Tag-Based Information Locator Using Intermediary Scanning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Locating specific information in crowded or unfamiliar environments is challenging due to the overwhelming amount of information and language barriers.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method utilizing a processor and memory with computer program code to detect input defining information to be located, determine its location in the environment, and report it, employing scanning and pattern recognition techniques through devices like cameras and user interfaces in computing and mobile devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If manual searching is used to locate information in crowded environments, then the user can find the desired information, but the time required and user effort increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime to locate informationVSAvoiduser effort in searching

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of tags attached to information carriers and a reader device that mediates between the user and the physical environment. The reader captures signals from tags and identifies locations of information carriers, translating physical spatial information into digital data that can be processed and presented to the user, thereby eliminating manual searching

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual searching process with an automated electronic system. Instead of physically examining each item, the system uses electromagnetic signals (tags and readers) to automatically detect and identify information carriers, substituting mechanical inspection with electronic detection and processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If traditional methods are used to locate information in unfamiliar languages or crowded settings, then the information can be found, but the complexity and difficulty of the task increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedifficulty of locating informationVSAvoidapplicability to different environments

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal system that can locate any information carrier regardless of language, format, or physical setting. The tag-based approach works across different environments (libraries, stores, cities) and with different types of information (books, signs, publications), making the system adaptable to diverse situations without requiring environment-specific methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The tag and reader system serves as a universal intermediary that bridges the gap between the user and any information carrier. The tags encode location information that can be read and processed regardless of the underlying information's language or type, providing a unified approach to location across diverse environments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9405973B2Method and apparatus for locating information from surroundings

Publication Date: 2016.08.02 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY

AI summary

An apparatus includes at least one a processor, and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to determine that an input defining a piece of information to be located has been received, determine the location of the information in an environment of the apparatus, and report the location.