Asset Tracking System Using Weighted Scoring for Location Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Real-time location systems face challenges in accurately tracking cargo containers and assets in complex environments like marine terminals due to inconsistent data from multiple sources, requiring a more efficient method to determine asset location and handle complex if-else logic statements.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a weighted rule-based approach to associate changes in asset state with event triggers, employing tag transmitters, access points, and sensors to assign numerical scores to candidates, ensuring accurate location determination and handling inconsistent data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sources of information are used to track assets, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to complicated if-else logic statements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the complex if-else logic into a mathematical optimization problem by changing the parameter representation from conditional statements to weighted scoring functions. Each data source is assigned a weight parameter, and the system solves an optimization problem to find the most likely asset location, thereby improving location accuracy while reducing logical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/logical system of if-else conditional statements with a mathematical optimization framework. Instead of using conditional logic to determine asset location, the system uses weighted scoring and optimization algorithms to calculate the most probable location, substituting logical processing with mathematical computation.
2Measurement precision
If more data sources are incorporated into the location system, then measurement precision improves, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in incorporating additional information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal framework that can accommodate multiple types of data sources (GPS, RFID, sensors, manual entries) through a single optimization algorithm. The system is designed to accept various input formats and automatically process them through the weighted scoring mechanism, making it easy to incorporate additional information sources without requiring separate processing logic for each type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic system where weights for different data sources can be adjusted based on their reliability and current performance. The system adapts to changing conditions by dynamically modifying the importance of different information sources, allowing operators to easily incorporate new data types by simply adjusting weight parameters rather than reprogramming logic.
3Reliability
If a rule-based system is used to handle inconsistent data, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases due to the need for multiple rules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms discrete rule-based decisions into continuous parameter optimization. Instead of using multiple binary rules to handle inconsistent data, the system assigns confidence weights to different data sources and uses optimization to find the most consistent interpretation, reducing rule complexity while maintaining reliability through mathematical consistency constraints.
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 provides accurate and efficient real-time tracking of assets, reducing labor costs and improving operational efficiency by correlating signals and using a location optimization algorithm to determine the best candidate associated with an event trigger.
Implementation Method 1
a tag transmitter positioned on each asset and operative for transmitting a wireless RF signal
Data Source
AI summary
A system associates change in the state of an asset to an event trigger within a monitored environment. This environment includes a plurality of assets and a tag transmitter positioned on each asset and operative for transmitting a wireless RF signal based on an event trigger based on one of at least the change in state of an asset and change in location of the asset. A plurality of spaced apart access points receive an RF signal transmitted from a tag transmitter. A processor is operatively connected to the access points and collect possible candidates as assets associated with the event trigger and assigning a numerical score to each candidate to determine which asset is best associated with the event trigger.