Target Object Location Search Using Broadcast and Relationship Chain

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current object search methods using anti-loss applications are inefficient due to the limited number of terminals with the application installed, leading to low search efficiency when trying to locate lost items.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize a second terminal to search for a target object by selecting users from a user relationship chain and sending a search request, which includes sending a broadcast message when within a certain threshold distance, establishing a connection, and returning location information, without requiring the anti-loss application on the searching terminal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If anti-loss application is installed on terminals to enable object search, then object search capability is improved, but the number of available searching terminals is limited, resulting in low search efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject search capabilityVSAvoidsearch efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the target object itself serve multiple functions: it acts as both the object being searched for and as a broadcasting device that emits location information. Any terminal with broadcasting capability can participate in the search, not just terminals with the anti-loss application, thereby universalizing the search capability across all terminals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces broadcast messages as an intermediary mechanism. Instead of requiring direct communication between searching terminals and the server, the target object broadcasts its location information, and searching terminals can passively receive this information. This intermediary approach allows any terminal to participate in the search without requiring the anti-loss application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If server controls terminal to send location information to owner, then security is improved by preventing terminal user from taking the object, but location information is not displayed on the finding terminal

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidconvenience of finding object
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the finding terminal to automatically display the location information on its own screen without requiring manual intervention from the server or the owner. The terminal that finds the object serves itself by displaying the information, improving convenience while maintaining security through the existing authentication mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If terminal displays location information on screen, then convenience of finding object is improved, but time cost increases due to manual checking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience of finding objectVSAvoidtime cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous broadcasting of location information by the target object and continuous monitoring/receiving of these broadcasts by searching terminals. This continuous action eliminates the need for manual, periodic checking, thereby reducing time cost while maintaining high convenience through automatic display.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP3249957B1Method, apparatus and system for acquiring location information of target object
Publication Date: 2020.01.08 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3249957B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3249957B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3249957B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

The present invention relates to the field of short-distance wireless communications technologies, and in particular, to a method and system for obtaining location information of a target object, and an apparatus. In a solution of obtaining location information of a target object in the solutions, at least one second user is selected from a user relationship chain of a first user, and the location information of the target object is obtained by using a second terminal related to the second user. In another solution of obtaining location information of a target object, the location information of the target object is obtained by using a second terminal whose distance to a location represented by first location information is less than or equal to a preset distance. In these two solutions, an anti-loss application needs to be installed on none of terminals helping to obtain location information of a target object. Therefore, object search efficiency is improved.