QR Code Logger Data Retrieval for Shipment Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for closing a shipment order with potential data gaps in real-time environmental data during transport are inefficient and user-unfriendly, often requiring manual USB connections that may not be available at destination locations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a Quick Response (QR) code on logger devices to facilitate the retrieval of missing environmental data through a camera-equipped mobile device, allowing data to be uploaded to an external control computer via a connection bridge, thereby eliminating the need for specific wired connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If manual USB connection method is used to retrieve missing data, then data completeness is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to wire specificity and equipment restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical USB connection system with an optical/wireless communication system using QR codes and mobile device cameras. Instead of physically connecting a USB cable between the logger device and computer, the system uses visual recognition (camera scanning QR code) followed by wireless data transfer, eliminating the need for physical connectors and wired connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary between the logger device and the external control computer. The mobile device scans the QR code on the logger, establishes a wireless connection, retrieves the missing environmental data, and transfers it to the control computer, serving as a flexible mediator that eliminates the need for direct USB connections.
2Loss of information
If manual USB connection method is used to retrieve missing data, then data completeness is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to time consuming process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the time-consuming mechanical USB connection process with rapid optical scanning and wireless data transfer. The QR code can be scanned instantly by a mobile device camera, and wireless communication enables faster data retrieval and transfer compared to USB connectivity, thereby improving shipment closing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-generating and displaying a QR code on the logger device before data loss occurs. This QR code contains all necessary information for data retrieval, so when data gaps are detected, the retrieval process can immediately begin without needing to search for or configure connection equipment, thus accelerating the productivity improvement.
3Loss of information
If USB connector equipment is required for data retrieval, then data completeness is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to equipment availability restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the USB mechanical connection system with a universal optical recognition system (QR code scanning) combined with wireless communication. Mobile devices with cameras are ubiquitous and do not require special equipment or configurations, making the system adaptable to any destination location regardless of available equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves universality by using a QR code and mobile device camera, which are widely compatible across different platforms and locations. The mobile device serves multiple functions (camera, wireless communicator, data processor) and can operate with any logger device displaying a QR code, eliminating the need for location-specific equipment or specialized USB connectors.
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention relates to a method and a system for retrieving potential missing environmental related data of an asset from a real time monitored shipment while the asset is transported from a beginning location to a destination location, comprising: • associating a logger device, containing a Quick Response (QR) code, to the asset before the start of the transport, where the logger device is configured to collect and store environmental related data and regularly transmit the stored environmental related data together with geographical location data of the logger device to an external control computer, wherein the method further comprises: • evaluating by a processor if there is a potential data gap in the monitored and transmitted real time environmental related data for a given time-period and until the end of the transport and before closing the shipment of the asset at the destination location, where in case of a potential data gap is present, • scanning, by an operator of a camera equipped mobile device at the destination location, the QR code on the logger device, and utilizing a connection bridge provided on the mobile device for accessing, by the mobile device, a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) address associated to the QR code where the missing data is downloaded from the logger device to the external control computer via the connection bridge of the mobile device.