RFID-Based Personal Item Identification via Lighting Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for communication in noisy or crowded environments, such as restaurants and bars, are inadequate as they either rely solely on verbal communication or require individuals to remember distinguishing features for personal items, leading to inefficiencies and frustration.
Innovation Solution
A light-based system that combines controllable solid-state lighting with mobile electronic communications, using RFID tags and a communication network to identify and illuminate personal items associated with a mobile device, eliminating the need for individuals to remember distinguishing characteristics and reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If battery-powered glasses with different colors are used to identify personal items, then personal item identification is enabled, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces RFID tags as intermediary components attached to personal items and a central control system as a mediator that coordinates identification. The RFID tags store unique identifiers, and the central system processes signals from mobile devices to determine item ownership, replacing the need for complex illuminated glasses while maintaining identification accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/optical identification systems (illuminated glasses with colors) with an electronic RFID-based system. Mobile devices use wireless communication to query RFID tags on personal items, and the central control system processes the data electronically, eliminating the need for battery-powered illumination mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity
2Measurement precision
If large illuminated surfaces are used to identify personal items, then personal item identification is enabled, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the identification function from large physical illuminated surfaces and concentrates it into small RFID tags attached to personal items. The identification data is stored in the RFID tag's memory rather than requiring large display surfaces, dramatically reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining identification capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses RFID tags that contain digital copies of identification data rather than physical illuminated representations. The tag stores an unique identifier that can be read wirelessly, replacing the need for expensive illuminated surfaces while enabling the same identification function through electronic data transmission
3Measurement precision
If elastic bands with colors are placed on personal items, then personal item identification is enabled, but users must remember distinguishing features increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service identification system where the RFID tags on personal items automatically provide identification data when queried by mobile devices. The system autonomously determines item ownership by comparing RFID identifiers with data from the user's mobile device, eliminating the need for users to remember color codes or distinguishing features
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the human memory-based system (users remembering color associations) with an electronic information retrieval system. Mobile devices wirelessly query RFID tags and the central control system automatically matches identifiers, transferring the identification burden from human cognition to automated electronic processing
4Measurement precision
If constant illumination is used to identify personal items, then personal item identification is enabled, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces constant illumination with periodic, on-demand RFID signal transmission. Mobile devices query RFID tags only when identification is needed, and the central control system activates illumination temporarily to confirm item location. This intermittent operation dramatically reduces energy consumption compared to continuous illumination while maintaining identification accuracy when required
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 communication and identification of personal items without relying on verbal cues or constant illumination, improving service efficiency and reducing energy usage by using a network to associate device and item identifiers and control lighting accordingly.
Implementation Method 1
a component that facilitates its identification and its location. Such components may include, for example, RFID tags
Data Source
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AI summary
Light-based systems for identification of personal objects are disclosed. A personal mobile electronic communication device is used in conjunction with a communication network and a lighting controller to communicate with one or more individually controllable luminaires in a lighting network. A personal mobile electronic communication device is, alternatively or additionally, used in conjunction with a communication network, a memory, and a lighting controller controlling to indicate by lighting whether there is an association between the personal mobile electronic communication device and a personal item.