Motion-Triggered Item Tracking Reader for Missing Object Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic tracking systems do not provide proactive notifications when a user is about to leave a location without a particular item, leading to the need for retroactive monitoring and potential loss of items.
Innovation Solution
A personal item tracking system using short-range wireless communication technology and wireless tags to notify users if they are not in possession of essential items when they are about to leave a location, employing a reader placed in designated containers to detect tags and trigger notifications when the user is in motion and approaching a predetermined threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the reader continuously scans for tags, then the reliability of detecting missing items is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reader performs periodic scanning at predetermined time intervals rather than continuous scanning. The controller activates the reader to scan for tags at specific intervals, reducing energy consumption while maintaining adequate detection reliability for the application scenario where users are leaving locations.
2Loss of time
If the reader scans frequently, then the notification timeliness is improved, but the false alarm rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary scanning at predetermined time intervals before the user definitely leaves the location. By scanning at strategically chosen intervals rather than continuously or only at departure moments, the system provides timely notifications while reducing unnecessary scans that could trigger false alarms.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple readers are deployed, then the coverage area is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring area is segmented into multiple zones, each covered by a separate reader. Each reader is responsible for scanning tags within its specific coverage area, and the controller coordinates scans across multiple readers. This segmentation allows expanded coverage while managing complexity through modular, independent reader units.
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
The system effectively reduces the likelihood of leaving without necessary items by providing timely notifications, minimizing unnecessary alerts and conserving energy through targeted scanning based on motion detection.
Implementation Method 1
a reader using at least one short-range wireless communication protocol to communicate with the tracking device
Implementation Method 2
upon a motion detector indicating that the reader has moved from a still position to a moving position and has a motion attribute that satisfies a threshold
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for notifying users regarding a status of various tracked items. A system for generating these notifications comprises a tracking device, having a unique identifier, using a short-range wireless communication protocol to communicate its location; and a mobile device comprising a motion detector configured to identify/monitor movements of the mobile device; and a reader using a short-range wireless communication protocol to communicate with the tracking device. Upon receiving an indication, from the motion detector, that the mobile device has a motion that satisfies a threshold, the reader identifies one or more tracking devices within the predetermined distance from the mobile device, wherein when the reader determines that the tracking device is not within the predetermined distance and the unique identifier of the tracking device is associated with the mobile device, the mobile device outputs a notification.