Removable Tag Identification System for Visually Identical Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
In situations where multiple objects have the same visual appearance, such as laundry bags or towels in institutions, it is difficult to visually identify individual objects from a group, leading to confusion and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method involving attaching a set of tags to each object, selecting a visually distinct combination, and removing non-selected tags to create a unique identifier, allowing each object to be distinguished from others based on color, shape, or indicia, with tags being attached in various configurations such as overlapping or along outer edges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple objects have the same visual appearance, then manufacturing cost and simplicity are improved, but visual identification capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The identification system divides the tagging function into multiple separate tags instead of using a single complex identifier. Each tag can be independently manufactured and then combined in different configurations to create unique identifiers for each object, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while enabling visual differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different visual properties (colors, patterns, materials) to specific local regions of the tags rather than requiring the entire object to be different. This allows standard objects to be differentiated through localized tag characteristics while keeping the base objects uniform and easy to manufacture.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a set of tags is attached to each object in multiple configurations, then visual identification capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple simple tags with different visual properties into a single identification system. By attaching several tags in various configurations (overlapping, adjacent, layered), the system creates complex visual identifiers from simple component tags, reducing the complexity of individual tag manufacturing while achieving high identification capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes spatial arrangement and layering of tags as an additional dimension for differentiation. Tags can be positioned in different orientations, overlapped in specific patterns, or layered at different depths, creating visual identifiers that differ in spatial configuration rather than requiring complex tag designs.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If tags are attached in overlapping configuration, then visual distinction is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The overlapping tag configuration creates asymmetric visual patterns that enhance differentiation. Even with variations in attachment precision, the asymmetric overlap patterns remain visually distinct and recognizable, providing robust identification that tolerates manufacturing tolerances while maintaining visual distinction.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application is directed to an identification system that is configured to be attached to an object. The identification system includes one or more tags that can be manipulated to uniquely identify the object. The manipulation can include removing one or more of the tags and/or marking one or more of the tags.