Proximity-Verified Object Tracking System

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing object tracking systems face challenges such as false positioning due to device relocation or removal, and security issues like tag tampering or loss of communication, which hinder accurate identification and location-based tracking.

Innovation Solution

An object tracking apparatus and system that combines a proximate-range circuit for verification and a position-assessment circuit with a communications circuit to wirelessly communicate identification and position information, using both proximate-range (NFC/RFID) and distal-range (GPS/GSM) communications to ensure accurate tracking and alert mechanisms for unauthorized movement or tampering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If RFID tags are used for identification, then tracking capability is improved, but security against tampering and hacking deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking capabilityVSAvoidtag tampering and hacking

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines RFID tag verification with proximity detection technology, merging identification functionality with location verification. The system requires both valid RFID authentication and confirmed physical proximity to the object to accept tracking data, thereby preventing tampering and hacking while maintaining tracking capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If localization devices are moved or retired, then device flexibility is improved, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to false position data

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice flexibilityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces proximity verification as an intermediary check between the localization device and the tracking system. Even if a device is moved or retired, the proximity verification mechanism detects the discrepancy by checking whether the device is actually near the object it claims to track, thereby preventing false position data from being accepted.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If proximate-range verification is implemented, then tracking security is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking securityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements proximity verification using existing wireless communication infrastructure that can serve multiple purposes. The same communication channels and protocols used for standard tracking are also utilized for proximity verification, allowing the system to gain enhanced security without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2549452B1Location-based tracking

Publication Date: 2019.09.25 NXP BV

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

Object tracking is facilitated. In accordance with one or more embodiments, an object tracking apparatus (200) includes a proximate-range circuit (212), a positioning circuit (214) and a communications circuit (216). The proximate-range circuit wirelessly verifies the identity and presence of at least one proximate-range communications device (220), and the positioning circuit determines positioning information of the object tracking apparatus. The communications circuit receives outputs from the proximate-range circuit and positioning circuit respectively regarding the verification and positioning information, and wirelessly communicates data to a remote communications station based upon the received outputs (140).