Losing personal items like keys, wallets, or electronics is a common issue. Existing tracking technologies, such as Bluetooth or GPS-based solutions, suffer from high power consumption and limited precision, especially for close-range tracking. Many trackers constantly emit signals, quickly draining their batteries, making them unreliable for long-term use.
Core Features
This invention introduces a low-power tracking device that uses short-range wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, UWB, or ZigBee). It consists of two parts:
- Short-Range Beacon: A small tag attached to the tracked item that only transmits a signal when “awakened.”
- Main Controller: A device (such as a smartphone or dedicated tracker) that sends a wake-up signal to the beacon, receives its response, and determines its proximity based on signal strength.
What’s New?
Unlike traditional trackers that constantly transmit, this system activates only when needed, dramatically reducing power consumption and extending battery life. Additionally, the tracking signal’s power automatically adjusts—increasing range when needed and lowering it once connected—to optimize energy use. The device can also track multiple beacons simultaneously and provide alerts via sound, light, or vibration to indicate proximity.
Benefits
- Longer battery life due to smart power management.
- Accurate short-range tracking, making it ideal for locating misplaced items within a room.
- Customizable alerts for easy identification of tracked objects.
- Support for multiple beacons, allowing users to track different items independently.
Broader Impact
This innovation reduces electronic waste by increasing battery lifespan, improves efficiency in homes and workplaces, and provides a more reliable and eco-friendly solution for everyday tracking needs.