Dynamic Ownership Tagging for Lost Goods via Digital Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems struggle to identify and contact the owners of lost or found physical goods due to lack of identifiable information, raising data protection concerns.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic system that uses a machine-readable license plate registered in a database, allowing owners to manage their information via a mobile interface, and enables finders to contact owners through a digital service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional Lost and Found offices are used to deposit items, then items can be stored for collection by owners, but owners become unidentifiable and impossible to contact
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments owner information into two parts: a public identifier (license plate number) that can be freely shared and scanned, and private contact information that remains protected in the database. This segmentation allows the item to be identified and traced while the owner's personal data remains secure and controlled.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a digital intermediary system consisting of a database and scanning interface that mediates between the found item and the owner. The scanner reads the license plate number and the system automatically retrieves and transmits owner contact information, eliminating the need for direct owner identification by the finder.
2Ease of operation
If owner information is made publicly accessible to enable contact, then finders can contact owners, but data protection concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a database as an intermediary that stores owner contact information securely. When a finder scans the license plate, the database automatically retrieves and transmits the contact information without exposing the entire owner database to public access, thus enabling contact while maintaining data protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows owners to self-manage their registered information in the database, controlling what data is stored and how it is accessed. This self-service capability empowers owners to protect their data while ensuring the necessary contact information is available when needed.
3Device complexity
If a simple identification system is used, then the system is easy to implement, but multiple IDs and account management become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal account system where a single user account can manage multiple license plate numbers and associated items. The database structure is designed to handle multiple IDs per owner, enabling versatile item management while maintaining a relatively simple interface for the user.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for dynamically providing ownership information for a physical good, enabling finders to identify the owner and contact them. The method allows the owner to provide their own information and maintains control over their data at all times. The invention further relates to a correspondingly designed system arrangement. A computer program product with control commands is also proposed, which implements the proposed method and/or operates the proposed device and arrangement.