Custom Scanner Device with GPS for Vehicle Location Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automobile auctions face challenges in efficiently tracking the location of vehicles within large facilities due to the high cost, complexity, and limited availability of bar code scanners, which restricts the ability to accurately monitor vehicle movement and work performed across different locations.
Innovation Solution
A custom-designed scanner device equipped with a GPS sensor, ergonomically designed for ease of use and affordability, allows for widespread employee access to track vehicle locations by recording GPS coordinates alongside bar code scans, enabling accurate mapping and resource management within the facility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If expensive bar code scanners are used to track vehicle locations, then measurement precision is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines bar code scanning functionality with GPS positioning capabilities into a single integrated device. This merging allows the system to track vehicle locations with high precision while avoiding the complexity of maintaining separate expensive scanning systems, as the GPS component provides location data that complements the bar code scanning function.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanner device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a bar code reader and a GPS positioning device. This universal design enables the same device to perform multiple tracking functions (vehicle identification and location determination) without requiring additional specialized equipment, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple expensive scanners are deployed across the facility, then tracking coverage is improved, but cost and device availability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simplified scanner devices that can be replicated and distributed throughout the facility. These devices are designed to be cost-effective and easy to deploy, allowing multiple units to be placed at different locations without proportionally increasing system complexity. The standardized design enables easy copying and distribution across multiple sites.
3Measurement precision
If scanners require technical training to use, then measurement precision is maintained, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The scanner device is designed with user-friendly interfaces and automated functions that reduce the need for extensive technical training. The device performs self-configuration and automatic data processing, allowing employees to use it with minimal instruction while maintaining accurate measurement. The system automatically handles complex tasks such as data validation and location mapping without requiring user intervention.
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
The custom scanner device increases the scalability of tracking vehicle locations and work performance across the facility, enhancing inventory management and operational efficiency by providing accurate location data and reducing the need for expensive, complex scanners.
Implementation Method 1
The custom scanner device includes a GPS sensor that can record GPS coordinates at the same time that a scan is performed
Data Source
AI summary
An automobile auction system to receive scanned automobile bar codes and function bar codes along with location data and to process the scanned bar codes. The system includes a first interface for receiving scanned bar codes, GPS coordinates, scanner ID, and time of scan from a custom scanning device. A second interface is to receive a map of an auto auction facility from a map source. A server is to process the bar codes and the GPS coordinates received from the scanning device and to associate the GPS coordinates to the map of the auto auction facility received from the map source. The system may process bar codes associated with functions, such as employees, shops or staging operations, specific tasks, and work orders. The function bar codes may, for example, assign scanners to employees, record tasks being performed, record employee performing the tasks, and record shop or staging operations opened/completed.