RFID Freight Tracking With Vehicle-Based Geofences
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for tracking freight shipments are inefficient and prone to errors due to manual document scanning by drivers, leading to potential delays and loss of freight.
Innovation Solution
A computer system that determines the location of vehicles and shipments using RFID tags and geofences to automatically track the loading and unloading of shipments, eliminating the need for manual scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual document scanning by drivers is used to track freight, then the tracking process can be performed, but it is time consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic tracking of freight without requiring driver intervention. RFID tags on freight containers automatically transmit location and status information to the tracking system, allowing the freight itself to 'report' its status rather than requiring manual scanning by drivers.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of drivers scanning documents is replaced with an automated electronic RFID-based system. The RFID tags and readers automatically detect and track freight movement, eliminating the need for manual document handling and scanning operations.
2Reliability
If manual document scanning is used, then tracking information can be captured, but the risk of driver error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates reliance on driver actions by implementing automatic RFID detection. The freight containers with embedded RFID tags automatically provide tracking information, removing the human element that introduces errors such as forgetting to scan or scanning wrong documents.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously receives feedback from RFID tags on freight containers and automatically updates tracking information. This real-time feedback mechanism ensures accurate tracking without requiring manual verification or intervention, reducing errors associated with manual operations.
3Reliability
If identification information is provided on documents handled by drivers, then tracking data can be collected, but the risk of loss or misplacement of freight increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on drivers to handle and preserve physical documents containing identification information, the system uses RFID tags embedded in or attached to the freight containers themselves. The freight effectively carries its own identification information electronically, eliminating the risk of document loss or misplacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag acts as an intermediary between the freight and the tracking system. Rather than requiring physical documents to be handled and scanned, the RFID tag wirelessly transmits identification information, eliminating the need for physical document handling and reducing the risk of loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for tracking at least one object configured to be transported by at least one vehicle may include at least one computer system. The at least one computer system may be configured to determine at least one location of the at least one vehicle and determine at least one location of the at least one object. The at least one computer system may be further configured to determine at least one location of at least one geofence adjacent the at least one vehicle based on the at least one location of the at least one vehicle. Also, the at least one computer system may be configured to determine whether the at least one object is located within the at least one geofence to determine whether a load of the at least one vehicle includes the at least one object.