Sensor-Based Shipment 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, failing to address the need for real-time monitoring and privacy-protected information sharing among shipment parties.
Innovation Solution
A sensor-based tracking system that includes sensor devices capable of detecting environmental conditions, transmitting data, and authorizing access based on predefined permissions, allowing parties to specify information sharing policies and resolve conflicts.
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 monitoring selectively for high-value shipments without deploying sensors on all items, thereby improving measurement precision for critical items while controlling overall system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements environmental monitoring at a partial level rather than universally. Sensors are deployed only when and where environmental data is needed, based on shipment characteristics and stakeholder requirements. This partial action approach provides sufficient environmental information for temperature-sensitive goods without the excessive cost of universal sensor deployment across all shipments.
2Loss of information
If comprehensive sensor data is collected and shared among all parties, then information availability is improved, but loss of privacy and information security increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different information sharing policies to different parties and different data types based on their specific needs and roles. For example, temperature data may be shared with all parties for perishable goods, while location data may be restricted to carrier and recipient only. This local quality approach ensures each party receives necessary information while minimizing privacy exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary layer (the tracking platform) that manages data sharing between parties. This intermediary controls what sensor data is shared, with whom, and under what conditions, thereby enabling comprehensive information availability while protecting privacy through centralized policy enforcement and selective disclosure.
3Device complexity
If manual scanning of bar codes is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and tracking efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical scanning operations with automated RFID and sensor-based tracking. RFID tags enable automatic identification and tracking without manual intervention, while sensors continuously monitor environmental conditions. This substitution eliminates the need for manual scanning, dramatically improving productivity and tracking efficiency while the centralized platform manages the increased automation complexity.
4Ease of operation
If RFID tags are used for tracking, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision and environmental monitoring capability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges RFID tags with environmental sensors into an integrated tracking device. The RFID component provides automatic identification and location tracking, while integrated sensors add environmental monitoring capabilities for temperature, humidity, and other conditions. This merging maintains the ease of automatic operation provided by RFID while enhancing measurement precision through sensor data collection.
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.