Mobile Station Proximity Alert for Lost Item Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems fail to address the immediate notification of loss for small items, often resulting in misplacement or forgotten items like wallets or house keys, and require cumbersome dedicated devices that can also be lost.

Innovation Solution

A method and system using wireless devices with Bluetooth or RFID technology that monitor proximity by transmitting and receiving signals, alerting users when items move out of range, with a database to manage user identities and item locations, and allowing for cooperative monitoring between mobile stations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dedicated finder devices are used to track lost items, then item tracking capability is improved, but device complexity and likelihood of loss increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveitem tracking capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the item tracking function with the user's existing mobile device. The mobile device serves dual purposes: communication and item monitoring, eliminating the need for separate dedicated tracking devices. This merging approach reduces overall system complexity while maintaining tracking reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device is leveraged as a universal platform that performs multiple functions including communication, navigation, and item loss detection. By making the mobile device multi-functional for item tracking, the system avoids adding specialized hardware, thereby reducing device complexity while improving tracking capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If existing tracking systems are used, then item location can be determined, but immediate notification of loss is not provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveitem location accuracyVSAvoidtime delay in loss notification

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system establishes a predetermined monitoring arrangement before loss occurs. The mobile device continuously monitors item location and pre-configures alert conditions, enabling immediate notification when loss criteria are met without requiring post-loss analysis or delayed detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements real-time feedback through continuous monitoring of item location data. When the item exceeds predetermined boundaries or loses connection, the system immediately sends feedback alerts to the user, eliminating time delays associated with periodic checks or manual reporting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If wireless monitoring devices are deployed, then proximity monitoring is enabled, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproximity monitoring capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous monitoring, the system employs periodic wireless signals at intervals. The mobile device transmits location data and receives item status information at predetermined time intervals rather than maintaining constant communication, significantly reducing energy consumption while preserving monitoring reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The item monitoring function leverages the mobile device's existing wireless communications and processing capabilities rather than requiring dedicated powered monitoring hardware. The mobile device's battery already powers its communication functions, so adding monitoring capability does not proportionally increase energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 immediate notification of lost items, reducing the likelihood of misplacement and providing a user-friendly, non-cumbersome solution for tracking personal possessions, with the ability to alert users and potentially return lost items.

Implementation Method 1

monitoring for reception of a wireless signal from one or more wireless devices

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8872655B2System, method and network for monitoring of location of items

Publication Date: 2014.10.28 CELLWITCH

AI summary

A network for monitoring of location of items is provided, including a plurality of wireless devices, where each of the plurality of wireless devices is associated with a monitored item. Each of a plurality of mobile stations are associated with a respective user and configured to generate an alert when at least one respective wireless device of the plurality of wireless devices exceeds a location parameter. A processing system is in communication with the plurality of mobile stations, and the processing system includes a database that collects and stores data related to the plurality of wireless devices and the plurality of mobile stations.