Receptacle Tracking via Vehicle-Mounted RFID and Map Overlay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Waste service providers face difficulties in tracking receptacles, leading to forgotten, unused, lost, or stolen receptacles, resulting in lost profits due to variability in customer needs and service provider changes.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a locating device on service vehicles to generate location signals, a receptacle sensor to identify receptacles, and a controller to display icons on a map, enabling real-time tracking and management of receptacle locations and identities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If manual tracking methods are used for receptacles, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of information increases as receptacles can be forgotten, lost, or stolen
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking system is integrated into the existing service vehicle and receptacle infrastructure, allowing the same system to serve multiple functions: tracking receptacle location, identifying receptacle identity, monitoring service operations, and providing data for business intelligence. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized systems while comprehensively addressing receptacle tracking needs
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses RFID tags and readers to create digital copies/representations of receptacle identity and location information. Instead of physically tracking each receptacle, the system tracks electronic signals that represent receptacle data, enabling remote monitoring without physical intervention
2Loss of time
If no tracking system is implemented, then device complexity remains low, but loss of time increases due to difficulty in locating and managing receptacles
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous feedback to service providers about receptacle location, identity, and status through the platform interface. This real-time or near-real-time information feedback enables rapid location and management of receptacles, dramatically reducing the time needed to find and service them
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-establishes digital records of all receptacles including their identities, locations, and service histories before service operations begin. This preliminary digital setup enables immediate tracking and management without requiring time-consuming manual searches or assessments during service operations
3Productivity
If comprehensive tracking is implemented, then productivity improves through better resource management, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and systems
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking system merges multiple functions into integrated components: the RFID reader simultaneously captures receptacle identity and location data, the platform consolidates data from multiple vehicles and receptacles, and the interface combines tracking, service management, and business intelligence functions. This integration improves productivity while managing complexity through consolidation
Data Source
AI summary
A system is disclosed for tracking receptacles serviced by a service vehicle. The system may have a locating device located onboard the at least one service vehicle and configured to generate a location signal indicative of a location of the at least one service vehicle, a receptacle sensor located onboard the at least one service vehicle and configured to generate an identity signal indicative of an identity of a receptacle in a vicinity of the at least one service vehicle, and a display. The system may also have at least one controller in communication with the locating device, the sensor, and the display. The at least one controller may be configured to show on the display an icon representing the receptacle overlaid on a map based on the location and identification signals.