U Grok It Uses Your Phone to Find Your Misplaced Things
By Coxworth, Ben; Gizmag,Publication Date: March 13, 2012
Article describes a smartphone based system designed to track and locate missing items. U Grok It consists of a unit, called the Grokker, that couples with a smartphone via its headphone jack, and tags that can be attached to items that are likely to be misplaced. The tags are flat labels that incorporate a simple antenna, which reflects the Grokker’s radio signal back to it. Each label also contains a tiny microchip that slightly alters the radio signal to convey a 96-bit number that is unique to that label. By cross referencing this unique number with a database of the user’s labeled items, software on the phone can identify which item is being detected and guide the user via auditory and visual cues to the missing object. Tagged items can be grouped together under umbrella names such as Gym Bag. In that particular example, the user would sweep the Grokker over his or her gym bag, and the device would send an alert if any of the usual gym gear was not in it. U Grok It could be a useful aid for people with visual or cognitive disabilities. At the time the article was published, U Grok It was not yet commercially available; however, the article contains the link to the manufacturer’s website, where interested customers can preorder it. Also included is a short video demonstrating the device.
Assistive Products Discussed: U GROK IT
Published by: Gizmag Pty Ltd (Website:http://www.gizmag.com/)
Link to text: http://www.gizmag.com/u-grok-it-finding-system/21816/
Link to video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=hE8x5ZU6kVo
