Short Range Wireless Tracking System for Portable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable devices such as cellular phones and laptops are frequently lost or stolen due to their small size and high value, leading to economic and intellectual losses, and important events like calls or alarms may be missed in noisy environments due to attenuated signals.
Innovation Solution
A short-range wireless tracking system using two RF modules, one installed in the portable device and another in a handheld device, which transmits and receives wireless signals to determine distance and alert the user if the device is out of range, and also notifies the user of events like incoming calls through alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If portable devices are made smaller and more portable, then ease of operation and portability are improved, but the risk of loss and theft increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a portable tracking device as an intermediary component that attaches to or integrates with the portable device. This tracking device includes a transmitter that continuously emits a unique identification signal, enabling remote tracking and recovery without affecting the original portability of the main device. The intermediary tracking device bridges the gap between maintaining small size and improving security.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where receivers detect the transmitter's signal and provide real-time information about the portable device's location and status. When the device moves beyond a predetermined range or experiences abnormal events (theft, loss, damage), the system generates alerts and notifications to the owner, enabling timely response and recovery actions.
2Ease of operation
If portable devices are made smaller, then ease of operation is improved, but devices are more likely to be lost in places like purses or pockets
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking device serves as an intermediary that continuously monitors and tracks the location of the portable device even when it's concealed in small spaces like purses or pockets. The transmitter's continuous signal emission ensures that the device's position can be tracked, and if it's left behind or stolen, the location information can be recovered and used to retrieve both the device and the personal information stored on it.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary tracking and monitoring actions before loss or theft occurs. By continuously emitting signals and establishing a baseline of normal movement patterns, the system can detect abnormal situations (such as the device being left in a restroom or restaurant) and alert the owner in advance, preventing information loss before it happens.
3Ease of operation
If devices are placed in fashionable purses or pockets to improve portability, then ease of operation is improved, but indication sounds are attenuated and may be missed
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking device acts as an intermediary communication system that operates independently from the audio output of the portable device. Instead of relying on the device's speaker to convey alerts, the tracking device uses wireless signal transmission and separate alert mechanisms (such as visual indicators or vibration) that are not affected by the attenuated audio environment inside purses or pockets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the acoustic alert mechanism (speaker-based indication sounds) with alternative notification methods such as visual displays, vibration motors, or wireless signal alerts. These mechanical or electromagnetic substitution methods are not subject to the same audio attenuation problems as acoustic signals, allowing effective notification even when the portable device is concealed in small spaces.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively prevents loss and theft by alerting the user when a portable device is taken beyond a predetermined distance and ensures timely notification of events, reducing economic and intellectual losses and improving response times.
Implementation Method 1
a first Radio Frequency (RF) module installed in the portable device for transmitting a wireless signal
Implementation Method 2
a second RF module for receiving the wireless signal
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for tracking a portable device. A tracking system includes a portable device, a first Radio Frequency (RF) module, and a second RF module. The first Radio Frequency (RF) module is installed in the portable device for transmitting a wireless signal. The second RF module is used for receiving the wireless signal. When a received amplitude of the wireless signal that is received by the second RF module is less than a predetermined value, the second RF module generates an alert.