Wireless ID Node Privilege Transfer for Condition-Aware Asset Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current asset tracking systems, such as those using barcodes and RFID tags, are inefficient and costly, particularly in providing comprehensive data on the conditions of tracked items during transport, as they lack the ability to monitor environmental factors like temperature and humidity effectively.
Innovation Solution
A context-aware wireless node network that employs ID nodes and master nodes to collect and share data, where ID nodes communicate directly with master nodes over short-range paths but not with the server, allowing for efficient data management and access to entities with appropriate privileges, enabling robust tracking and condition monitoring of items across the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensor-based tracking systems are used to monitor location and conditions, then measurement precision and information quality improve, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides tracking functionality into two segments: basic location tracking using simple RFID tags, and detailed condition monitoring using sensors only when needed. This segmentation allows the system to achieve comprehensive monitoring capability while keeping the default state simple and cost-effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the level of monitoring based on context. Sensors are activated only when specific conditions are met (e.g., unusual movements, extended storage periods), transforming a static high-complexity system into a dynamic one that adapts its complexity to actual needs.
2Productivity
If RFID tags are used for automatic tracking, then productivity improves by eliminating manual scanning, but measurement precision and condition monitoring capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges RFID technology with sensor capabilities into a hybrid tracking tag. The RFID component provides automatic identification and location tracking for high productivity, while integrated sensors add condition monitoring capability when activated, achieving both efficiency and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking tag is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple functions: basic RFID tracking for all items, and enhanced sensor-based monitoring for items requiring condition data. This multi-functionality allows the same system to serve diverse tracking needs without requiring separate systems.
3Loss of information
If comprehensive sensor-based tracking is implemented, then information completeness improves, but loss of energy and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous monitoring, the system uses periodic sensor activation based on triggered events or time intervals. Sensors are activated periodically or when specific conditions occur, providing sufficient data completeness while minimizing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters dynamically - switching between low-power RFID-only mode and higher-power sensor-active mode based on tracking needs. This parameter adjustment optimizes the balance between information completeness and energy consumption by using the minimum necessary power for each situation.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for multi-entity management of an ID node in a wireless node network. The ID node associates with a first entity user access device, which operates as a master node and communicates directly with a server over a first communication path. The first device separately communicates with the ID node over a second communication path, but the ID node is unable to directly communicate with the server. The ID node provides the first device with access to data collected by the ID node if an initial privilege authorizes it. After associating with a shipping entity master node, the ID node provides the shipping entity master node with the data collected based on a transferred privilege from the server. And then after associating with a second entity user access device, the ID node provides access to this second device if authorized by a destination privilege from the server.