Spatiotemporal Tracking via Smartphone Extraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current logistics systems for international express deliveries are inefficient, expensive, and limited by centralized control approaches, making international commerce and private deliveries slow and costly, with challenges in managing the electrical power supply for geolocation and communication devices in collaborative forwarding systems.
Innovation Solution
A collaborative spatiotemporal tracking system using portable computing units with near field wireless communication and geolocation means, where embedded devices in packages communicate with smartphones for data exchange, eliminating the need for frequent recharging and allowing long-distance travel with low-power consumption batteries, thus reducing operational constraints on individuals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If geolocation and communication means are integrated into articles for tracking, then real-time position monitoring is improved, but electrical power supply management becomes complex and difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power-intensive geolocation and communication functions from the embedded device in the article and relocates them to the portable computing unit (smartphone). The embedded device retains only simple identification and near-field communication capabilities, while the smartphone handles GPS tracking and data transmission, eliminating battery management complexity from the article itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent leverages the universal smartphone as a multi-functional platform that can serve multiple purposes: geolocation tracking, communication, user interface, and power management. This single device replaces multiple specialized components, simplifying the overall system while maintaining real-time monitoring capabilities.
2Extent of automation
If centralized control systems are used for international deliveries, then coordination is improved, but delivery speed and cost-effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the delivery coordination system into distributed local nodes (portable computing units carried by individuals) rather than relying on a single centralized control center. Each participant's smartphone independently tracks and reports its position and article status, enabling parallel processing of multiple deliveries simultaneously, which increases overall system productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a lightweight server as an intermediary that facilitates coordination between distributed participants without requiring centralized control. The server enables peer-to-peer communication and data sharing among participants, allowing fast local decision-making while maintaining overall system coordination.
3Adaptability or versatility
If collaborative individual forwarding is implemented, then delivery flexibility is improved, but tracking security and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback loops where the embedded device and portable computing unit constantly exchange position, status, and identification data. The system provides real-time feedback to all participants and the server about article location and handover events, creating an auditable trail that enhances security while maintaining flexible individual participation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the identification function (embedded device) with the tracking and communication functions (portable computing unit) into an integrated system. This combination leverages the security of the embedded identifier with the capabilities of the smartphone's GPS and communication modules, achieving both flexibility and reliability.
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
This system enables secure, accessible, fast, and inexpensive international delivery services by leveraging widespread smartphone usage for tracking and power management, reducing the carbon footprint and extending the life of tracking devices through autonomous operation and easy battery replacement.
Implementation Method 1
first near field wireless communication means and second near field wireless communication means, capable of communicating with each other
Implementation Method 2
geolocation means, the computer module comprising the computer application with a view to allowing the exchange of data between the computer module and the portable computing units
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for forwarding articles by individuals of a community, implementing a spatiotemporal tracking system comprising a computing platform including at least one computer application intended to be loaded by portable computing units held by individuals of the community, and embedded devices, coupled to the articles, each comprising second near field wireless communication means, capable of communicating with the first near field wireless communication means, the computing units and the computer module comprising a shared computer application allowing the exchange of data between them.