Wireless Position Transducer Digital Microcontroller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current position sensing systems for medical procedures are complex and require additional circuitry for frequency and phase control, which increases cost and complexity, and lack efficient methods for remote programming and power supply.
Innovation Solution
A miniature wireless position transducer with a digital microcontroller that directly drives transmit antennas to generate magnetic fields, utilizing RF power and wireless downlink for control and programming, minimizing additional circuitry and enabling precise frequency and phase control without costly components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional circuitry is added for frequency and phase control, then control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microcontroller serves multiple functions: it generates the driving frequency signal, controls the phase of magnetic field transmission, and processes received signals. By integrating these functions into a single digital control unit, the patent eliminates the need for separate analog frequency and phase control circuits, thereby maintaining precision while reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional analog electronic circuits with digital signal processing methods. The microcontroller uses software-based frequency generation and phase control algorithms to achieve precise control without requiring complex analog circuitry, effectively substituting mechanical/electronic control systems with a digital control approach
2Volume of moving object
If miniaturization is achieved, then device size is reduced, but power supply capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power reception antenna and signal transmission antenna into a single coil structure. This merged antenna performs dual functions: receiving RF power through electromagnetic induction and transmitting position information signals. By combining these functions, the patent eliminates the need for separate power and signal antennas, enabling miniaturization while maintaining adequate power supply capability
Solution Approach 2:
The transducer is designed to harvest power from the external RF field it is exposed to during operation. The same electromagnetic field that carries the position information also provides power to the device through the resonant coil, eliminating the need for separate power supply infrastructure and enabling the device to be self-powered during use
3Ease of operation
If wireless telemetry is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of signal transmission deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous transmission of position information signals at the resonant frequency of the coil. By maintaining continuous transmission rather than intermittent signaling, the system ensures uninterrupted position data availability and improves reliability of wireless telemetry while maintaining ease of operation
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 provides a compact, cost-effective position sensing system with precise frequency and phase control, enabling reliable detection of weak magnetic fields and allowing for remote programming and power supply, enhancing the accuracy and simplicity of medical procedure tracking.
Implementation Method 1
at least one transmit antenna coupled directly to the at least one of the output pins, so that the at least one antenna transmits a magnetic field at the selected frequency responsively to the alternating digital output
Implementation Method 2
a field sensor, which is adapted to sense the magnetic field and to generate a signal responsively thereto
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus for tracking an object includes a position transducer, which is adapted to be fixed to the object. The position transducer includes a digital microcontroller, which includes a plurality of output pins, and which is operative to generate an alternating digital output at a selected frequency on at least one of the output pins. At least one transmit antenna is coupled directly to the at least one of the output pins, so that the at least one antenna transmits a magnetic field at the selected frequency responsively to the alternating digital output. A field sensor senses the magnetic field and generates a signal responsively thereto. A processor receives and processes the signal in order to determine coordinates of the position transducer.