Embedded Bluetooth Module for Eyeglass Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
People often struggle to locate items like eyeglasses, which are frequently removed and misplaced, leading to anxiety and inefficiency in finding them when needed, and existing tracking solutions are cumbersome or ineffective.
Innovation Solution
Embedding a Bluetooth module into eyeglass frames or other items allows for wireless communication with a smartphone app, which emits a 'heartbeat' signal and triggers alerts and GPS location determination when the item is left behind, ensuring the user can retrieve it before leaving its vicinity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an external holder or pouch containing a RFID tag is attached to the eyeglasses, then the capability to locate the glasses is improved, but the device becomes cumbersome and alters the look and comfort of the frames
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tracking functionality directly into the eyeglass frame by embedding a RFID tag within the frame structure itself, rather than attaching an external holder or pouch. This integration eliminates the need for separate external components while maintaining location tracking capability, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag is nested within the eyeglass frame structure, embedded in a manner that is not visually apparent and does not interfere with the frame's appearance or comfort. This nesting approach allows the tracking device to be contained within the existing frame geometry, avoiding the need for external attachments.
2Loss of information
If a RFID tag is attached to the eyeglasses, then the glasses can be located when in range of the emitted signal, but once out of range there is no easy and reliable way of knowing where the glasses were left
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the mobile device automatically record the location of the eyeglasses via GPS when the RFID signal is last detected. This pre-recording of location information ensures that even when the glasses are out of range, the user can retrieve the stored location data to determine where the glasses were left, eliminating the limitation of real-time signal dependency.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the RFID tag and the user. It continuously monitors the RFID signal, tracks the eyeglasses' location using GPS, and stores this information for later retrieval. This intermediary system ensures that location information is preserved and accessible even when the glasses are out of direct signal range.
3Ease of operation
If Bluetooth module is embedded into the eyeglass frame, then the tracking technology is integrated seamlessly, but the device complexity increases due to embedding requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tracking system into two distinct components: a passive RFID tag embedded in the eyeglass frame and an active reader/processor in the mobile device. This segmentation allows the frame to remain relatively simple while the complex processing functions are offloaded to the mobile device, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining seamless user experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag in the eyeglass frame is designed to be passive and self-contained, requiring no power source or complex electronics within the frame itself. The tag simply emits its identification signal passively, while the mobile device provides all active processing, power, and communication functions. This self-service approach simplifies frame manufacturing while delivering integrated tracking functionality.
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
This solution provides a reliable and user-friendly method to prevent loss and easily locate misplaced items by integrating tracking technology seamlessly into the item, reducing anxiety and improving retrieval efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Embedding a Bluetooth module into eyeglass frames or other items allows for wireless communication with a smartphone app
Implementation Method 2
triggers alerts and GPS location determination when the item is left behind
Data Source
AI summary
A system, device and processes that can provide a user with a way to prevent the loss or misplacement of their eyeglass frames (or other item) in the situation in which the eyeglasses (or other item) has been taken off and placed on a table, or otherwise left behind, etc. Embodiments of the invention incorporate a wireless communications technology, such as a Bluetooth module or similar functional module that is embedded into the eyeglass frame during manufacture and is therefore an integral part of the frame. In the case of an item other than eyeglass frames, the Bluetooth module may be embedded into a clasp, link, setting, or a part of a device (such as a laptop computer).