NFC Device Tracking Dynamic Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tracking and control systems in dynamic environments, such as laboratories, face challenges in monitoring items that change state or are frequently transferred, leading to inconsistencies in process execution and difficulties in tracking transformed items, and lack robustness in tracking user interactions and item movements.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of near field communication (NFC) technology to enable dynamic and interactive tracking and control within environments, allowing NFC-enabled devices to interact with NFC devices at various locations, facilitating authentication, data capture, and process management through a sequence of taps, and network devices to monitor and record interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional tracking systems are used to monitor item location, then location tracking is achieved, but the system cannot effectively track items that change state or are frequently transferred, leading to loss of information about item processes and transformations
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the tracking function into multiple specialized components: location tracking via GPS, item state monitoring via sensors, user interaction detection via cameras and NFC readers, and process data collection via weight scales. Each component handles a specific aspect of item monitoring, allowing the system to comprehensively track items through all stages of the supply chain including transformations and transfers.
Solution Approach 2:
The server device serves as a universal platform that integrates multiple tracking and monitoring functions: receiving GPS location data, processing sensor readings about item state changes, analyzing images from security cameras, reading NFC tags, collecting weight data from scales, and coordinating between different tracking methods. This multi-functional approach enables the system to adapt to various tracking scenarios including location monitoring, state change detection, and process tracking.
2Measurement precision
If manual tracking methods are used for items frequently transferred between locations, then location recording is possible, but inconsistencies occur in process execution and data recording accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service tracking where items automatically report their own status. GPS devices on items continuously transmit location data, sensors on items automatically detect and report state changes, NFC tags on items are automatically read when items are scanned, and weight scales automatically record weight changes. This eliminates manual data entry and reduces human error, ensuring consistent and accurate tracking without requiring complex manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs continuous feedback loops where tracking data from GPS, sensors, cameras, NFC readers, and scales is constantly transmitted to the server, which processes the data and sends control signals back to adjust tracking parameters or alert operators. This real-time feedback mechanism ensures data consistency and allows the system to automatically correct or verify tracking information, maintaining high accuracy without increasing operational complexity.
3Reliability
If comprehensive monitoring of item transformations and processes is implemented, then tracking accuracy is improved, but device complexity and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically activates monitoring components based on item characteristics and environmental context. GPS tracking is activated for mobile items, sensors are engaged when items are stored in controlled environments, cameras are triggered at security checkpoints, NFC readers are deployed at transfer points, and weight scales are positioned at loading/unloading areas. This dynamic deployment of monitoring resources maintains high tracking reliability while avoiding the complexity of having all components active simultaneously throughout the entire system.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure leverage near field communication (NFC) technology to provide dynamic and interactive monitoring of an environment. NFC devices may be used to check items in and out of a storage facility, obtain readings from instruments or other machinery present in the environment (e.g., to perform tests on the items, etc.), track movement of users and items within the environment, and to prompt users with information about the environment, such as information about the instruments or machinery currency being used to perform operations with respect to one or more items checked out to the user. Additionally, the NFC device may be used to configure the instruments with appropriate settings for the particular item(s) for which the instrument is currently being used or for other purposes.