Traceability Application Network Director for Serialized Code Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing traceability systems face challenges in efficiently marking product items with unique identifiers due to lengthy QR-codes and RFID tags, which slow down production, and in directing serialized codes to the correct originating traceability application, especially in complex supply chains with multiple stakeholders and systems.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented traceability application network director system that uses a list of traceability applications and their addresses to efficiently route unique identifiers to their originating applications without the need for a rules database, allowing for faster and more accurate connection establishment between clients and the correct traceability applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If comprehensive product information is included in QR-codes or RFID tags for traceability, then traceability information completeness is improved, but marking time increases and production speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments traceability information into two parts: a compact unique identifier (UID) marked on the product, and comprehensive information stored in a cloud-based traceability system. The UID contains only essential routing information, while detailed product data, tracking events, and specifications are stored remotely and accessed via network connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from storing all traceability information in two-dimensional space (on the product label) to utilizing three-dimensional space by adding a network dimension. The UID on the product serves as a key that unlocks comprehensive information stored in the cloud, effectively moving data storage from the physical product to the digital network space.
2Measurement precision
If complete resource addresses are used to direct serialized codes to the correct traceability application, then routing accuracy is improved, but code length increases and marking complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a director system as an intermediary between the UID and the traceability applications. The director receives the compact UID, queries the traceability system to determine which application originated the code, and then routes the request accordingly. This mediator enables accurate routing without requiring the UID to contain complete application address information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the routing logic from the UID itself and places it in the director system. The UID contains only the essential unique identifier, while the routing intelligence is extracted and stored separately in the traceability system, allowing the UID to remain compact while routing accuracy is maintained through the director's query-based resolution.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent traceability systems are integrated through one-to-one integration, then system interoperability is improved, but integration complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal director system that can route requests to multiple different traceability applications through a single interface. Instead of requiring separate integration mechanisms for each system pair, the director provides a universal routing mechanism that handles interoperability between any number of traceability systems using the same UID-based approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple independent traceability systems into a coordinated network managed by a single director. The director consolidates the routing function for all systems, allowing them to work together as an integrated network while maintaining their operational independence. This combining approach reduces overall integration complexity compared to pairwise connections.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for routing unique identifier requests to an appropriate traceability application includes receiving a request from a client in the network, the request including a unique identifier; forwarding the identifier to a first traceability application from a list of potential traceability applications; receiving a response from the first server; and repeating querying a subsequent traceability application from the list, until an originating traceability application is found that can process the request, in response to the first server being unable to confirm it can process the request.