Optical Marker Container Tracking for Warehouse Provenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tracking systems for materials and containers are inefficient due to device incompatibilities, obstruction issues, and lack of standardization, leading to loss of provenance and difficulty in tracing commodity goods, especially in warehouse environments, and are unable to track items from source to end user effectively.
Innovation Solution
An automated tracking system using image sensors, image recognition software, and machine-readable optical markers to track the position and movement of containers within a defined space, utilizing a virtual model to maintain a record of movements and positions, and incorporating mobile computing devices with image sensors to capture and process marker data for precise location tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional tracking systems use markers, radios, or GPS equipment attached to containers, then tracking capability is provided, but device incompatibilities and obstruction by other objects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by establishing a standardized optical marker system that can be read by multiple types of imaging devices (cameras, smartphones, tablets). This single marker format serves multiple tracking functions and is compatible with various reader devices, eliminating device incompatibility issues while maintaining reliable tracking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a standardized optical marker as a mediator between the container and the tracking system. This marker translates physical container location into optical signals that can be universally detected and interpreted, resolving the obstruction and compatibility problems of direct device-to-container tracking.
2Measurement precision
If commodity containers are individually marked and tracked, then tracking precision is improved, but labor intensity and logistical difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling containers to self-identify their location through the optical markers attached to them. The containers themselves carry the tracking information via markers, eliminating the need for complex external tracking infrastructure and reducing labor intensity while maintaining individual container tracking precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a simplified optical representation (marker) of the container's identity and location. Instead of tracking complex physical containers directly, the system copies their information onto standardized optical markers that are easier to read and process, reducing system complexity while maintaining tracking precision.
3Productivity
If containers are moved and intermingled during warehousing operations, then storage efficiency is improved, but provenance tracking is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by continuously updating the location information of containers through optical markers as they are moved and intermingled during warehousing operations. Each time a container is relocated, its new position is detected and recorded, providing continuous feedback that maintains provenance tracking despite the dynamic nature of warehouse operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by pre-attaching standardized optical markers to containers before they enter the warehousing system. This preliminary marking ensures that containers are ready for continuous tracking from the outset, preventing provenance loss even as they are moved and intermingled during storage operations.
4Ease of operation
If manual tracking methods are used for commodity goods, then operational simplicity is maintained, but tracking accuracy and recall capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking methods with an automated optical recognition system. Instead of relying on human operators to read and record container locations, the system uses imaging devices and image processing algorithms to automatically detect and track containers with optical markers, significantly improving tracking accuracy while maintaining operational simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides systems and methods for tracking items (e.g., commodities, goods, containers, boxes, packages, etc.) through transportations to multiple locations to allow the position(s) and movement(s) of such items to be accurately tracked and documented, and to allow such items to be quickly identified and located based on tracking records kept within the tracking system. The system may utilize image sensors, image recognition and processes software, position translation software, and a virtual model of the pre-defined space in order to track objects within the defined space and maintain a record of the movement(s) and position(s) of the object within the pre-defined space.