Blockchain Inventory Data Acquisition Using Electronic Tags

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current inventory data acquisition methods for medicines in pharmacy circulation links are prone to inaccuracies and increased workload, leading to prolonged statistical cycles, higher labor and time costs, and reduced efficiency due to faults in data recording.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus utilizing a blockchain network to receive and process inventory data requests from terminal devices, searching for target inventory data using electronic tag data, and sending accurate, real-time data for efficient inventory management, including accumulation, difference calculations, and automated picking requests.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If periodic inventory counting is used to acquire inventory data, then the statistical cycle is extended and labor costs increase, but the data accuracy deteriorates due to faults in circulation links

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinventory data accuracyVSAvoidstatistical cycle
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical counting system with an automated electronic identification system. Electronic tags (RFID, barcode, QR code) are attached to medicine packages, and identification devices automatically read and transmit data to the blockchain network, eliminating manual counting and its associated errors and time consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service inventory tracking through automated data collection. As medicines move through circulation links, electronic tags automatically record and update inventory data on the blockchain without requiring human intervention at each stage, allowing the system to self-monitor and self-report inventory status.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If manual inventory counting is performed, then labor costs and time costs increase, but the productivity decreases due to increased workload

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinventory statistical efficiencyVSAvoidworkload
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical counting operations with automated electronic identification and data transmission systems. Electronic tags and identification devices automatically capture and transmit inventory data to the blockchain, eliminating the need for manual counting and significantly reducing workload while improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The blockchain network serves as an intermediary that automatically receives, validates, and stores inventory data from electronic tags. This intermediary system handles data processing and management tasks that would otherwise require manual intervention, reducing workload and improving operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of information

If inventory data is recorded at each circulation link, then the data completeness improves, but the device complexity increases due to multiple recording points

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinventory data completenessVSAvoidrecording system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal electronic tag system that can be attached to any medicine package and functions across all circulation links. The same type of electronic tag and identification mechanism is used throughout the entire supply chain, from storage to delivery, providing consistent data collection without requiring different systems at each stage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The blockchain network acts as a centralized intermediary that receives inventory data from all circulation links through standardized interfaces. This single intermediary system consolidates data from multiple sources, ensuring data completeness while maintaining system simplicity through a unified data collection architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12141747B2Method and apparatus for acquiring inventory data, terminal device and computer-readable storage medium
Publication Date: 2024.11.12 JD DIGITS HAIYI INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
  • US12141747B2 patent drawing
  • US12141747B2 patent drawing
  • US12141747B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for acquiring inventory data, a terminal device and a computer-readable storage medium. The method comprises: receiving a request for inventory data sent by a terminal device, where electronic tag data of the target item being carried in the request for inventory data; according to the inventory data request, searching among inventory record data pre-stored in a blockchain network for target inventory data corresponding to the electronic tag data, where the target inventory data being corresponding to the target item; and sending the target inventory data to the terminal device.