UWB Strobe Beacon for Fast Visual Identification of Tracked Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location tracking systems struggle to quickly identify a single tracked object among multiple others, especially in industrial settings where objects are stacked or stored in identical containers, lacking visual and location-based tracking solutions.
Innovation Solution
A device using ultra-wideband (UWB) and Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication protocols to transmit signals for precise location determination, combined with LED illumination and audible alerts to visually and audibly broadcast the object's location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If location tracking is implemented using conventional methods, then location data can be obtained, but quick identification of a single tracked object among multiple others is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies visual broadcasting through LED illumination that emits light in different colors to indicate the location of tracked objects. The LED can display various colors (e.g., green, yellow, red) to represent different states or priorities of tracked objects, enabling rapid visual identification among multiple objects without requiring detailed location data analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a visual intermediary (LED beacon) between the tracking system and the user. Instead of directly displaying location coordinates or requiring users to search through location data, the LED beacon provides an intuitive visual cue that directly indicates the position and status of tracked objects, significantly reducing identification time.
2Quantity of substance
If objects are stacked or stored in identical containers to maximize space utilization, then storage density is improved, but visual distinction between individual objects is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The LED beacon attached to each tracked object emits distinct visual signals that can be seen through or around containers and stacks. Different colors or blinking patterns can indicate different object identities, states, or priorities, allowing users to visually distinguish between individual objects even when they are physically stacked or stored in identical containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a visual dimension (light emission) to the tracking system that operates independently of the physical arrangement of objects. The LED beacon provides information in the visual spectrum, allowing users to locate and distinguish objects without needing to physically access or visually inspect each object's surface, thus overcoming the limitation of stacked or identical container storage.
3Productivity
If visual broadcasting is added to location tracking devices, then object identification speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking device is designed to perform multiple functions: location tracking via UWB/BLE communication and visual broadcasting via LED illumination. By integrating these functions into a single device, the system avoids the need for separate tracking and visual indication systems, thereby managing complexity while providing comprehensive functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the location tracking module (with UWB and BLE capabilities) and the visual broadcasting module (LED beacon) into a single integrated device. This merging reduces the overall system complexity compared to having separate tracking devices and visual indication systems, while still delivering both precise location data and rapid visual identification.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are device, method, and computer program product embodiments for tracking the location of a device and corresponding tracked object and visually broadcasting their location. A device may transmit a signal via ultra-wideband, when moving, or Bluetooth low energy, when stationary, communication protocols to a mobile computing device. The signal can be used to triangulate the location of the device. The determined location information allows a device management system to track the location of devices and objects in a tracking environment. The device may receive instruction from the mobile computing device and/or device management system to illuminate and visually broadcast the location of the device and tracked object. The combination of the location and visual broadcast may allow a user to easily identify the device and tracked object in an environment with multiple tracked objects and location data alone may be insufficient for efficient identification.