Key Locator GPS Tag With On-Demand Mobile Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locator devices fail to provide a convenient and efficient method for locating keys or mobile devices using a mobile phone, lacking the ability to attach to keys and provide location guidance or emit alarms.
Innovation Solution
A locator device with a housing containing a processor, transceiver, and GPS module that communicates wirelessly with a mobile device, allowing location data transmission and navigation assistance, along with visual and auditory alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locator device is attached to keys or a keyring, then the ability to locate lost keys is improved, but the device complexity increases due to incorporating processor, transceiver, and GPS module
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (GPS location tracking, wireless communication via transceiver, and mobile device integration) into a single locator device that attaches to keys. This merging of functions resolves the contradiction by creating an integrated solution that provides reliable location tracking while consolidating components into one attachable unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The locator device is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a key attachment and a location tracking system with GPS and wireless communication capabilities. This universal design allows the device to perform multiple functions (locating keys, providing navigation guidance, sending alerts) thereby improving reliability while justifying the integrated complexity through versatile functionality.
2Ease of operation
If location data transmission and navigation guidance features are added, then user convenience is improved, but the use of energy increases due to continuous GPS and wireless communication operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by transmitting location data only when triggered by a location request signal from the mobile computing device, rather than continuously broadcasting. The GPS module and transceiver operate intermittently based on user demand, which maintains user convenience through on-demand location services while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locator device enables self-service operation where the mobile computing device initiates location requests and receives location data autonomously. The system provides navigation guidance and location information only when needed, allowing the user to control energy consumption by requesting location data only when necessary, thus balancing convenience with energy efficiency.
3Reliability
If visual and auditory alert indicators are incorporated, then the ability to alert users to device presence is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges visual (LED indicator) and auditory (speaker/buzzer) alert functions into a single integrated locator device. This combination resolves the manufacturing challenge by consolidating multiple alert mechanisms into one unit that attaches to keys, providing reliable multi-sensory alerts while maintaining ease of manufacture through integrated component design rather than separate devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A locator device for alternately locating keys and a mobile computing device includes a housing which houses a processor, a transceiver, and a Global Positioning System (GPS) module. The processor is operatively couped to the transceiver and the GPS module. The processor is configured to communicate wirelessly with a mobile computing device via the transceiver. The GPS module is configured to determine location data for the locator device, and the processor is programmed to transmit the location data to the mobile computing device upon receiving a location request signal from the mobile computing device. The location data may be shown by the mobile computing device in the form of an indicator icon on a map and a route which directs a user to the locator device.