Wireless Object Tracking System Using Alert Beacons
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems are inadequate for quickly and efficiently locating stolen or lost items that move out of the main home location, as typical homing beacons do not provide sufficient information for timely tracking.
Innovation Solution
A wireless object tracking system comprising electronic signal emitting and receiving devices, identifier assignment, registration with a second object, and communication establishment, along with alert beacons when out of range, utilizing various communication protocols like cellular, Wi-Fi, and GPS signals to track and alert owners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If typical homing beacons are used for tracking, then the system is simple, but the tracking information is insufficient and response time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides tracking functionality into multiple components: homing beacons for basic tracking, wireless communication devices for data exchange, and centralized servers for coordination. This segmentation allows each component to perform specialized functions, improving overall tracking information quality without requiring a single complex system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless communication devices and centralized servers as intermediaries between tracked objects and users. These intermediaries relay tracking information, enable remote monitoring, and provide additional context about object locations, thereby enriching tracking information without directly modifying the basic beacon functionality
2Loss of time
If traditional homing beacons are used, then the device complexity is low, but the response time for locating items is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-registering tracked objects with the server and establishing communication channels before loss occurs. When an object is lost, the tracking system is already operational and can immediately begin monitoring and alerting, eliminating setup delays and enabling faster response time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the server continuously monitors beacon signals and automatically alerts users when tracked objects move outside designated zones or show signs of being lost. This real-time feedback loop enables rapid response without requiring users to manually check tracking status, reducing response time while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated processes
3Productivity
If wireless communication devices are added to enhance tracking capability, then the tracking efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes wireless communication devices serve multiple functions: they act as tracking beacons, enable two-way communication between users and tracked objects, provide location data to centralized servers, and send alerts to users. This multi-functionality improves tracking efficiency by consolidating multiple capabilities into single devices rather than requiring separate systems for each function, thereby improving productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A system for object tracking may comprise at least one subsystem that couples an electronic signal emitting and receiving device to an object to be tracked, at least one subsystem that assigns an identifier to the object, at least one subsystem that registers the identifier of the object with a second object, and at least one subsystem that establishes electronic communication between the object to be tracked and the second object via the electronic signal emitting and receiving device. Also a system for object tracking may comprise at least one subsystem that detects at a first object an electronic signal from a second object, and at least one subsystem that emits an electronic alert beacon from the first object when said first object is determined to be out of range of the second object.