Flexible IoT Label for Continuous Tracking and Tamper Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional object tracking in factories and warehouses relies heavily on manual processes and existing smart tracking solutions, such as RFID and NFC, are limited by intermittent tracking, inadequate infrastructure, and vulnerability to tampering, particularly when monitoring large or small items.
Innovation Solution
A flexible IoT label with a microcontroller, sensors, and a robust communication infrastructure that enables proactive tracking, uses cellular networks to send sensor readings proactively and securely, reducing tampering risks and improving tracking accuracy for both large and small items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If passive RFID or NFC tags are used for tracking, then device complexity is reduced, but tracking continuity deteriorates due to intermittent tracking only upon interrogation
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static passive RFID/NFC tags to dynamic active sensors that continuously transmit data. The sensors can actively probe environmental conditions and continuously communicate with the cloud, enabling continuous tracking rather than intermittent tracking upon interrogation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensors are configured to autonomously perform measurements and transmit data without requiring manual interrogation. The system enables self-service tracking where sensors automatically probe environmental conditions and push data to the cloud, eliminating the need for active scanning or manual checking.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional RFID sensor assemblies are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability deteriorates due to rigid form factors that limit tracking to large bulk items only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible printed circuit boards (PCBs) as the substrate for mounting sensors, replacing rigid PCBs. This flexible form factor allows the tracking device to be applied to various surfaces including curved surfaces of small items, containers, and bulk materials, significantly expanding adaptability while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard flexible PCB fabrication processes.
3Device complexity
If conventional tracking solutions are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but security deteriorates due to vulnerability to package tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates motion sensors that detect tampering events and provide feedback by generating alerts when unauthorized movement or opening is detected. This feedback mechanism enables real-time security monitoring and notification, allowing the system to respond to tampering attempts while maintaining relative simplicity through the addition of motion detection capabilities.
4Device complexity
If manual tracking processes are used, then device complexity is minimized, but productivity deteriorates due to costly and time-consuming manual operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical tracking processes with automated electronic sensing and wireless communication. Sensors automatically measure environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, motion) and transmit data via cellular or WiFi networks to the cloud, eliminating the need for manual recording and monitoring while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, apparatuses and methods may provide for label technology that includes a flexible substrate and a flexible circuit coupled to the flexible substrate, the flexible circuit including a power source, a microcontroller, a plurality of sensors, one or more transceivers, and an antenna. The microcontroller may be configured to identify sensor readings in one or more signals from the plurality of sensors and send the sensor readings to one or more of a central computer or a computer network via one or more standard wireless transmission protocols, wherein at least one of the sensor readings is sent in a push communication.