Magnetic reader object identification (grant dup).
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(1) 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.(2) 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(3) 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.
1. A magnetic reader for identifying an object, the magnetic reader comprising: a hardware processor; a memory storing a plurality of magnetic field profiles having magnetic characteristics of a plurality of magnetic field producing elements designed for incorporation into a plurality of objects including the object; and a magnetic field detector; the hardware processor being configured to: detect, using the magnetic field detector, a first magnetic field produced by a first one of the plurality of magnetic field producing elements incorporated into the object; measure, using the magnetic field detector, one or more characteristics of the first magnetic field produced by the first one of the plurality of magnetic field producing elements; compare the one or more characteristics of the first magnetic field to one or more of the plurality of magnetic field profiles stored in the memory to match the first magnetic field with the magnetic characteristics of the first one of the plurality of magnetic field producing elements; and identify the object based on the comparison and matching the first magnetic field with the magnetic characteristics of the first one of the plurality of magnetic field producing elements.
11. A method for use by a magnetic reader for identifying an object, the magnetic reader including a hardware processor, a memory, and a magnetic field detector, the memory storing a plurality of magnetic field profiles having magnetic characteristics of a plurality of magnetic field producing elements designed for incorporation into a plurality of objects including the object, the method comprising: detecting, using the hardware processor and the magnetic field detector, a first magnetic field produced by a first one of the plurality of magnetic field producing elements incorporated into the object; measuring, using the hardware processor and the magnetic field detector, one or more characteristics of the first magnetic field produced by the first one of the plurality of magnetic field producing elements; comparing, using the hardware processor, the one or more characteristics of the first magnetic field to one or more of the plurality of magnetic field profiles stored in the memory to match the first magnetic field with the magnetic characteristics of the first one of the plurality of magnetic field producing elements; and identifying the object, using the hardware processor, based on the comparison and matching the first magnetic field with the magnetic characteristics of the first one of the plurality of magnetic field producing elements.