Bluetooth Low Energy Tag Tracking with Platform Notifications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for locating lost objects are hindered by high power requirements, expensive remote call centers, and inconvenient methods of use, making it difficult to efficiently track and recover tagged items.
Innovation Solution
A system that tags objects with tracking devices, allowing a software application on communications devices to collect location data and send platform notifications when an object is lost, featuring user-defined locations and points of interest for easier retrieval, using Bluetooth low energy tags and GPS for location determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automated systems are used to locate lost objects, then object tracking capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) tags with objects and leverages the mobile device's existing GPS and communication capabilities to track and notify about lost objects. This merging approach allows the system to achieve reliable object tracking without requiring dedicated high-power tracking hardware, thus reducing overall power consumption while maintaining tracking reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the mobile device's own resources (GPS, processor, communication modules) to perform tracking and notification functions. Instead of requiring separate powered tracking devices, the mobile device serves itself by utilizing its existing capabilities to monitor tagged objects and send notifications when objects are lost or found.
2Reliability
If remote call centers are used for object location, then object recovery capability is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to independently locate and recover lost objects through automated notifications sent to their mobile devices. When an object is lost or found, the system automatically generates and sends location information to the user, eliminating the need for expensive remote call centers and manual intervention while maintaining effective object recovery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated feedback loops where location data from tagged objects is continuously monitored, and notifications are automatically sent to users when objects are lost or found. This automated feedback mechanism replaces manual call center operations, reducing system complexity and cost while preserving object recovery effectiveness.
3Device complexity
If traditional search methods are used, then system complexity is reduced, but time to locate object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary tracking and monitoring of objects before they are lost. By continuously recording location data and establishing baseline information about where objects should be, the system can quickly generate notifications with accurate location information when objects are lost, dramatically reducing the time to locate them compared to traditional random search methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate feedback to users when objects are lost or found through automated notifications containing location information. This real-time feedback eliminates the need for time-consuming manual searches while keeping system complexity low by using simple notification mechanisms through existing mobile device channels.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient tracking and recovery of lost objects by providing platform notifications with suggested directions, reducing the complexity and cost associated with existing systems while improving user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
using Bluetooth low energy tags and GPS for location determination
Implementation Method 2
using Bluetooth low energy tags and GPS for location determination
Data Source
AI summary
A system may include a platform manager device including a memory and a platform application installed thereon. The platform application may be configured to cause the platform manager device to identify a last known location of a tracked device according to a detection of a disconnection of the tracked device due to lack of receipt of presence indications; identify an owner communications device, among a plurality of communications devices, to receive a platform notification message indicative of the disconnection of the tracked device according to device associations of the tracked device and the communications devices; and send the platform notification message to the identified owner communications device informing of the detected disconnection.