Acoustic Wave Tags for Non-Visual Item Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical labels, such as barcodes and QR codes, are impractical in situations where they cannot be seen, are inconvenient to read, or require multiple attempts due to distance, clarity issues, temporary displays, simultaneous scanning by multiple devices, or inaccessibility to all readers, and are not designed for remote scanning or non-optical detection.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of non-printable synthetic standardized identifier tags, referred to as wave tags, which use mechanical and electromechanical waves like sound and light to represent items or actions, allowing for detection by devices without the need for visual scanning, and can be designed for public or private use with unique wave patterns and fingerprinting for accurate recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If optical labels such as barcodes and QR codes are used to represent items, then information can be encoded and read, but they become impractical when not visible, require visual scanning, and are inconvenient to read from a distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical label systems with acoustic wave-based identification. Instead of using visual barcodes or QR codes that require optical scanning, the system uses sound waves encoded with item information that can be detected by acoustic sensors. This substitution enables identification in scenarios where visual access is unavailable or impractical, such as when items are obscured, at great distances, or when non-visual detection is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional optical codes to three-dimensional acoustic wave patterns. The identification information is encoded in the temporal and frequency dimensions of sound waves rather than spatial patterns. This dimensional transformation allows the system to operate independently of visual line-of-sight requirements, enabling detection through acoustic fields that can penetrate obstacles and reach distant locations.
2Reliability
If optical labels are used for identification, then items can be identified, but multiple attempts are required due to distance, clarity issues, and temporary displays
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic wave-based system eliminates the need for multiple visual scanning attempts. Sound waves can be detected through acoustic sensors that are less susceptible to distance and clarity limitations compared to optical scanners. The wave patterns can be captured and processed even when the source is distant or temporarily obscured, providing more reliable and faster identification with fewer attempts required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical labels are used, then identification can be performed, but they are not designed for remote scanning or non-optical detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs acoustic wave encoding and detection, which naturally supports remote and non-optical detection capabilities. Acoustic sensors can detect sound waves from a distance without requiring line-of-sight visual access. The system uses sound wave patterns that can be transmitted through air or other media, enabling detection in scenarios where optical labels would be ineffective, such as underwater, in dark environments, or when items are concealed.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of identifying data items by wave blocks, each wave block comprising a set of unique features distinguishable from the unique features of other wave blocks. The unique features of the wave blocks are extracted and stored. A plurality of wave tags are defined, each comprising a set wave blocks. A mapping of the set of wave blocks to each wave tag is stored. A request for a wave tag to identify a data item is received and a wave tag is assigned to the data item. The wave tag is broadcasted and is captured by a capturing device, which extracts the unique features of the wave blocks. The wave tag is identified by comparing the extracted features of the wave blocks with the stored features of the plurality of wave blocks. The data item is identified from the mapping of the data item to the wave tag.