Mobile RFID Reader for Real-Time Item Tracking and Ad Targeting

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing advertising methods lack the ability to effectively target and engage consumers based on their current items or potential purchases in real-time, as they rely on fixed RFID readers and do not account for items in motion.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing mobile devices with RFID readers to detect and transmit information from electronic tags on items in motion, allowing a server to select and display relevant advertisements on large displays oriented for viewing by the item owners, enabling real-time targeting of consumers based on their current possessions or considerations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed RFID readers are used for advertising, then the system structure is simple, but the ability to target consumers based on items in motion is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to target consumers based on items in motionVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from fixed RFID readers to mobile devices with RFID readers that move with consumers. This dynamic approach allows the system to track items in motion and deliver relevant advertisements based on what consumers are currently carrying or considering, thereby achieving the ability to target consumers based on items in motion while accepting increased system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If mobile devices with RFID readers are deployed, then real-time targeting of consumers is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereal-time targeting capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages mobile devices that consumers already carry and use for other purposes. By integrating RFID reader functionality into these universal devices, the system achieves real-time targeting capability without requiring consumers to carry dedicated tracking devices. This multi-functional approach increases productivity while managing device complexity by repurposing existing technology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Illumination intensity

If advertisements are displayed on large displays, then visibility to multiple consumers is improved, but the ability to provide personalized content decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadvertisement visibilityVSAvoidpersonalization capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the advertisement content displayed on large displays based on the specific items detected in proximity to each consumer. Instead of showing a single generic advertisement, the system divides the display content into personalized segments that reflect what each consumer is currently carrying or considering. This allows the display to maintain high visibility while providing personalized content to multiple consumers simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 system effectively reinforces brand loyalty and encourages purchases by displaying targeted advertisements to consumers carrying specific items, demonstrating increased engagement and potential sales by tracking subsequent visits to relevant locations.

Implementation Method 1

Electronic tags include radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags, which are objects that can be applied to or incorporated into an item, animal, or person for the purpose of identification using radio waves.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadio frequency identification: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8228196B1Displaying advertisements based on electronic tags
Publication Date: 2012.07.24 T MOBILE INNOVATIONS LLC
  • US8228196B1 patent drawing
  • US8228196B1 patent drawing
  • US8228196B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A system is provided for displaying advertisements based on electronic tags. The system includes a mobile device, a server, and a display. The mobile device reads information from a plurality of radio frequency identification tags associated with a plurality of items and transmits the information. The server receives the information, selects an advertisement based on the information, and transmits the selected advertisement. The display receives the selected advertisement and displays the selected advertisement.