System for automated carry-on inspection of portable items

Abstract

System for automated verification of portable items, comprehensive a) a first wireless radio transmitter that is fixedly located within a place of occupancy and represents a context of occupancy, b) a second wireless radio transmitter assigned to an item to be carried, c) a mobile application on a user's terminal device that evaluates entry and exit events of the two radio transmitters, characterized in that a notification about a missing item is triggered only when both the first radio transmitter and the second radio transmitter report an absence state.

Description

1. Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a mobile, event-based system for the automated verification of the presence of portable objects using wireless radio transmitters. In particular, the invention relates to a system in which the absence status of an object is determined exclusively by the combined evaluation of several radio events, wherein a first radio transmitter defines a location context and a second radio transmitter is assigned to an object to be carried.

[0002] The invention is particularly suitable for reminding people to carry critical everyday items, such as emergency or long-term medical medications, keys, wallets or similar items, the failure to carry which can have undesirable consequences when leaving a place of residence. 2. State of the art

[0003] Several systems for remembering forgotten items are known in the current state of the art; these are based on wireless trackers that transmit radio signals via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). Among the best-known examples are systems such as Apple AirTag, Samsung SmartTag, and Tile Tracker. Apple (AirTag / “Notify When Left Behind”)

[0004] Apple systems primarily detect a left-behind item through a combination of location changes of the mobile device and the absence of BLE signals from the tracker. The operating system activates the corresponding application in brief background windows ("Wake Events"), for example, when leaving a known location or during significant location changes.

[0005] If no radio signal from the tracker is received in several consecutive activation windows, it is inferred that the object is no longer nearby, whereupon a notification is triggered.

[0006] Because the BLE transmission intervals of the trackers vary to save energy and background activations are time-limited, there may be a delay of several minutes between actually leaving an item behind and triggering the alert. Samsung (SmartTag / SmartThings Find)

[0007] Samsung follows a similar principle. Here, too, the detection of a forgotten item is based on the interruption of the radio connection between the tracker and the device, combined with leaving a defined area.

[0008] The decision to trigger an alert is made when the tracker cannot be reached for a certain period of time. To prevent false alarms, time thresholds and repeat checks are used, which often results in alerts being issued only after a certain delay. Tile (Smart Alerts)

[0009] Tile systems predominantly use geofencing-based approaches. If the mobile device leaves a previously defined area (e.g., "home"), the application checks whether an assigned tracker is still reachable via BLE.

[0010] If the radio signal is lost, a notification is generated after a predefined period. Here too, the detection logic is primarily designed for the absence of a single radio signal and does not react immediately upon leaving the location. 3. Object of the invention

[0011] In light of the described prior art, the object of the invention is to provide a system for detecting an uncarried item that enables a reliable and timely decision when leaving a location without relying on time-delayed multiple checks.

[0012] In particular, it should be avoided that brief radio interruptions, shielding within buildings, or spatial movements within a occupied area lead to false alarms. At the same time, a warning should be triggered not minutes after the person has actually been left behind, but in immediate temporal connection with leaving the location.

[0013] The object of the invention is further to provide a decision logic that is not solely based on the absence state of a single tracker, but explicitly takes into account the spatial context of the user. For this purpose, a user's area of ​​presence is to be technically mapped by a separate, stationary radio transmitter, so that the leaving behind of an object is only recognized if the user has actually left the area of ​​presence.

[0014] Furthermore, the system should be designed to be compatible with the limitations of modern mobile operating systems. Specifically, on iOS devices, application activation should be exclusively event-driven via iBeacon entry and exit events, without the use of foreground services or continuous background scans. Time-based activation conditions and the selection of monitored objects should be controlled solely via a calendar- and function-based system.

[0015] For Android devices, continuous monitoring via a foreground service is to be provided as an alternative, whereby the functionality of the application can be additionally secured via a heartbeat mechanism without changing the basic decision logic. 4. Solution to the task

[0016] The problem is solved according to the invention by a system that uses a combined state evaluation of several wireless radio transmitters and makes a decision about forgetting an object exclusively on an event-based basis. 4.1 Basic principle of the system

[0017] The system includes: • a first wireless radio transmitter (context transmitter) that is permanently located within a habitation area and technically represents it, • a second wireless radio transmitter (object transmitter) assigned to an item to be carried, as well as • a mobile application on a user's device.

[0018] The first radio transmitter serves to map the spatial context, in particular a living area such as an apartment. The second radio transmitter serves to map the presence of a specific object. Both radio transmitters each send out unique identifiers, which are monitored by the mobile application. 4.2 Combined State Logic

[0019] According to the invention, a notification about a forgotten item is not triggered solely by the absence of the object sender.

