Mobile Baggage Tracking via Barcode Scans and Cloud Location History
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current baggage tracking systems are complex, expensive, and limited to large airports, leading to gaps in tracking and increased costs and passenger dissatisfaction due to lost bags, especially in smaller airports with limited infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A mobile application-based tracking system using a mobile device to scan article identifiers, combine location and timestamped information, and transmit via a cloud platform, enabling low-cost tracking with compatibility to existing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex laser-scanned barcode systems are used for baggage tracking, then tracking reliability is improved, but system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the core tracking function from complex laser-scanned barcode systems and implements it using simple mobile device cameras to scan 2D barcodes. This extraction allows tracking functionality to be achieved without requiring expensive laser scanners, automated conveyor systems, or complex backend infrastructure, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex laser-scanned barcode readers with inexpensive mobile devices that use standard cameras. The mobile devices are disposable consumer electronics that can be easily deployed and replaced, eliminating the need for costly dedicated tracking hardware while maintaining adequate tracking reliability
2Reliability
If comprehensive baggage tracking infrastructure is deployed, then tracking coverage is improved, but operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service tracking where passengers use their own mobile devices to scan barcodes and report bag locations. This eliminates the need for expensive dedicated tracking personnel and infrastructure at each location, allowing comprehensive tracking coverage without proportionally increasing operational costs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes mobile devices universal tracking terminals that can function at any location with camera capability. Instead of requiring specialized tracking equipment at each airport or facility, any mobile device can serve as a tracking terminal, dramatically reducing infrastructure costs while maintaining broad tracking coverage
3Device complexity
If mobile device-based tracking is used, then system cost is reduced, but tracking precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centralized server as an intermediary that processes location data from multiple mobile devices and reconciles it with baggage information. This server layer compensates for the imprecision of mobile device-based location tracking by cross-referencing data sources and providing accurate baggage location information, thereby maintaining measurement precision while using low-cost mobile devices
4Ease of operation
If traditional BIM message systems are used, then data standardization is improved, but system flexibility and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid, fixed-format BIM messages with dynamic JSON-based data exchange. This allows the message structure to adapt to different scenarios and requirements without requiring complex parsing or rigid integration protocols, significantly improving flexibility and ease of operation while reducing integration complexity through standardized web APIs
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
Provides robust and cost-effective baggage tracking in environments with limited infrastructure, ensuring efficient tracking and reducing operational costs while maintaining compatibility with legacy systems.
Implementation Method 1
scan the location identifier with the mobile device
Implementation Method 2
obtain location information related to the current location of the article
Data Source
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AI summary
An article tracking system and method are provided. The system includes an article identifier, a location identifier, a mobile application stored on a mobile device, and a cloud platform. The mobile application combines article information from the article identifier and location information from the location identifier into a data packet and transmits the data packet to the cloud platform for storage. Creating and sending a data packet for each of a plurality of locations enables to system to record the location history of the article over time.