Media Playback Mapping for Precise Lost Object Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for locating lost objects, such as audible tracking devices and manual checklists, lack precision and ease of use, leading to inefficiencies and frustration in finding misplaced items within homes or workplaces, particularly affecting vulnerable populations.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing media-playback devices configured with maps to locate objects via Bluetooth, ultra-wideband, or WiFi signals, employing techniques like time of flight, angle of arrival, and fingerprinting to accurately render the position of tagged items on a map.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional visual inspection methods are used to search for lost items, then no additional equipment is required, but the search process becomes time-consuming and ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated electronic system that uses media-playback devices equipped with sensors and processors to automatically detect, track, and locate objects within a structure, substituting mechanical human search efforts with electronic automation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces media-playback devices as intermediary components between the lost objects and the user, where these devices act as mediators that detect object locations and communicate this information through a graphical user interface, eliminating the need for direct visual inspection
2Measurement precision
If audible tracking devices or manual checklists are used to locate lost objects, then the system complexity remains low, but the measurement precision and reliability of locating objects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes media-playback devices multi-functional by equipping them with both their original media playback capabilities and additional object detection and tracking functions, allowing a single device to serve multiple purposes and reducing the need for separate dedicated tracking devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions including object detection sensors, wireless communication modules, graphical interface rendering, and media playback capabilities into a single integrated media-playback device, merging previously separate systems into one unified device
3Reliability
If existing audible tracking devices are used to find lost items, then the ease of use is moderate, but the precision and reliability of pinpointing object locations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses media-playback devices as intermediaries that automatically perform the complex task of object detection and location calculation, presenting the results through an intuitive graphical interface that shows object positions on a map of the structure, making the system both reliable and easy to use
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors object locations and provides real-time updates to the user through the graphical user interface, allowing users to see the current position of lost objects and track their movement throughout the structure
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 precise and efficient location of lost objects, reducing time spent searching and alleviating stress by providing accurate mapping and tracking of items within confined spaces.
Implementation Method 1
The device transmits a Bluetooth or ultra-wideband (UWB) signal received by the media-playback device and useable to detect the second location of the device in the structure
Implementation Method 2
The media-playback device uses a time of flight and an angle of arrival of an ultra-wideband signal to detect the second location of the device in the structure
Implementation Method 3
The media-playback device uses a time of flight and an angle of arrival of an ultra-wideband signal to detect the second location of the device in the structure
Implementation Method 4
The media-playback device uses a direction finding (DF) capability of a Bluetooth protocol to detect the second location of the device in the structure
Implementation Method 5
The device transmits a WiFi signal received by the media-playback device and useable to detect the second location of the device in the structure
Data Source
AI summary
One example of an automated process for locating objects can include configuring a media-playback device with a map. A first position of the media-playback device can be located on the map to reflect a first location of the media-playback device in a structure corresponding to the map. The media-playback device may detect a second location of a device in the structure. The media-playback device may render a second position of the device on the map to reflect the second location of the device in the structure. Other examples and related methods, devices, systems, and articles are also disclosed herein.