Tracker-Free Item Search Through Visual IoT Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing item search methods require mounting a tracker with a communication unit on each item, which is costly and battery-dependent, limiting their effectiveness and scalability.
Innovation Solution
An item query system utilizing sensors and end-side devices with computing power to determine item information and images, enabling item search without additional trackers, leveraging visual technologies and AI computing power for scalable and battery-independent operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tracker with communication unit is mounted on each item, then item location can be found, but cost increases and battery dependency limits effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy (image) of the item captured by sensors instead of using the physical item itself with a tracker. The image serves as a digital representation that can be stored, searched, and matched without requiring the actual item to have embedded electronics. This resolves the contradiction by replacing physical tracking devices with digital visual copies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electronic tracker system with an optical sensing system. Instead of using Bluetooth chips or GNSS receivers mounted on items, the system uses cameras or other image-capturing sensors to detect and identify items. This substitution eliminates battery dependencies and mounting complexity while maintaining search functionality.
2Reliability
If trackers are mounted on items, then item search is possible, but additional costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing sensors (cameras, image sensors) perform the additional function of item detection and identification. These sensors are already present in smartphones, security systems, and other devices, so they can be leveraged for item search without requiring specialized tracking hardware. This universal reuse of existing components eliminates additional costs while maintaining search capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital images of items as substitutes for physical trackers. These image copies can be stored in databases and searched computationally, replacing the need for expensive electronic tracking devices on each item. The copying principle allows the system to identify items through visual recognition rather than through dedicated tracking hardware.
3Reliability
If trackers with batteries are used, then item location can be tracked, but battery level limits search effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces battery-powered electronic trackers with passive optical sensing. Image-capturing sensors do not require batteries to function in the same way trackers do, as they can capture images using ambient light. This substitution eliminates the battery dependency that limits tracker effectiveness, allowing item search to work regardless of power availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses visual copies (images) of items instead of powered tracking devices. Since images are static digital representations rather than active electronic devices, they do not consume battery power. This approach maintains item search availability without the energy constraints that plague battery-dependent trackers.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides a method for searching for an item, a computing device, an Internet of Things system, a device, and a storage medium. First item information and first sensor information corresponding to a first event are determined through an item query system. The first sensor information includes sensor information of a first sensor, which includes a sensor corresponding to at least one registered place. The registered place is a place registered in the item query system. After that, a first image acquired by the first sensor is obtained. Further, search for the first item is performed based on the first item information and the first image, to obtain a first search result. In this way, item search effects can be improved.