Wireless Node Shipment Merging for Automated Item Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tracking systems for assets, packages, and personnel are inefficient, requiring manual scanning of barcodes and providing limited environmental context, which increases costs and reduces visibility.
Innovation Solution
A wireless node network system using a master node and ID nodes, where the master node communicates with the server and associates with ID nodes, enabling efficient shipment merging and tracking while providing context-aware monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual barcode scanning is used for tracking items, then basic tracking functionality is achieved, but labor costs increase and tracking efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking system performs automatic identification and data collection without requiring manual scanning operations. RFID tags and readers enable the system to self-monitor item locations and conditions, eliminating the need for human operators to manually scan barcodes at each checkpoint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical barcode scanning with automated RFID electromagnetic field-based identification. The RFID system uses radio frequency signals to automatically detect and track items, substituting the mechanical hand-held scanner operation with an automated electromagnetic detection system.
2Ease of operation
If RFID tags are used for automated tracking, then manual scanning is eliminated, but environmental context information is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines RFID tracking functionality with environmental sensing capabilities into a single integrated system. The RFID tags are merged with temperature, humidity, shock, and other environmental sensors to simultaneously provide location tracking and condition monitoring without requiring separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as an RFID identification tag for automated tracking and as an environmental monitoring station. This universal device performs multiple functions including location tracking, temperature monitoring, humidity sensing, and shock detection within a single unit.
3Loss of information
If sensor-based tracking systems are deployed to provide environmental information, then comprehensive monitoring is achieved, but system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts sensor activation and data collection frequency based on shipment requirements and environmental conditions. Sensors are activated only when needed, and monitoring intensity varies according to the sensitivity of the cargo and environmental risk levels, optimizing resource usage and reducing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes monitoring parameters such as sampling frequency, sensor activation thresholds, and data transmission intervals based on cargo type and environmental conditions. This adaptive parameter adjustment reduces unnecessary data collection and transmission, lowering system operational costs while maintaining adequate monitoring coverage.
4Reliability
If traditional tracking systems are used, then basic location tracking is provided, but real-time condition monitoring and shipment merging capabilities are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously collects real-time data from RFID tags and environmental sensors, providing feedback to the central platform. This feedback loop enables dynamic decision-making for shipment routing, consolidation opportunities, and condition-based alerts, allowing proactive management of tracked items throughout the supply chain.
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 enhances asset management by providing real-time location and condition monitoring, reducing costs, and improving logistics efficiency through automated tracking and data sharing.
Implementation Method 1
a master node receives ID node identification information from a server in the network... when the master node detects a signal from each ID node as they respectively approach the master node
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are described for merging of a set of items being shipped using a wireless node network. In an example method, a master node receives ID node identification information from a server in the network. The ID node identification information defines the group of ID nodes. Each of the ID nodes is related to a different item from the set of items being shipped. Next, each of the ID nodes in the group is associated with the master node when the master node detects a signal from each ID node as they respectively approach the master node. When the master node detects a last one of the ID nodes in the group approaching the master node, the master node transmits a notification to the server. Thereafter, the master node receives a shipment merge indication from the server.