NFC Item Tracking Using RFID Distance Detection

Solution Overview

Problem

People frequently lose or misplace items like keys, wallets, and other valuables due to forgetfulness or accidental leaving them behind, necessitating a system for tracking and monitoring these items.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a computing device with near-field communication (NFC) and radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags to track items, allowing for identification and location determination via radio frequency signals, with features like alarm generation when items move beyond a predetermined range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual tracking methods are used, then device complexity is low, but reliability of item tracking deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking methods with an automated electronic system using NFC tags and RFID technology. The computing device automatically detects items through radio frequency signals, eliminating the need for manual tracking while providing reliable real-time monitoring of item locations and distances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The tracking system operates autonomously by automatically detecting items via NFC/RFID, calculating distances, and generating alerts without requiring user intervention. The system self-manages the tracking process, from signal detection to notification generation, improving reliability while maintaining simplicity through automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If continuous monitoring is implemented, then item location accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs periodic monitoring through triggered NFC/RFID scans rather than continuous monitoring. The computing device scans for items at specific intervals or when motion is detected, maintaining location accuracy while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous tracking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses passive RFID tags that require no power source, eliminating the need for continuous energy consumption. The active computing device only consumes energy when initiating scans, replacing a continuous power-intensive system with an on-demand low-power alternative while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple items are tracked simultaneously, then system versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The computing device is designed with universal NFC/RFID functionality that can track any item with an NFC tag simultaneously. The system handles multiple items through a unified interface, providing versatile multi-item tracking without requiring separate systems for each item, thus managing complexity through consolidation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple item tracking functions into a single integrated system. The computing device merges detection, identification, distance calculation, and alert generation for multiple items into one unified process, improving versatility while managing complexity through integration rather than separate tracking mechanisms for each item.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 effective tracking and monitoring of items, reducing loss by alerting users when items are moved out of range, and providing features for finding hidden items or ensuring they are not left behind.

Implementation Method 1

at least one tag coupled to each of the at least one item, where the at least one tag is communicatively coupled to the NFC of the computing device using radio frequency (RF) signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio frequency identification (RFID):

Data Source

PatentUS8976028B2Apparatus and method of using a computing device to track items

Publication Date: 2015.03.10

AI summary

A system and method for tracking items are disclosed. The system and method include a computing device capable of near filed communication (NFC), and at least one tag coupled to each of at least one item, where the at least one tag is communicatively coupled to the NFC of the computing device using radio frequency (RF) signals. The coupling of the at least one tag to the at least one item enables the computing device to identify the at least one item and the distance from the at least one item to the computing device.