Electronic Tag Synchronized Communication Cycle
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The manual process of checking in parcels at parcel shops is time-consuming and inefficient, leading to increased costs and potential errors in liability transfer, necessitating an automated solution that minimizes energy consumption and improves efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using electronic tags with synchronized wireless communication, featuring a periodic communication cycle with unique receiver and response intervals, enabling low-energy communication and automatic parcel acknowledgement, powered by a small battery for extended operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual parcel check-in process is used, then liability transfer can be ensured, but the process is time-consuming and reduces courier efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic tag autonomously performs check-in by automatically detecting arrival at the parcel shop through wireless communication with the master controller, eliminating the need for manual courier intervention. The tag independently manages its own status updates and liability transfer confirmation, enabling self-service operation that significantly reduces check-in time and improves courier productivity.
2Extent of automation
If wireless communication is used for electronic tags, then automatic check-in is enabled, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic tag employs periodic communication cycles with distinct receiver and response intervals separated by pause intervals. The tag activates its wireless transceiver only during brief receiver and response intervals, then enters low-power mode during communication pause intervals. This periodic activation pattern enables automatic check-in functionality while minimizing overall energy consumption, allowing the tag to operate for extended periods on small batteries.
3Speed
If frequent communication intervals are used, then real-time tracking is improved, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system implements periodic cycles with configurable receiver and response intervals separated by pause intervals. During pause intervals, the electronic tag's transceiver remains inactive, dramatically reducing power consumption. The system maintains adequate tracking speed by ensuring receiver and response intervals occur frequently enough for operational needs while allowing longer pause intervals to extend battery life, achieving an optimal balance between communication responsiveness and energy conservation.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A computer-implemented method (1000) for at least one electronic tag (10) of a plurality of electronic tags (10P) receiving commands via synchronised and wireless communication, said plurality of electronic tags (10P) being connected to respective plurality of parcels (1P), wherein each electronic tag (10) of the plurality of electronic tags (10P) has a periodic communication cycle (40) and a unique electronic tag ID (12), wherein each of the periodic communication cycles (40) comprising - a receiver interval (42) for receiving commands from a master controller (90), - a response interval (44) for responding to the master controller (90), and - a communication pause interval (46) between the receiver interval (42) and the response interval (44); wherein each electronic tag has a unique response interval (44), wherein each electronic tag (10) of the plurality of electronic tags (10P) perform a step of - observing (1100) using an antenna during the receiver interval (42); and upon receiving a command (82) including a matching unique electronic tag ID (12) perform steps of - executing (1200) an action based on the received command (82); and - transmitting (1300) wirelessly a response (81) during the unique response interval (44) based of the received command (82).