Self-Powered Mobile Element Location via Electromagnetic Radiation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing interfaces for detecting the position and orientation of mobile elements in computerized systems, such as game boards, are limited by their ability to support only a single contact, require constant pressure, are bulky, and expensive, and cannot handle a large number of simultaneous contacts.

Innovation Solution

A device using electromagnetic radiation to locate self-powered mobile elements, comprising means for receiving and transmitting radio signals, with control mechanisms to activate location modules sequentially, allowing for the detection of multiple mobile elements while reducing manufacturing costs and latency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If infra-red based technologies are used for location detection, then detection capability is improved, but device thickness increases and mobility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation detection capabilityVSAvoiddevice thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces infra-red optical detection systems with electromagnetic radiation-based location modules that operate independently of thick table infrastructure. Mobile elements contain self-contained location modules that emit and detect electromagnetic signals, eliminating the need for bulky infra-red camera systems embedded in tables.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Each mobile element carries its own location module that autonomously determines position without requiring external detection infrastructure. The location module in each mobile element independently performs detection and positioning functions, making the system distributed and eliminating the need for centralized thick-table infra-red systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If touch screens are used for object detection, then detection simplicity is improved, but the number of simultaneous contacts is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection simplicityVSAvoidnumber of simultaneous contacts

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the detection function into independent location modules distributed across multiple mobile elements. Each mobile element has its own location module that independently determines position, allowing simultaneous tracking of many objects without the single-contact limitation of touch screens.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces contact-based touch screen detection with electromagnetic radiation-based detection. Location modules use electromagnetic signals to determine position without requiring physical contact with the game board or other objects, enabling simultaneous detection of multiple mobile elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Quantity of substance

If sequential activation of location modules is implemented, then real-time location of multiple elements is achieved, but activation latency is introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of mobile elementsVSAvoidactivation latency

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic activation cycles where location modules are activated in sequential time slots. Each mobile element is activated for a brief period, transmits its position data, then enters standby mode. This periodic operation allows multiple elements to be located over time while minimizing the duty cycle and power consumption of each module.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

Although activation is sequential, the system maintains continuous location tracking by rapidly cycling through multiple mobile elements. The short activation periods combined with fast signal transmission and processing ensure that position data is continuously updated for all elements, minimizing perceived latency while enabling power savings during standby periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 the real-time location and orientation of multiple mobile elements with reduced latency and manufacturing costs, using standard technologies and RFID standards for power supply and communication.

Implementation Method 1

a device for aiding the location in real time, by electromagnetic radiation, of a self-powered mobile element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9477859B2Device for aiding the location in real time of a self-powered mobile element

Publication Date: 2016.10.25 STARBREEZE PARIS

AI summary

A device aimed for locating in real time self-powered mobile elements by electromagnetic radiation, includes elements (505, 520) for receiving a radioelectric signal including at least one item of synchronization information, these elements being configured to receive energy from a received radioelectric signal, elements (515) for emitting an electromagnetic signal, the electromagnetic signal being emitted in response to an activation signal, and control elements (510) connected to the receiving elements and to the elements for emitting an electromagnetic signal, the control elements being electrically powered by the elements for receiving a radioelectric signal and being configured to generate an activation signal in response to synchronization information.