Dynamic Antenna Loop Layout via Switched Inductive Arrays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electromagnetic sensor systems with interlaced antenna loops are complex to manufacture, prone to errors, and have fixed loop distances, increasing production costs and error rates.

Innovation Solution

The electromagnetic sensor system features inductive antennas arranged side by side with switches, allowing for dynamic adjustment of loop formation through a control unit that sequences switch closures based on a pre-determined interval value, simplifying manufacturing and enabling flexible loop configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional physical antenna loops are interlaced each other, then the antenna loop layout can be formed, but the manufacturing complexity and error rate increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna loop manufacturingVSAvoidantenna loop structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna loop structure is segmented into multiple independent inductive antennas arranged linearly, with each antenna having its own switch. This segmentation allows independent control and simplifies manufacturing compared to traditional interlaced loops, while enabling flexible loop formation through selective switch closure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna loop configuration is made dynamic through electronically controllable switches that can be opened or closed based on control signals. This allows the loop layout to be reconfigured dynamically without physical repositioning, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of stationary object

If the distance between adjacent loops decreases, then the space utilization improves, but the manufacturing error rate and production cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna loop layout areaVSAvoidloop distance precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical positioning and physical spacing of antenna loops is replaced with electronically controlled switch closure. The effective loop distance is determined by control signals rather than fixed physical positions, eliminating manufacturing precision requirements for loop spacing while maintaining compact area utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If fixed distance antenna loops are used, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the adaptability of the antenna loop layout is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna loop assemblyVSAvoidantenna loop configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna loop system transitions from fixed physical configurations to dynamic electronic reconfiguration. Switches controlled by control signals enable the formation of different loop patterns and distances without changing the physical antenna positions, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The same set of inductive antennas and switches can form multiple different loop configurations depending on which switches are closed. This multi-functionality allows a single manufactured structure to adapt to various operational requirements without requiring multiple specialized configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces error rates, and allows for dynamic adjustment of antenna loops, improving the system's ability to accurately detect pointing device positions with reduced noise sensitivity.

Implementation Method 1

The electromagnetic pointer has an oscillation circuit, where the inductance value may be changed when the electromagnetic pointer approaches the digitizer tablet. The digitizer tablet calculates the position or the pressure of the electromagnetic pointer according to the electromagnetic signal sensed therefrom.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8466692B2Electromagnetic sensor system and antenna loop layout method thereof

Publication Date: 2013.06.18 WACOM CO LTD

AI summary

An antenna loop layout method for an electromagnetic sensor board is provided. The electromagnetic sensor board has a plurality of inductive antennas which are arranged abreast of each other. One end of the inductive antennas is coupled to each other, and the other end of the inductive antennas have a switch. The method comprises the following steps: first, a pre-determined interval value is provided. Then, the switches are closed in sequence by the pre-determined interval value to form a plurality of physical antenna loops. The pre-determined interval value can be changed dynamically.