Augmented Reality System for Real-Time Possession Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
People, especially those with memory issues like dementia, frequently lose possessions when leaving public places, leading to inconvenience and potential cost, as existing technologies do not effectively track or remind users of their belongings in real-time.
Innovation Solution
An augmented reality (AR) system that includes sensors to generate environmental data, a user interface for outputting information, and memory to store object association and location data, allowing it to determine and update the location of user objects and alert the user via the interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional methods are used to track possessions, then device complexity is low, but reliability of tracking is insufficient and users frequently lose possessions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single AR device: possession tracking, location monitoring, and augmented reality display. The system merges the tracker, sensors, and user interface into one integrated device that users wear or carry, eliminating the need for separate tracking devices and improving reliability while managing complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The AR device acts as an intermediary between the user and their possessions. It continuously monitors possession locations and provides real-time feedback through the augmented reality interface, mediating the user's awareness of their belongings and preventing loss through proactive notifications when items are left behind.
2Reliability
If real-time tracking of possessions is implemented, then loss prevention effectiveness is improved, but use of energy increases due to continuous monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic monitoring rather than continuous high-power operation. Sensors take measurements at intervals, and the processor updates possession locations periodically, reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective tracking. The AR interface refreshes at manageable intervals to provide real-time awareness without constant high-energy operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts monitoring parameters based on context. When the user is stationary or in low-risk environments, monitoring intensity is reduced. When movement is detected or in high-risk situations, the system increases monitoring frequency and alert responsiveness, optimizing energy usage while maintaining loss prevention effectiveness.
3Loss of information
If AR interface provides continuous location information, then user awareness of possessions is improved, but information processing load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The AR interface provides location information selectively based on user needs and context. Instead of displaying all possession locations continuously, the system highlights only relevant information - such as possessions near the user, recently used items, or objects that require attention. This localized information delivery reduces processing load while maintaining user awareness of critical possession locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides partial information updates rather than complete continuous tracking displays. It shows possession locations at key moments and transitions, providing sufficient awareness without overwhelming the user or processor. The AR interface updates possession information at manageable intervals, delivering adequate awareness with reduced computational burden.
Data Source
AI summary
An AR system includes a user interface, one or more sensors arranged to generate sensor data representing part of an environment in which a user of the AR system is located, and a memory. The memory is arranged to store object association data associating the user with one or more objects in the environment, and object location data indicating a respective location of each of the one or more objects. The AR system is arranged to determine a position of the user; determine an updated location of one of the one or more objects in dependence on the generated sensor data and the determined position of the user, update the stored object location data to indicate the determined updated location of said one of the one or more objects, and output information depending on the updated location of said one of the one or more objects via the user interface.