[0020] Rather, a decision is only made if both of the following conditions are met simultaneously: • The context sender reports an absence state (exit event), and • The object sender also reports an absence state (exit event).

[0021] The absence of the object sender while the context sender is present explicitly does not trigger any action. This prevents brief interruptions in communication or movements within the area of ​​presence from being interpreted as forgetting.

[0022] This combined state logic allows the forgetting of an object to be recognized context-dependently, namely only when the actual leaving of the area of ​​residence is observed. 4.3 Implementation on iOS devices

[0023] In a preferred embodiment for iOS devices, the activation of the mobile application takes place exclusively via iBeacon region monitoring.

[0024] The application only evaluates entry and exit events from the two radio transmitters. Continuous radio monitoring, a foreground service, or permanent BLE scans are not provided.

[0025] The decision logic is only activated when a relevant exit event from the context sender is detected. At that moment, it is checked whether the object sender is also reporting an absence state. The decision is event-driven and made promptly in connection with leaving the area of ​​presence.

[0026] Additionally, the activation of the decision logic can be time-restricted. The application manages calendar-based time windows during which monitoring is active. Furthermore, it can be defined which object senders should be considered at which times. Outside of these time windows, the system remains passive. 4.4 Alternative implementation on Android devices

[0027] In an alternative embodiment for Android devices, the mobile application can be continuously operated via a foreground service. This embodiment can also include a server-based heartbeat mechanism to monitor the application's functionality.

[0028] The fundamental decision logic remains the same: A notification is only triggered if both the context sender and the object sender report an absence status. The different technical implementation serves only to adapt to the operating system-specific framework. 4.5 Technical Effect

[0029] The solution according to the invention achieves the following: • False alarms caused by brief radio interruptions within buildings can be avoided, • a decision can be made without delay precisely upon leaving the waiting area, • the system and energy load of the terminal device is minimized, and • the solution is fully compatible with the background restrictions of modern operating systems. 5. System Overview

[0030] The system according to the invention consists of a mobile application on a user's terminal device and at least two wireless radio transmitters, each of which performs different functions within the decision logic. 5.1 Mobile Application

[0031] The mobile application is installed on a portable device, especially a smartphone, and handles the evaluation of events provided by the radio transmitters and the decision on whether to trigger a notification.

[0032] The application makes its decisions solely based on the entry and exit states of the radio transmitters. Continuous radio monitoring or permanent background activity is not required.

[0033] Additionally, the application manages time-based activation conditions in the form of calendar-based time windows. Within these time windows, the decision logic is active; outside of these time windows, the system remains passive. Furthermore, the application can specify which object senders should be considered within a particular time window. 5.2 Context transmitter (first radio transmitter)

[0034] The first radio transmitter is permanently installed within a residential area and serves to technically represent this area. In particular, it represents a residential context such as an apartment or a comparable regularly used location.

[0035] The context transmitter sends out a unique identifier that the mobile device uses to recognize entry and exit events within the user's area. The context transmitter is configured so that its detection range essentially corresponds to the user's area. 5.3 Object transmitter (second radio transmitter)

[0036] The second radio transmitter is assigned to a portable item that the user is to carry with them. This item transmitter also sends out a unique identifier, which the mobile application uses to determine whether the item is present or absent.

[0037] The evaluation of the object sender does not occur continuously, but exclusively in connection with event-based activations of the application, especially in the case of an exit event of the context sender. 5.4 Interaction of system components

[0038] The mobile application monitors the entry and exit states of the context sender and the object sender and performs a combined state evaluation. A notification is only triggered if both the context sender and the object sender report an absence state.

[0039] If the object transmitter is absent while the context transmitter is present, no action is triggered. This interaction ensures that movements within a user's area or brief interruptions in radio transmission do not lead to false alarms. 5.5 Platform-dependent embodiments

[0040] On iOS devices, the application is activated exclusively via iBeacon region monitoring. The application is only awakened by entry and exit events and executes its decision logic solely during these event-based activation phases.

[0041] On Android devices, the application can alternatively be run via a foreground service. In this implementation, a server-based heartbeat mechanism can also be provided to monitor the application's functionality. The decision logic itself remains identical across platforms. 6. Types of Design / Operating Modes

[0042] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below. The parameters given serve to illustrate the technical mode of operation and do not limit the scope of protection of the invention. 6.1 Preferred embodiment of the context sender

[0043] The first radio transmitter (context transmitter) is permanently located within a living area, in particular within an apartment or a comparable regularly used place.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the context transmitter sends its radio signals at a very short transmission interval, preferably in the range of approximately 100 milliseconds or less. This short interval enables entry and exit events to be detected with high temporal resolution.

