Real-Time Item Tracking System with Automated Scanning Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for tracking items in warehouse environments, such as forklift operations, are labor-intensive, prone to errors, and lack a unified system for real-time monitoring and data management, leading to inefficiencies and increased risks of item loss or misplacement.

Innovation Solution

A computing system with a loading software application that uses scanning devices to track items in real-time, providing visual feedback and alerts for special handling, quantity verification, and weight threshold management, enabling efficient item placement and monitoring across locations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual paper records and transcription methods are used for tracking items, then implementation is simple and requires minimal technology, but productivity is low and labor intensity is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetracking efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual paper-based tracking systems with an automated electronic system using scanners, computers, and software applications. The mechanical process of manually writing and transcribing paper records is substituted with electronic scanning and digital data processing, dramatically improving tracking efficiency while reducing labor intensity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service tracking where the scanning device automatically captures item information and the software application autonomously processes and records data without requiring manual intervention for each tracking event. This automation reduces the need for human labor in data collection and recording tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If manual tracking methods are used, then device complexity is low, but measurement precision and accuracy of tracking data are poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetracking accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces error-prone manual data entry with automated scanning technology that precisely captures item identifiers, locations, and timestamps. The electronic system eliminates transcription errors and provides accurate, consistent tracking data through automated data capture and processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If real-time tracking system is implemented, then productivity and monitoring capability are improved, but device complexity and initial resource requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveitem safetyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements real-time feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors item locations and conditions, providing immediate alerts when items are misplaced, lost, or require attention. This feedback loop enhances item safety and enables prompt corrective actions while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized alert protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Productivity

If real-time feedback and alerts are provided, then productivity and error reduction are improved, but device complexity and resource requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides real-time feedback through alerts and notifications that immediately inform operators of tracking events, anomalies, or completion status. This feedback mechanism improves operational efficiency by enabling timely responses and decision-making while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized alert types and delivery methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12141744B1Method and system for item tracking with real-time feedback
Publication Date: 2024.11.12 C & S WHOLESALE GROCERS
  • US12141744B1 patent drawing
  • US12141744B1 patent drawing
  • US12141744B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and method of item tracking and providing real-time feedback while one or more items are moved from one location to another location during a moving session. The system and method generate alerts to the user, allow for remote monitoring of the session by others, record the location of where the item was placed to help prevent loss or misplacement of the item. The system and method described herein enable for moving (or loading) sessions to be more efficient, reduce losses, increase safety, and raise alerts when certain thresholds are met or exceeded while items are moved to enable action to be taken in response to such alert.