Logistics Tracking Device Using UWB and RFID
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current logistics tracking systems are inefficient due to high costs, limited location accuracy, and lack of precise information about shipment units outside of facilities, leading to unnecessary vehicle trips and missed opportunities for combined shipments.
Innovation Solution
A receiver/transmitter device configured with a cellular transmitter, UWB transmitter, RFID reader, and processor, which can detect passive RFID tags and transmit information via cellular or UWB networks, providing location and status updates for shipment units both within and outside of facilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If passive RFID tags with handheld readers are used for tracking, then cost is reduced to approximately $0.05/item, but location accuracy is limited and labor intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines passive RFID technology with active UWB transmitters and cellular communication in a single integrated tracking device. This merging allows the system to achieve both low cost (through passive RFID) and high precision (through UWB and cellular GPS) by combining multiple technologies in one device, resolving the contradiction between cost reduction and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking device is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating passive RFID readers, active UWB transmitters, cellular modems, and environmental sensors in a single unit. This universal device can perform multiple functions (tracking, location determination, environmental monitoring) simultaneously, providing both cost-effectiveness and high precision location accuracy across different scenarios.
2Measurement precision
If active transmitter devices (e.g., UWB enabled devices) are used, then location accuracy and in-transit status tracking are improved, but labor/unit costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges passive RFID technology with active UWB and cellular communication in a single integrated device. This allows the system to leverage the low cost of passive RFID while incorporating the precision location capabilities of UWB and cellular networks, thereby achieving high measurement precision without the full cost burden of purely active transmitter systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using fully active transmitters throughout the entire tracking journey, the system employs passive RFID for initial identification and then activates UWB and cellular communication only when needed for precise location tracking. This partial action approach reduces overall system cost while maintaining high precision where required.
3Measurement precision
If on-premises infrastructure (stationary readers and detectors) is deployed, then location accuracy within facility is improved, but cost increases and global tracking capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the location determination capability from fixed on-premises infrastructure and embeds it directly into the mobile tracking device. By incorporating UWB and cellular communication modules in the portable device, the system eliminates the need for expensive stationary readers and detectors while maintaining high location accuracy both within and outside the facility.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking device is designed as a self-contained unit that performs all necessary tracking functions independently. The integrated UWB and cellular modules enable the device to determine its own location without requiring external infrastructure, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating complex on-premises installations.
4Ease of operation
If cellular-only tagging is used, then manual labor is eliminated and global tracking is enabled, but tag cost increases to over $50/item and fine location tracking is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines passive RFID, UWB, and cellular communication in a single integrated tracking device. This merging allows the system to achieve automation and global tracking capabilities while maintaining cost-effectiveness by leveraging the low cost of passive RFID technology alongside the other components.
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 solution enables cost-effective, accurate tracking of shipment units, optimizing logistics by reducing unnecessary trips, improving delivery efficiency, and providing detailed environmental impact data.
Implementation Method 1
at least one radio frequency identification (RFID) reader configured to detect at least one passive RFID tag associated with the at least one shipment unit
Implementation Method 2
at least one ultra-wide band (UWB) transmitter for transmission of radio signals over a short-range network
Implementation Method 3
at least one cellular transmitter for transmission of wireless signals via a cellular network
Data Source
AI summary
A receiver/transmitter device for logistics tracking configured to monitor or detect a shipment unit includes: a cellular transmitter for transmission of wireless signals via a cellular network; an ultra-wide band (UWB) transmitter for transmission of radio signals over a short-range network; a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader configured to detect a passive RFID tag associated with the shipment unit; and a processor in communication with the cellular transmitter, UWB transmitter, and RFID reader. The processor is configured to selectively cause the cellular transmitter or the UWB transmitter to wirelessly transmit information detected by the RFID reader to a remote computing device or computer server. The device also includes a housing configured to be mounted to a transport platform that encloses the cellular transmitter, UWB transmitter, RFID reader, and processor.