Bluetooth Detection System for Automatic Time Recording
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing time recording systems face issues such as traffic jams at peak times due to limited distance between RFID/NFC transponders and terminals, and GPS tracking has disadvantages like dead spots, especially in areas with poor reception, while mobile phone-based systems face high power consumption challenges for continuous Bluetooth scanning.
Innovation Solution
A Bluetooth-based detection system with a registration unit and a tamper-proof Bluetooth tag that can be carried by individuals, using a unique identifier and Low Energy Bluetooth technology for efficient and continuous signal transmission, allowing for automatic recording of working hours and position determination within a Bluetooth-covered environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If RFID or NFC technology is used for time recording, then the detection range is limited to short distance, but this causes traffic jams at peak times in front of the terminal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from short-range detection (RFID/NFC) to long-range Bluetooth scanning, expanding the detection dimension from meters to tens of meters. This allows employees to be detected at multiple registration units simultaneously, eliminating the need to queue at a single terminal and resolving the traffic jam problem while maintaining accurate time recording.
2Adaptability or versatility
If GPS tracking is used for monitoring working hours, then position can be determined remotely, but the system fails in dead spots with poor reception
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces Bluetooth technology as an intermediary between the employee's device and the registration units. Unlike GPS that directly relies on satellite signals, Bluetooth uses local infrastructure (registration units with scanners) to detect employees. This intermediary approach ensures reliable detection indoors and in areas with poor satellite reception, while still enabling remote monitoring capabilities.
3Extent of automation
If mobile phone-based Bluetooth scanning is used for continuous detection, then position and time can be recorded, but power consumption becomes excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the mobile phone continuously scan for Bluetooth signals (which consumes high power), the patent inverts the approach: the registration units perform continuous scanning and waiting for incoming signals from employees' devices. This inversion shifts the active scanning function from the mobile phone to the fixed infrastructure, dramatically reducing power consumption while maintaining automatic time recording capability.
4Measurement precision
If multiple registration units are distributed in the environment, then position determination accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each registration unit universal by equipping them with identical Bluetooth scanning capabilities and processing units. All registration units perform the same functions (scanning for tags, recording time, determining position), which simplifies the overall system architecture compared to having specialized devices at different locations. This multi-functionality approach maintains high position determination accuracy while managing system complexity through standardization.
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 and accurate recording of working hours and position tracking with low power consumption, reducing traffic congestion and addressing dead spots, while allowing for seamless data exchange and authorization checks in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
a Bluetooth tag (1), which can be carried by the person to be detected... The Bluetooth tag can have a record with a unique identifier... The Bluetooth tag can preferably be matched to the registration unit... a signal can be sent, in particular comprising the data set, by the Bluetooth tag
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A method for the automatic recording of working time and/or location of a person in a given environment, comprising the following steps: a. Providing a Bluetooth-based identification system comprising at least one registration unit for positioning at the workplace and at least one Bluetooth tag, which can be worn by the person to be tracked, wherein the Bluetooth tag contains a data set with a unique identifier for identifying the person; b. Scanning the registration unit for a Bluetooth tag matched to the registration unit; c. Transmitting a signal, in particular comprising the data set, by the Bluetooth tag; d. Receiving the signal by the registration unit while simultaneously determining the time of reception by a time recording system of the registration unit and/or the position of the person, taking into account geographical data regarding the location of the registration unit; and a recognition system