RFID Toy Inductive Antenna Resonant Circuit Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Video games lack a physical component that allows players to interact with a representative object, leading to a distinct separation between the game play world and the physical world, and existing wireless communication methods face issues with cost, size, power, bandwidth, and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A video game system that includes a toy with an RFID integrated circuit and an inductive antenna, forming a resonant circuit, paired with a peripheral device featuring an RFID reader and resonant coupler, enabling communication and power transfer through resonant frequencies, allowing players to control and interact with video game characters physically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional wireless communication methods are used to connect toys with video game devices, then communication between physical and digital worlds is enabled, but cost, size, power consumption, bandwidth, and reliability issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional wireless communication systems (electromagnetic radio frequency systems) with an electromagnetic induction-based power and data transfer system. This substitution uses magnetic coupling between a base station coil and toy coil to simultaneously transfer power and data, eliminating the need for separate wireless communication hardware and reducing overall system complexity while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic induction system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides power transfer to the toy, enables bidirectional data communication between the toy and base station, and establishes reliable connection recognition. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each function, thereby reducing device complexity.
2Productivity
If RFID circuitry with resonant circuit is used in the toy, then communication and power transfer efficiency is improved, but additional components and circuit complexity are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the RFID circuitry with the resonant circuit components (inductor and capacitor) into an integrated system. The inductor serves dual purposes as both the RFID antenna and the resonant circuit inductor, while the capacitor provides both RFID operation and resonant frequency tuning. This merging reduces component quantity while maintaining communication efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the resonant circuit (inductance and capacitance values) to optimize both RFID communication efficiency and power transfer efficiency. By carefully selecting component values to match the desired operating frequency, the system achieves high efficiency without requiring additional complexity.
3Reliability
If ferromagnetic core is added to the inductor in the toy, then signal strength and power transfer efficiency are improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive ferrite beads or simple ferromagnetic cores that can be easily manufactured and integrated into the toy. These materials provide the necessary magnetic properties to enhance signal strength and power transfer efficiency without requiring complex manufacturing processes, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while improving performance.
4Reliability
If resonant frequency matching between toy and base station is implemented, then power transfer and communication reliability are improved, but system configuration and tuning complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary frequency matching by designing the toy's resonant circuit to operate at a predetermined frequency that matches the base station's operating frequency. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for complex real-time tuning or configuration procedures, reducing system configuration complexity while ensuring reliable power transfer and communication.
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 solution provides a cost-effective and reliable method for players to engage with video game characters physically, enhancing the gaming experience by allowing interaction and control of characters through a physical toy, while reducing the need for additional components and improving signal strength.
Implementation Method 1
the inductor and an input capacitance provided by the RFID integrated circuit forming a resonant circuit with a resonant frequency inversely proportional to a square root of inductance of the inductor and capacitance of the input capacitance provided by the RFID integrated circuit
Implementation Method 2
a peripheral device including RFID reader circuitry and a resonant coupler, the RFID reader circuitry configured to transmit signals at a frequency about the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit of the toy
Data Source
AI summary
A toy for a video game may include an RFID tag, with an inductive antenna for receiving and transmitting signals. The inductive antenna may have a ferromagnetic core. Inductance of the inductive antenna may be selected such that tuning of the antenna is determined by the inductance of the antenna and input capacitance of an RFID semiconductor circuit of the RFID tag, with in some embodiments no tuning capacitors utilized. In some embodiments the input capacitance of the RFID semiconductor circuit is parasitic capacitance of the RFID semiconductor circuit.