Beacon Tracking for Hauler Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for tracking hauling operations face challenges in reconciling information across separate entities and locations, leading to difficulties in tracking hauler status and load information, and are often hindered by the need for substantial infrastructure, which is costly and impractical for remote sites.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing beacons with low-energy transmitters emitting unique identification codes, detectable by receiving units at loading and delivery sites, to track haulers and update their status without requiring extensive infrastructure, using Bluetooth LE transmissions and a database for data management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional tracking systems with tags and readers are deployed, then tracking capability is improved, but infrastructure requirements and deployment complexity increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical infrastructure (tag readers, network components, physical tags) with wireless communication technology. Beacons mounted on haulers transmit identification signals wirelessly to receiving units, eliminating the need for substantial physical infrastructure at loading and delivery sites while maintaining reliable tracking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless communication signals as an intermediary between the hauler and the tracking system. Instead of direct physical interaction between tags and readers, the beacon transmits identification information through wireless signals that can be received by receiving units, simplifying the system architecture and reducing infrastructure requirements.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual processing of weigh tickets is used, then equipment modification is minimized, but information reconciliation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic information collection and reconciliation without manual intervention. Receiving units automatically detect beacon signals, capture identification information, and transmit data to the server for automated reconciliation with weigh ticket information, eliminating the need for manual processing while maintaining ease of equipment deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements automated feedback loops where receiving units continuously monitor for beacon signals, automatically update hauler status information on the server, and enable real-time tracking. This automated feedback mechanism replaces manual weigh ticket processing, significantly improving information reconciliation efficiency without requiring equipment modifications.
3Device complexity
If separate information systems are maintained by each entity, then system simplicity is preserved, but overall tracking capability and fraud prevention are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges information from multiple separate entities (loading site, hauler, delivery site) into a centralized server system. The server consolidates data from receiving units, weigh tickets, and hauler information into a unified database, enabling comprehensive tracking and reconciliation while maintaining the operational independence of each entity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal tracking system that serves multiple functions: tracking hauler location, reconciling weigh ticket information, preventing fraud, and providing real-time status updates. The centralized server acts as a multi-functional platform that handles various tracking and reconciliation tasks that were previously performed by separate systems.
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 efficient tracking and reconciliation of hauling operations with minimal manual input, reducing the risk of fraud and facilitating real-time monitoring of haulers and loads across multiple sites, while being deployable in remote locations with minimal infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
a beacon (16) mounted to a hauler (18), the beacon including a transmitter configured to emit a low energy transmission including a unique identification code
Data Source
AI summary
A method of tracking a hauling operation is provided. The method includes the steps of: mounting a beacon to a hauler, the beacon including a transmitter configured to emit a low energy transmission including a unique identification, the unique identification code corresponding to the beacon; providing at least a first receiving unit at the loading site, the first receiving unit configured to detect the low energy transmission emitted by the beacon mounted to the hauler; detecting with the first receiving unit the low energy transmission emitted by the beacon when the hauler and mounted beacon are within range of the first receiving unit; analyzing the detected transmission emitted by the beacon mounted to the hauler with the at least first receiving unit to determine the unique identification code transmitted by the beacon; and identifying the hauler based on the embedded unique identification code of the detected transmission.