Container Tracking via Radio Transmitter and Mobile Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container location systems, such as those using GPS trackers, are complex, expensive, and power-intensive, making them unsuitable for efficient tracking of containers during transport.
Innovation Solution
A location system that employs a radio transmitter on each container emitting signals receivable by mobile devices, which link location information to container information and send it to a cloud-based system for tracking, eliminating the need for additional electronic components like SIM cards and providing continuous, accurate location updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS trackers with SIM cards are installed in containers, then container location tracking is achieved, but device complexity, cost, and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the SIM card and location determination functionality from the container tracking system. Instead of having GPS receivers with SIM cards in containers, the system uses simple radio transmitters in containers that emit signals received by mobile devices which already have location capabilities. This removes the complex electronic components from the container while maintaining tracking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mobile devices as intermediaries between containers and the cloud-based computer system. Mobile devices receive radio signals from containers, determine their own location, and forward this information to the cloud system. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for complex GPS hardware in containers while achieving the same tracking objective.
2Reliability
If GPS trackers with SIM cards are installed in containers, then container location tracking is achieved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the bulky GPS receiver and SIM card components from the container. The only component remaining in the container is a simple radio transmitter, which occupies minimal space. The location determination function is transferred to mobile devices that the user already possesses.
3Reliability
If GPS trackers with SIM cards are installed in containers, then container location tracking is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power-intensive GPS receiver and continuous network communication components from the container. The container only needs to power a simple radio transmitter that emits periodic signals, consuming minimal energy. The mobile device handles the power-intensive location determination and data transmission to the cloud.
4Device complexity
If simple radio transmitters are used in containers, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but location determination capability must be distributed to mobile devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional tracking architecture. Instead of the container having active location determination capabilities (GPS receiver processing signals), the container simply emits radio signals and the mobile device performs the location determination. This inversion simplifies the container device while leveraging the capabilities of the mobile device.
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
This solution offers a simple, space-efficient, and cost-effective method for tracking containers, enabling precise monitoring of their transport and reducing the risk of misdirection or loss by utilizing existing mobile device location data.
Implementation Method 1
Each container (3) is provided with a radio transmitter (10) emitting a radio signal (12)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a tracking system (11) for containers (3). The containers (3) each have a container opening (5) for adding or removing stored goods. Each container (3) is equipped with a radio transmitter (10) emitting a radio signal (12). The radio signals (12) are received by a mobile device (13, 13a, 13b) when it is within the range (R) of the respective radio transmitter (10). The mobile device (13, 13a, 13b) combines location information stored on it with container information contained in the radio signals (12) and transmits this information to a cloud-based computer system (14). Based on the received container information, the container (3) is located there.