Container Item Tracking Using Arrival Angles for Delivery Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current item tracking methods require manual scanning, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors in delivery, such as misplacement or missed deliveries, without providing alerts for incorrect delivery locations.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing an accessing unit with GPS, Bluetooth, and a server to automatically track item movements by determining angles of arrival and departure, sending alerts or reminders based on location mismatches, and eliminating the need for manual scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual scanning is used to track items, then delivery personnel can identify items and their destinations, but the process is time-consuming and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical scanning with automated electronic tracking. RFID tags on items and readers on delivery vehicles automatically detect and track items without manual intervention, eliminating the time-consuming manual scanning process while maintaining accurate item identification and destination tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking system operates autonomously without requiring delivery personnel to manually scan items. The RFID tags self-identify items and their destinations, and the system automatically matches items with delivery locations, freeing delivery personnel from manual tracking tasks and improving delivery speed.
2Reliability
If manual tracking lists are used, then delivery personnel can keep track of items and locations, but errors in delivery location identification occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback to delivery personnel through mobile devices, automatically notifying them of item locations, delivery status, and any discrepancies. This automated feedback mechanism eliminates manual checking errors while reducing the operational burden on delivery personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual list checking is replaced with automated electronic tracking and notification systems. RFID readers continuously monitor item locations and automatically compare them with delivery manifests, providing real-time alerts for any mismatches or errors, thereby improving delivery accuracy without increasing manual effort.
3Productivity
If automated tracking with RFID is implemented, then manual scanning is eliminated and delivery efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tracking system is integrated into existing delivery vehicle infrastructure, with readers embedded in vehicle doors or mounting points. The same system serves multiple functions: tracking items, verifying delivery locations, and providing real-time notifications, thereby improving efficiency without proportionally increasing system complexity.
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
Automated tracking reduces manual effort, minimizes delivery errors, and ensures timely and accurate delivery by providing real-time alerts and updates, enhancing delivery efficiency and consumer satisfaction.
Implementation Method 1
a location unit adapted to determine a current location of a container using a global positioning system (GPS)
Implementation Method 2
a determination unit adapted to determine an angle of arrival and/or an angle of departure based on a signal from the one or more items
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
An apparatus and a method for tracking movement of one or more items (106) are described. The method comprising steps of receiving (304) an unloading location of each of one or more items (106) and determining (306) a current location of a container (102). The method further describes steps of determining (308) an angle of arrival and/or an angle of departure based on a signal from the one or more items and determining (310) movement of the one or more items (106) based on the angle of arrival and/or the angle of departure. The method also describes steps of transmitting (312) a message to a device based on the current location of the container (102), the unloading location and the movement of the one or more items (106).