H) near-field portions of NFEMI antennas, adjusting the E-field to H-field energy ratio based on the presence and position of a structure between devices, optimizing communication by prioritizing either E-field or H-field energy depending on the distance and orientation of communicating nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If H-field based NFEMI systems are used, then communication through structures like the human body is improved, but communication range is limited and orientation sensitivity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both E-field and H-field NFEMI systems into a unified communication system. The controller dynamically switches between E-field and H-field modes based on communication conditions, allowing the system to leverage the structure-penetration capability of H-field while achieving extended range through E-field when appropriate.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operating mode between E-field and H-field based on real-time communication conditions, distance, and orientation. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize performance for varying ranges and structural barriers, resolving the contradiction between penetration reliability and communication range.
2Length of moving object
If E-field based NFEMI systems are used, then communication range is extended, but sensitivity to body movements and posture increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors communication quality and dynamically switches between E-field and H-field modes. When E-field provides adequate range but shows signs of instability due to movement or posture changes, the system transitions to H-field mode to maintain reliable communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms to monitor communication effectiveness and adjust the field mode accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that the system maintains optimal performance by switching between E-field and H-field based on actual communication conditions, thereby stabilizing communication despite body movements.
3Device complexity
If a single NFEMI system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different communication conditions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal NFEMI system that can operate in both E-field and H-field modes using the same physical infrastructure. The controller selects the appropriate field mode based on communication conditions, distance, and orientation requirements, providing multi-functionality without requiring separate dedicated systems for each mode.
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
This approach enables robust near-field communication across structures, such as the human body, by optimizing energy distribution between E-field and H-field components, enhancing communication reliability and range, particularly for front-to-back and head-to-toe communications.
Implementation Method 1
near-field electromagnetic induction (NFEMI) systems
Implementation Method 2
electric (E) near-field
Implementation Method 3
magnetic (H) near-field
Data Source
AI summary
One example discloses a first near-field electromagnetic induction (NFEMI) device, including: a controller configured to be coupled to an NFEMI antenna and to a structure; wherein the NFEMI antenna includes electric (E) near-field and magnetic (H) near-field generating and/or receiving portions; wherein the controller is configured to modulate a ratio of energy sent to and/or received from the electric and magnetic portions; wherein the controller is configured to receive a signal corresponding to whether the structure is between the first NFEMI device and a second NFEMI device; and wherein the controller is configured to decrease the ratio of energy sent to and/or received from the electric (E) portion as compared to energy sent to and/or received from the magnetic (H) portion if the structure is between the first and second NFEMI devices.