Sensor-Based Logistics Tracking With Permissioned Data Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tracking systems, such as bar codes and RFID tags, lack the ability to provide real-time environmental data and require manual scanning, while sensor-based systems are expensive and provide redundant information, and there is a need for a system that allows parties to specify information sharing policies and notify conflicts.
Innovation Solution
A sensor-based tracking system that includes sensor devices attached to items, a tracking center, and clients, allowing for real-time data transmission, authorization based on permissions, and customizable information sharing policies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensor-based tracking systems are used to provide environmental data, then measurement precision and information quality are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides tracking functionality into two segments: basic location tracking using simple RFID tags and detailed environmental monitoring using sensors. This segmentation allows organizations to implement environmental tracking only where needed, improving measurement precision for critical items without unnecessarily increasing system complexity across the entire fleet.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements environmental sensing partially - only for items where environmental conditions are critical to quality. The selective deployment of sensors on high-value or temperature-sensitive goods rather than all items provides necessary environmental data while avoiding the excessive cost and complexity of universal sensor deployment.
2Loss of information
If sensor-based tracking systems are used to monitor all items, then information completeness is improved, but loss of time for data processing and redundancy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential environmental parameters relevant to each item type (e.g., temperature for pharmaceuticals, humidity for food products) rather than monitoring all possible environmental factors. This extraction approach ensures information completeness for quality assurance while minimizing data processing time by eliminating redundant measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system collects environmental data partially - only for items and parameters where monitoring adds value. By selectively enabling sensors based on item characteristics and shipping requirements, the system achieves sufficient information completeness without the time loss associated with processing excessive redundant data from universal monitoring.
3Ease of operation
If RFID tags are used for tracking, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision and environmental data capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges RFID tags with environmental sensors into integrated tracking devices. This combination maintains the ease of operation of RFID (automatic reading without manual scanning) while adding environmental monitoring capabilities, thus resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking system is designed with multi-functionality, where a single device performs both location tracking (RFID function) and environmental monitoring (sensor function). This universal approach allows the system to maintain operational simplicity while simultaneously providing environmental data, eliminating the need to choose between the two capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for tracking one or more items. In one exemplary embodiment, there is provided a method for tracking one or more items. The method may include periodically detecting, by a sensor device, sensor information of the one or more items, and periodically transmitting, by the sensor device, the sensor information. The method may also include determining if the one or more parties is authorized to receive the sensor information. The method may also include transmitting the sensor information to the one or more authorized parties. The method may further include determining if the one or more parties is authorized to receive the sensor information and the periodically transmitting the sensor information to the one or more authorized parties based on a set of one or more permissions that grants or restricts access of the one or more parties to the sensor information based on the set of one or more permissions.