Networked Scale Bus Architecture for Automated Inventory Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inventory management systems using scales face challenges in interconnectivity and limited access to data across different physical locations, requiring significant human interaction and preventing automation.
Innovation Solution
A networked scale system with a 2-wire bus configuration and media converters that carry power and data using the 10BASE-T1 standard, connecting scales in a daisy chain and directly to a network, eliminating the need for intermediate computers and edge gateways.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If scales are connected across different physical locations using existing networks, then inventory data can be accessed at multiple locations, but significant human interaction is required and automation is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
A cloud-based server acts as an intermediary between scales at different physical locations and user devices. The server receives weight data from scales via network connections, processes inventory information, and provides automated restocking notifications and recommendations to users through the cloud interface, eliminating the need for direct human interaction with each scale.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual inventory checking and data collection with automated electronic weight sensing and network-based data transmission. Scales automatically transmit weight data through network connections to the cloud server, which then automatically processes and communicates inventory status, substituting mechanical/manual operations with electronic and computational systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If scales are deployed at multiple physical locations, then inventory tracking coverage is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cloud-based server provides universal functionality that serves multiple scales across different physical locations through a single centralized system. The same server infrastructure handles data collection, processing, storage, and communication for all locations, eliminating the need for separate complex systems at each site and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining broad coverage.
3Loss of information
If traditional scale systems are used at each location, then local measurement is accurate, but interconnectivity and data access across locations are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cloud server acts as an intermediary that collects weight data from scales at various locations, maintains accurate local measurements, and provides centralized access to all inventory information. The server processes and standardizes data from multiple sources while preserving the accuracy of individual scale measurements and making them accessible across the network.
Data Source
AI summary
An inventory management system includes networked scales that may be accessed and managed over a network. The inventory management system generally includes a plurality of networked scale systems at different measurement locations, such as different physical locations for inventory, connected to a network such as the internet. A network computing device may be used to access the networked scale systems and track inventory via the network. The networked scale systems include a plurality of networked scale devices connected in a daisy chain configuration to a 2-wire bus, for example, using a 10BASE-T1 standard, which carries data and powers the scale devices. The networked scale systems also include a media converter connected to the 2-wire bus and connecting the scale devices to the network, for example, using an Ethernet/TCP connection. The networked scale devices may thus be directly connected to the network (e.g., the internet), addressed independently, and easily accessed via the network for inventory management.