RFID-Embedded Non-Permanent Ink Markers for Retail Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large retail facilities, there is a risk of dependents such as children or elderly persons getting lost or being taken away, necessitating a system to monitor their location effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing non-permanent ink markers with RFID tags that can be adhered to dependents, coupled with RFID readers and a control circuit, allows customers to register their dependents' information on their mobile devices, tracking their location and alerting them via a wide area wireless network in case of specific events like leaving the facility or entering restricted areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RFID tags are integrated into non-permanent ink markers for dependent monitoring, then safety and location tracking are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines RFID tag functionality with non-permanent ink marker properties into a single integrated device. The RFID tag is embedded within the ink marker formulation, allowing the marker to serve dual purposes: temporary identification marking and wireless tracking. This merging reduces the need for separate monitoring devices and simplifies the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The ink marker with integrated RFID tag serves multiple functions: it provides temporary visual identification through ink marking, enables wireless location tracking via RFID signals, and can be applied to various surfaces and materials. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate marking and tracking devices, reducing system complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Measurement precision
If RFID readers are deployed throughout the retail facility for continuous monitoring, then location tracking accuracy is improved, but energy consumption and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous monitoring, the system uses periodic RFID signal transmission where tags are activated at specific intervals or when triggered by specific events. The RFID readers are configured to query tags periodically or event-driven, reducing energy consumption while maintaining adequate location tracking accuracy for safety monitoring purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tags are designed to be passive or semi-passive, harvesting energy from the RFID reader's electromagnetic field to power their transmission. This eliminates the need for separate power sources in the tags and reduces overall system energy consumption, as the tags only consume energy when being queried by readers.
3Speed
If real-time alerting systems are implemented for unauthorized exit or restricted area entry, then response time is improved, but false alarms and customer annoyance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where alert thresholds and parameters are dynamically adjusted based on historical data, customer behavior patterns, and system performance. False alarm patterns are analyzed and used to refine detection algorithms, reducing spurious alerts while maintaining rapid response to genuine security events. The feedback loop continuously optimizes the balance between sensitivity and false positive rates.
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 real-time monitoring and alerting of dependent locations, ensuring quick retrieval and enhancing safety by notifying customers of potential risks, such as unauthorized exit or entry into specific areas within the retail facility.
Implementation Method 1
the non-permanent ink marker includes componentry for an RFID tag, and wherein the non-permanent ink marker is configured to be adhered to the dependent, one or more RFID readers configured to transmit and receive signals to and from the RFID tag
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to monitoring a dependent of a customer within a retail facility. In some embodiments, such a system comprises a non-permanent ink marker, wherein the non-permanent ink marker includes componentry for an RFID tag, and wherein the non-permanent ink marker is configured to be adhered to the dependent, one or more RFID readers configured to transmit and receive signals to and from the RFID tag, and a control circuit, configured to receive, from a mobile device of the customer, registration information, associate, with the mobile device of the customer based on the registration information, the RFID tag, receive, from at least one of the RFID readers, a signal from the RFID tag, determine, based on the signal received from the RFID tag, that an event has occurred, and transmit, an alert to the mobile device.