Blockchain Shipment Tracking via Wi-Fi Access Point Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current logistics systems for time-critical shipments lack accurate tracking and transparency, often resulting in delays and misdeliveries due to manual verification processes and separate, closed systems that fail to interface effectively, leading to issues like false positives and incorrect location reporting.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a client device that communicates via Wi-Fi and GSM protocols to determine its location by comparing nearby Wi-Fi access points' data with scheduled locations, using a blockchain method for real-time tracking and smart contracts to ensure accurate and transparent shipment monitoring, with features like accelerometer-based power management and USSD/SMS messaging for efficient data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual verification processes are used for tracking shipments, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability of location tracking deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual verification processes with automated electronic tracking systems that use Wi-Fi access point data, GSM protocols, and blockchain technology to automatically determine and verify shipment locations, eliminating the need for manual checking while improving tracking accuracy and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces blockchain as an intermediary system that mediates between various tracking components (Wi-Fi receivers, GSM modules, servers) to provide a unified, immutable ledger of location data, enabling accurate tracking without increasing operational complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate closed systems are used for tracking, then system independence is improved, but information flow and tracking transparency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges previously separate closed tracking systems into a unified blockchain-based ecosystem where Wi-Fi location data, GSM communication records, and shipment information are combined into a single immutable ledger, enabling transparent information flow while maintaining system independence through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal tracking platform that can interface with multiple carriers and systems through standardized protocols (GSM, Wi-Fi), allowing the same blockchain infrastructure to serve multiple functions across different shipping scenarios without requiring system integration for each specific case
3Reliability
If real-time location tracking is implemented, then reliability of shipment monitoring is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic location reporting instead of continuous tracking, where the device reports its location at scheduled intervals or when specific events occur (e.g., arrival at designated locations), maintaining reliable monitoring while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts tracking parameters based on shipment conditions, such as changing reporting frequency based on distance to destination, carrier type, or risk factors, allowing the system to maintain adequate reliability while optimizing energy consumption by reducing reporting frequency when less critical
4Device complexity
If manual location verification is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and tracking accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual location verification with automated electronic systems that use Wi-Fi access point identification, GSM protocol data, and server-based calculation to automatically determine precise locations, eliminating manual errors while keeping individual device complexity low through standardized components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copies of location data from multiple sources (Wi-Fi access point lists, GSM tower information) to cross-verify and confirm actual device location, improving accuracy through data redundancy without requiring complex single-device processing capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
A client-server system and a blockchain method for calculating whether a time-crucial shipment is located according to an expectation comprising a client device adapted for being adhered to or placed within a time-crucial package shipment; and a remote special purpose computer server comprising a transit plan schedule database based on pickup time and location stored in memory. The system and method calculates a location of the client device based on data accessed from a Wi-Fi access point location database, transmitted identification data, and transmitted signal strength data; and compares the calculated location to an expected location based on common carrier schedule transit plan pickup time and delivery location received from third party database sources.