Object Tracking Assembly Using Dynamic Visual Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tracking devices are inefficient in guiding users to misplaced objects as they rely on tone intensity or distinct frequencies, which can be confusing and do not provide clear distance feedback, making it difficult to accurately locate the object.
Innovation Solution
A tracking device system comprising tracking units attached to objects, each communicating with a location network and broadcasting a unique signal, and a locating unit that emits alerts of varying intensity and visual cues to indicate the distance to the misplaced object, facilitating accurate object location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tone intensity or distinct frequencies are used to indicate distance, then the tracking device can operate with simple components, but the user finds it confusing and cannot accurately locate the object
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual light indicators that change intensity or color to represent distance to the target object, providing clear visual feedback that is easily interpreted by users. This replaces confusing auditory tones with intuitive visual cues that directly indicate proximity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional auditory tone-based distance indication with an optical display system that uses light emitters to visually communicate distance information, making the feedback mechanism more intuitive and easier to understand for users.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple buttons with distinct frequencies are used for each tracking unit, then the device can identify multiple objects, but the interface becomes complex and difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns different colors to different tracking units or distance ranges, allowing users to quickly identify and distinguish between multiple objects or proximity levels through color coding rather than having to remember and differentiate between multiple button frequencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the tracking interface into segmented visual indicators, where different portions of a display or different colored lights represent different tracking units or distance zones, making it easier to manage and identify multiple objects simultaneously.
3Measurement precision
If the locating unit analyzes distance and emits alerts of varying intensity, then the user receives clear distance feedback, but the device requires more sophisticated signal processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the locating unit continuously measures distance to tracking units and dynamically adjusts alert intensity or visual indicator brightness based on proximity, providing real-time distance feedback that guides users to the target object.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of alert intensity or light brightness to correspond with distance measurements, creating a direct visual relationship between the measured distance and the display output that simplifies the user's task of locating the object.
Data Source
AI summary
An object tracking assembly includes a plurality of tracking units that is each attachable to a respective object. Each of the tracking units is in communication with a location network for identifying a location of the tracking units and each of the tracking units broadcasts a tracking signal when the tracking units are actuated. A locating unit is provided and the locating unit broadcasts an actuate signal to each of the tracking units. Each of the tracking units broadcasts the tracking signal to the locating unit when the tracking units receives the actuate signal. The locating unit emits a location alert ranging between a minimum intensity and a maximum intensity corresponding to a distance between the locating unit and a respective one of the tracking units. In this way the locating unit communicates to the user the distance between the locating unit and the respective tracking unit.