RFID Tag with Cellular Intermediary for Container Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tracking and monitoring systems for shipping containers face challenges such as unreliable communication due to RFID tags being outside the communication range or owned by third parties, leading to security and environmental monitoring inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A tracking and monitoring system that includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag with capacitive proximity sensors, UHF wireless communication, and a central system connected to RFID readers, signposts, cellular networks, GPS satellites, and handheld units, allowing for secure and accurate location tracking and environmental monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an RFID tag is attached to a container for tracking and monitoring, then security and environmental monitoring capability is provided, but communication reliability deteriorates because the tag is often outside the communication range of RFID systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cellular telephone network as an intermediary communication channel between the RFID tag and the central system. When the tag is outside RFID communication range, it can still transmit status information to the cellular network, which then forwards the information to the central system, ensuring continuous reliable communication throughout the container's journey.
2Measurement precision
If an RFID tag is used for tracking, then location monitoring is provided, but the system becomes complex due to multiple communication protocols and third-party systems
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tag is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating both RFID communication capability for local tracking and cellular telephone network integration for remote communication. This universal design allows a single tag to operate effectively across different communication ranges and systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining accurate location tracking.
3Reliability
If RFID systems are installed at all possible locations for tracking, then communication coverage is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of deploying RFID systems at every possible location, the patent uses the cellular telephone network as a cost-effective intermediary that provides widespread coverage. The existing cellular infrastructure serves as the communication channel, eliminating the need for expensive point-to-point RFID deployment while maintaining reliable communication coverage throughout the container's journey.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system ensures reliable communication and monitoring of container conditions, including security and environmental parameters, even when the tag is outside typical communication ranges, providing real-time location tracking and reducing costs associated with third-party communication.
Implementation Method 1
The tag includes a capacitive proximity sensor that can be used to detect the presence of an RFID reader or signpost
Implementation Method 2
The tag then provides monitoring as to both security and environmental conditions, and can send wireless signals that contain status information
Data Source
AI summary
A tag can communicate according to a cellular telephone network communication protocol, and includes one of: passive circuitry, semi-passive circuitry, or circuitry capable of communicating according to a radio frequency identification communication protocol or a satellite communication protocol. According to a different aspect, a tag can receive satellite signals containing positioning information, and can transmit according to one of a cellular telephone network communication protocol, a satellite communication protocol, and a wireless computer network communication protocol. According to yet another aspect, a tag can transmit according to each of first and second communication protocols that are each one of a radio frequency identification communication protocol, a cellular telephone network communication protocol, a satellite communication protocol, and a wireless computer network communication protocol.