Active Radio Tag for Product Tracking and Status Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tracking methods for products do not allow for real-time location monitoring or status verification of packaged products post-market, making it difficult to optimize production, logistics, and ensure compliance with regulations such as Track & Trace.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of active radio tags attached to product packaging, equipped with unique identifiers and sensors that detect packaging status, allowing for periodic transmission of status and location information via a mobile radio network to a transceiver and computer system for database storage and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If unique identifiers are provided for product tracking, then product identification capability is improved, but location monitoring capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the unique identifier function with location monitoring and status detection functions into a single active radio tag device. The radio tag integrates a unique identifier, sensor for packaging status detection, and transmission unit, allowing simultaneous achievement of product identification, location tracking, and status monitoring without requiring separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The active radio tag is designed as a multi-functional device that performs multiple tasks: it provides unique identification, detects packaging status through sensors, determines location information, and transmits data via mobile radio networks. This universal device replaces what would traditionally require separate systems for tracking, monitoring, and communication.
2Reliability
If active radio tags with sensors are attached to packaging, then real-time location and status tracking is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The active radio tag is designed as a self-contained unit that autonomously performs status detection through integrated sensors, self-manages its own identification, and automatically transmits location and status information without external intervention. The device monitors its own packaging status and communicates independently, reducing the need for complex external monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile radio network serves as an intermediary that simplifies the system architecture by providing a standardized communication channel between the radio tag and the central system. Instead of requiring direct complex connections between all components, the radio tag communicates through the mobile network infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining real-time tracking capability.
3Loss of information
If periodic transmission of status information is implemented, then information availability is improved, but energy consumption deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The radio tag transmits status information at periodic intervals rather than continuously, balancing information availability with energy conservation. The transmission unit sends location and packaging status data at predetermined time intervals, ensuring that information is updated regularly enough for effective tracking while minimizing energy consumption compared to continuous transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the radio tag monitors packaging status changes and can adjust transmission timing accordingly. When status changes occur (such as packaging opening or location updates), the tag transmits information to provide timely feedback, while maintaining periodic transmissions during stable states to conserve energy.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to the monitoring of products by means of active radio tags. According to the invention, packagings of products are provided with an active radio tag that detects at least one environmental condition and/or at least one packaging state, and which emits a signal at time intervals, which provides information about a unique identifier and at least one state in which the respective product is found. The signal is picked up by a receiver that extracts the unique identifier and the state information and transmits together with location information to a computer system.