RFID Mouse Battery Elimination 3D Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless input devices, such as mice, are heavy due to battery requirements, leading to user discomfort and potential injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome, and lack the ability to detect three-dimensional movement.
Innovation Solution
A wireless input device using a plurality of directional antennas for both power reception and location tracking, eliminating the need for batteries and enabling three-dimensional movement detection without the need for a surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wireless mouse uses batteries to power the radio transmitter and optical system, then the device achieves wireless operation, but the weight of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the battery from the wireless mouse design, extracting the power source that causes weight increase. The mouse operates wirelessly by harvesting energy from RF signals transmitted by the base station, eliminating the need for internal battery power sources while maintaining wireless functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an RF energy harvesting circuit as an intermediary between the external RF signal source and the mouse's internal power needs. This intermediary converts received RF energy into electrical power, enabling the mouse to operate without carrying its own battery.
2Measurement precision
If a conventional optical mouse is used, then the device can detect two-dimensional movement, but it cannot detect three-dimensional movement and requires a surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional optical tracking to three-dimensional RF-based tracking. By using RF signal characteristics (phase, amplitude, time of arrival) from multiple antennas, the system can determine position in three dimensions (x, y, z) rather than just two dimensions on a surface plane.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical tracking system with an RF-based electromagnetic system. Instead of using an optical sensor to detect surface features, the system uses RF signal propagation characteristics to determine position, eliminating the need for a physical surface.
3Reliability
If RFID technology is used for authentication, then security is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the RFID authentication functionality with the existing RF energy harvesting and position tracking system. The same RF communication channel used for power transfer and location determination is also used for authentication, merging multiple functions into a single integrated system rather than adding separate components.
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 solution results in a lightweight, portable input device that provides secure user identification and proximity features, allowing for three-dimensional movement detection and reducing the risk of user injury by eliminating battery weight and enhancing security through RF-based authentication.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of directional antennas used for both receiving energy from an external electromagnetic field
Implementation Method 2
a radio frequency transmitter for transmitting a signal that conveys input information to the computer system
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes steps of: receiving a first energy and a second energy emitted from within close proximity to a computer; powering a portable unit using the first energy; determining a position and status of the portable unit using the second energy; and transmitting a user identifier from the portable unit to the computer for verification.