RFID Carrier with Surface Markings for Buttonless Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Remotely controllable devices are inaccessible to users with limited hand control, such as those with neurological disorders, elderly individuals, and young children, due to the need for multiple button presses to generate input signals.

Innovation Solution

A system featuring a controllable device and a carrier with surface markings over RF tags, allowing users to select options by approaching the markings with an RF reader, eliminating the need for button presses and enabling easier program input through near-field communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If remote control with multiple buttons is used to generate input signals, then control precision and functionality are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates for users with limited hand control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical button-pressing system with a magnetic field-based selection system. Users place magnetic figures on a pad with RFID tags instead of pressing buttons, eliminating the need for hand strength and dexterity while maintaining control functionality. This substitution directly resolves the contradiction by improving ease of operation without sacrificing control precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces magnetic figures as an intermediary between the user and the control system. The figures carry magnetic fields that interact with RFID tags on the pad, serving as a mediator that translates user intent into control signals without requiring direct mechanical interaction with buttons. This intermediary approach maintains functionality while dramatically improving ease of operation for users with limited hand control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If NFC technology is used to configure animation, then ease of operation is improved, but control capability over the program deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidcontrol capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal control system where the same RFID pad and magnetic figure setup can control multiple different programs and functions. The system is designed to work across various applications (games, media players, set-top boxes) and can adapt to different control needs, providing both ease of operation and versatile control capability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic control system where the RFID pad can present different sets of options and controls depending on the current program state. The system adapts its interface dynamically, showing only relevant controls at each moment, which maintains ease of operation while providing comprehensive control capability across different program contexts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The system enhances accessibility for manually impaired users by allowing program input without physical exertion, facilitating easier navigation and control of programs, particularly in gaming and medical applications.

Implementation Method 1

a carrier having a surface comprising a plurality of surface markings, each marking being located over a RF tag embedded in the carrier

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNear-field communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2313171B1System, carrier, program and controllable device
Publication Date: 2014.04.30 NXP BV
  • EP2313171B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2313171B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2313171B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a system (1 ) comprising a controllable device (10) for executing a program; and a carrier (30) having a surface comprising a plurality of surface markings (34, 36), each marking being located over a RF tag embedded in the carrier, each RF tag comprising a unique identification code, wherein the program, when executed on the controllable device, is adapted to generate a plurality of selectable options, each of said options being selectable by one of the unique identification codes. In an embodiment, the system further comprises an RF reader (20) for communicating said identification codes to the controllable device (10), wherein the controllable device (10) is arranged to interpret each identification code as an input signal for said program. Such a system may be controlled by means of the carrier (30), thus obviating the need for button-based remote controllers. This is particularly useful in gaming applications.