Signaling Tag Access Detection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack effective methods to detect access to objects, particularly in controlled environments like inventory management, where unauthorized access needs to be monitored and tracked.
Innovation Solution
The system employs signaling tags on surfaces that change their signal state when transitioned from one position to another, allowing detection of access through a tag reader, enabling the determination of object access by detecting changes in signal state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional access control methods are used, then basic monitoring is provided, but reliable detection of object access transitions is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the access detection function into separate signaling tags attached to different surfaces (first surface and second surface). Each tag independently detects its local environmental changes, and the system integrates these segmented detections to determine overall access transitions, improving reliability without requiring a single complex detection device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces signaling tags as intermediary elements that mediate between the physical surfaces and the detection system. These tags convert physical state changes (position, orientation, coupling status) into detectable signal state changes, enabling reliable access detection while keeping the overall system architecture simple and modular
2Measurement precision
If signaling tags are placed on multiple surfaces, then access transition detection accuracy is improved, but the quantity of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection capabilities of multiple signaling tags into a unified access determination logic. By combining the signal states from tags on different surfaces, the system achieves accurate detection of access transitions (such as drawer opening or bottle removal) while using a minimal number of tags - typically just two surfaces per object
Solution Approach 2:
The signaling tags are designed with universal functionality to detect various types of access transitions across different objects and contexts. The same tag design can be applied to drawers, bottles, containers, or any object with accessible surfaces, reducing the need for specialized components for each application scenario
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
This method provides reliable tracking of object access, facilitating inventory management and ensuring authorized access, by using signaling tags that emit distinct signals when coupled and decoupled, allowing for accurate monitoring of object access events.
Implementation Method 1
detecting a change in state of a signal emitted by at least one of a first signaling tag carried by a first surface or a second signaling tag carried by a second surface... when the second surface is in the first position, the first signaling tag and the second signaling tag are sufficiently proximate to each other such that a coupling occurs between the first signaling tag and the second signaling tag resulting in a first signal state being emitted
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, apparatus, and computer program product are provided for detecting that an object has been accessed. A system may include a first surface carrying a first signaling tag and a second surface carrying a second signaling tag. The first and second signaling tags may be positioned such that when the second surface is in a first position, the first signaling tag and the second signaling tag are sufficiently proximate to each other such that a coupling between the first signaling tag and the second signaling tag results in a first signal state being emitted by at least one of the signaling tags. When the second surface is transitioned from the first position to a second position, a decoupling between the first signaling tag and the second signaling tag may in a second signal state being emitted by at least one of the signaling tags.