[0045] This has the technical effect that brief periods of radio interference or user movement within the occupied area, for example between individual rooms, are still highly likely to be recognized as presence. False triggers of an exit event within the occupied area are thus significantly reduced.

[0046] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the transmission power of the context transmitter is adjustable. The effective range can be individually adapted to the size and structural characteristics of the area occupied, for example, small, medium, or large apartments. This adjustment ensures that the detection range of the context transmitter essentially corresponds to the actual area occupied. 6.2 Preferred embodiment of the object transmitter

[0047] The second radio transmitter (object transmitter) is assigned to a portable item that the user is to carry with them.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the object transmitter sends its radio signals at a power-saving transmission interval, preferably in the range of one to two seconds. The longer interval reduces the energy consumption of the object transmitter and enables a long battery life.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the transmission power of the object transmitter is selected such that it covers only a limited short-range area. This ensures that the object transmitter is essentially only received when the object is in the immediate vicinity of the user, for example, on the body or in a bag.

[0050] The limited range prevents an object from being recognized as being carried when it is already in another room or at a distant location within the area of ​​occupancy. 6.3 Interaction of the embodiments

[0051] The interplay of a fast-transmitting context transmitter with adjustable range and a power-saving object transmitter with limited near range results in a particularly reliable decision logic.

[0052] The context transmitter reliably determines whether the user is still within the designated area or has left it. Simultaneously, the object transmitter allows for a clear presence check of an object in the user's immediate vicinity.

[0053] The combined absence decision is only triggered when the area where the user is staying is actually left and the object transmitter is no longer received.

[0054] In this way, false alarms caused by movements within the area of ​​residence are avoided, while at the same time enabling quick and context-dependent detection of a forgotten item. 6.4 Time- and function-based activation

[0055] In another preferred embodiment, the decision logic is time-limited. The mobile application manages calendar-based time windows within which monitoring is active. Outside of these time windows, the system remains passive.

[0056] Additionally, it's possible to specify which object transmitters should be considered within a particular time window. This allows the system to be adapted to different daily routines without altering the underlying technical decision logic. 6.5 Platform-dependent implementation

[0057] On iOS devices, the states of the context sender and the object sender are evaluated exclusively via iBeacon region entry and exit events. The application is only activated based on these events.

[0058] On Android devices, monitoring can alternatively be performed via a foreground service. In this implementation, a server-based heartbeat mechanism can also be provided to ensure the application's functionality. The described transmission intervals and ranges of the radio transmitters remain unaffected. 7. Sample processes

[0059] The following describes exemplary processes of the solution according to the invention. The scenarios presented serve to illustrate the functionality and do not represent a limitation of the scope of protection. 7.1 Leaving a designated area without an item

[0060] The user is located within a defined area, which is technically represented by the context transmitter. The object transmitter is assigned to an item being carried within this area.

[0061] When the user leaves the designated area, the mobile device detects an exit event from the context sender. The mobile application is then activated based on this event and checks the state of the object sender.

[0062] If it is detected that the object sender is also in an absence state, the application triggers a notification informing the user that the item is not being carried.

[0063] The notification is sent promptly in connection with leaving the area, so that the user has the opportunity to return to the item immediately. 7.2 Leaving a designated area with a carried item

[0064] The user leaves the area while the object associated with the object transmitter is in the immediate vicinity of the user.

[0065] The mobile application is activated upon the exit event of the context sender. The object sender continues to be received, so no absence state is detected.

[0066] Since only an exit event from the context sender occurs and the object sender is still recognized as present, no notification is sent. The system then returns to a passive state. 7.3 Movement within the waiting area

[0067] The user moves within the living area, for example between different rooms of an apartment. The object transmitter is located in a different room than the user.

[0068] Due to the short transmission interval and the adjusted range of the context transmitter, the presence status of the area is still detected. Even if the object transmitter is temporarily not received, this does not result in a notification, as the context transmitter does not report an absence status.

[0069] The combined state logic prevents movements within the area of ​​residence or brief periods of radio interference from being interpreted as the object being forgotten. 7.4 Temporarily deactivated monitoring

[0070] In another example scenario, monitoring is disabled for a specific period via calendar-based settings.

[0071] If the user leaves the designated area outside the defined time windows, the application remains passive. No evaluation of the radio transmitter states is performed, and no notification is sent, even if the transmitter indicates that the user is absent.

[0072] In this way, the system can be specifically adapted to the user's daily routine without changing the technical decision logic. 7.5 Selection of different object transmitters per time window

[0073] In another example process, there are several object senders that are assigned to different objects.

[0074] For each time window, it is defined which object transmitters should be considered. If the user leaves the designated area, only the status of the object transmitters active for the current time window is evaluated.

