Magnetic Reader Identification of Objects

Magnetic reader object identification.

A magnetic reader for identifying an object includes a hardware processor, a memory storing multiple magnetic field profiles, and a magnetic field detector. The hardware processor of the magnetic reader is configured to detect, using the magnetic field detector, a magnetic field produced by one or more elements incorporated into the object, and to measure, using the magnetic field detector, one or more characteristics of the magnetic field. The hardware processor of the magnetic reader is further configured to compare the one or more characteristics of the magnetic field to one or more of the multiple magnetic field profiles stored in the memory, and to identify the object based on the comparison.

BACKGROUND

Portable devices designed for object identification have useful applications in a variety of settings. For example, such devices can be used by visitors to a museum, marketplace, or amusement park to independently identify items or attractions of interest. One conventional approach for enabling the unique identification of objects using a portable device is through the use of radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology.

Although reliable, the RFID reader needed to identify objects generating an electromagnetic RF signature can be relatively expensive, rendering RFID an impractical technology for many applications. Consequently, there is a need for a cost-effective solution enabling a user to independently and accurately identify objects of interest.SUMMARY

There are provided magnetic readers and methods for their use in identifying objects, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, and as set forth more completely in the claims.