Correlated Asset Identifier Association for Logistics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in seamlessly bridging different asset identification technologies used by companies and their suppliers, such as RFID and barcode systems, which hinders efficient tracking and management of assets during shipping and logistics.
Innovation Solution
A reader system that correlates identifiers based on temporal or spatial proximity, utilizing a combination of radio frequency, barcode, and wireless adhesive product technologies to establish associations between identifiers from different systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different identification technologies (RFID, barcode) are used by company and supplier, then each system can maintain its own identification process, but the systems cannot seamlessly bridge and correlate identifiers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a correlation system that acts as an intermediary between different identification systems. This system receives identifiers from multiple sources (company RFID tags, supplier barcode tags), correlates them based on spatial and temporal proximity, and establishes mappings between the different identifier systems, enabling seamless data exchange without requiring direct compatibility between the original systems
Solution Approach 2:
The correlation system is designed to handle multiple types of identifiers from different sources simultaneously. It can process both RFID and barcode identifiers, as well as identifiers from different companies and suppliers, making it a universal solution that works across diverse identification technologies and organizational boundaries
2Productivity
If manual identifier association methods are used, then system complexity is reduced, but tracking efficiency and real-time capability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The correlation system automatically performs identifier association based on predefined correlation criteria (spatial proximity, temporal proximity). The system self-manages the correlation process without requiring manual intervention, using built-in algorithms to automatically match identifiers from different sources and maintain real-time tracking
3Reliability
If identifier correlation is not implemented, then system simplicity is maintained, but logistics and supply chain operations are hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The correlation system is divided into distinct functional modules: a first reader for capturing identifiers from one source, a second reader for capturing identifiers from another source, and a correlation module that processes and maps the identifiers. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to improve tracking reliability
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
Enables accurate and efficient association of identifiers from different sources, facilitating real-time tracking and management of assets, thereby improving logistics and supply chain operations.
Implementation Method 1
a radio frequency reader configured to read a first tag attached to an asset and including a first identifier, where the radio frequency reader is configured to advertise its presence to the first tag and establish a wireless communications channel with the first tag to retrieve the first identifier from the first tag
Implementation Method 2
a second reader configured to read a second tag attached to the asset and including a second identifier, where the second reader is configured to direct first electromagnetic waves at the second tag to receive second electromagnetic waves including the second identifier
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer-readable data storage apparatus provide automated identification techniques that seamlessly and accurately bridge the differences between different identification systems to enable more useful and advanced product and service offerings, such as realtime tracking of shipment location and status.