[0075] Inactive object transmitters are ignored and do not result in any notification. 7.6 Platform-dependent process

[0076] On iOS devices, the mobile application is activated exclusively by iBeacon entry and exit events. The described processes are entirely event-driven, without any continuous background activity.

[0077] On Android devices, the application can alternatively be run via a foreground service. The decision logic and the described processes remain identical, but differ in the technical implementation of the activation. 8. Advantages of the invention

[0078] The solution according to the invention has a number of technical advantages over known systems for remembering forgotten objects.

[0079] A key advantage is that notifications are not solely based on the absence of a single radio transmitter, but rather on the combined evaluation of a context-defining transmitter and an object-related transmitter. This avoids false alarms that can arise from brief radio interruptions, shielding, or movement within a occupied area.

[0080] Another advantage is the timely detection when leaving a designated area. The decision regarding whether an item has been left behind is made immediately in connection with the exit event of the context sender, and not only after multiple, time-delayed checks. This provides the user with early feedback and allows them to react immediately.

[0081] The solution according to the invention does not require continuous radio monitoring or permanent background activity. In particular, on iOS devices, the application is activated exclusively based on events triggered by iBeacon entry and exit events. This results in low system and energy load and ensures high compatibility with the background restrictions of modern operating systems.

[0082] The different designs of the radio transmitters ensure high reliability. The context transmitter can operate with a short transmission interval and adjusted range, enabling stable entry and exit detection within buildings. The object transmitter, on the other hand, can be operated in a power-saving manner with a limited range, allowing for unambiguous presence detection in the immediate vicinity.

[0083] Another advantage lies in the flexible timing of the decision logic. Calendar-based activation periods and the selection of active object senders allow the system to be adapted to different daily routines without requiring changes to the underlying technical logic. Unnecessary notifications outside of relevant time periods are avoided.

[0084] The solution according to the invention is also cross-platform compatible. While a purely event-based implementation is provided for iOS devices, continuous monitoring via a foreground service is an alternative option for Android devices. The fundamental decision logic remains unchanged.

[0085] Overall, the invention enables deterministic, low-false-alarm and energy-efficient detection of forgotten objects, which is particularly suitable for everyday use. 9. Industrial Applicability

[0086] The solution according to the invention is industrially applicable and can be implemented directly with commercially available components. The system can be implemented using standard wireless transmitters and mobile devices and requires no special or proprietary hardware.

[0087] The invention is particularly suitable for use in mass-produced consumer goods, for example, as a reminder to carry personal everyday items. Furthermore, the solution is also suitable for professional applications, such as in healthcare, supply, or organizational settings, where reliably carrying certain items is important.

[0088] The system's modular design allows for easy adaptation to different usage scenarios, apartment sizes, and platforms. Thanks to its platform-dependent implementation on iOS and Android devices, the invention can be used in existing mobile ecosystems without fundamental infrastructure changes.

[0089] The invention is therefore suitable for industrial production, distribution and permanent practical use.

Claims

[1] System for automated carry-on screening of portable items, comprising a) a first wireless radio transmitter that is fixedly located within a place of occupancy and represents a context of occupancy, b) a second wireless radio transmitter assigned to an item to be carried, c) a mobile application on a user's terminal device that evaluates entry and exit events of the two radio transmitters, characterized by , that a notification about a missing item is only triggered if both the first radio transmitter and the second radio transmitter report an absence status. [2] System according to claim 1, characterized by , that an absence state of the second radio transmitter, while the first radio transmitter is present, does not trigger a notification. [3] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the first radio transmitter represents a place of residence, in particular a dwelling or a regularly used place. [4] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the mobile application on iOS devices is activated exclusively through iBeacon region entry and exit events. [5] System according to claim 4, characterized by that the mobile application is operated on iOS devices without continuous radio monitoring, without foreground service and without permanent background scans. [6] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first radio transmitter is operated with a short transmission interval, preferably in the range of less than 200 milliseconds, to enable stable entry and exit events inside buildings. [7] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the transmission power of the first radio transmitter can be adjusted to the size or structural conditions of the area where the user is staying. [8] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the second radio transmitter is operated with a power-saving transmission interval, preferably in the range of one to two seconds. [9] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the range of the second radio transmitter is limited to a short area, so that the radio transmitter is essentially only received when in close proximity to the user. [10] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the mobile application manages calendar-based time windows within which the decision logic is active. [11] System according to claim 10, characterized by , that different second radio transmitters are taken into account for different time windows. [12] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the mobile application on Android devices is operated via a foreground service. [13] System according to claim 12, characterized by , that a server-based heartbeat mechanism is also provided to monitor the functionality of the mobile application. [14] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the decision to trigger a notification is based solely on the reception or non-reception of the radio signals from the radio transmitters, without determining the distance using RSSI values.