Wireless Tracking Device for Independent Item Location Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tracking and visibility systems in transportation networks are inadequate for accurately monitoring high-value items, as they often rely on passive, 'logical' scanning methods that may miss individual items within bundled shipments, leading to potential loss, misdelivery, or theft, and may draw unnecessary attention by using special security measures.
Innovation Solution
A comprehensive tracking system that includes a wireless device associated with each item to transmit a unique identifier, allowing for independent verification of its location through multiple access points, combining with traditional scanning data to provide enhanced monitoring without altering the shipping appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional logical scanning methods are used to track items in bundled shipments, then shipping efficiency is maintained and items can be processed in aggregates, but tracking accuracy deteriorates because individual items within bundles may not be physically scanned at every transportation point
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking system is segmented into two independent components: traditional bundle-level scanning and individual item wireless tracking. Each item within a bundle has its own wireless device that independently reports location, allowing the system to maintain both aggregate processing efficiency and individual item tracking accuracy without requiring physical separation of items during transit
Solution Approach 2:
Wireless tracking devices attached to individual items act as intermediaries between the item and the tracking system. These devices enable accurate location reporting without requiring physical interaction with each item at scanning points, thus maintaining shipping efficiency while improving tracking accuracy for high-value items
2Reliability
If special shipping channels with stringent security measures are used for high-value items, then security and loss prevention are improved, but cost increases and unnecessary attention is drawn to the items
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless tracking device enables the item to self-report its location continuously throughout the supply chain. This automatic self-monitoring provides security and loss prevention without requiring special handling, separate shipping channels, or additional security personnel intervention, thus maintaining standard shipping procedures while improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback on item location through wireless reporting. This real-time location information enables proactive security monitoring and rapid response to potential issues without requiring special shipping channels or drawing attention to the item, as the tracking operates invisibly in the background
3Device complexity
If passive tracking systems are used where items are only scanned when noticed by shippers or consignees, then system complexity is reduced, but response time to detect and remedy problems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless tracking device enables continuous location reporting throughout the item's journey through the supply chain. This continuous tracking provides uninterrupted visibility into item location and status, enabling immediate detection and response to problems such as loss, theft, or misdelivery, without requiring periodic manual checks or waiting for customer reports
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback on item location through automatic wireless reporting. This real-time information flow enables proactive problem detection and rapid response, significantly reducing the time lag between an issue occurring and transportation/security personnel being able to investigate and remedy it
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 ensures accurate, real-time tracking and verification of high-value items' locations, reducing the risk of loss or theft and avoiding unnecessary attention by using standard shipping channels, while providing a robust and detailed history of an item's movement.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless device physically associated with the item to be tracked, the wireless device being configured to transmit a signal
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is generally directed to a tracking and visibility system of a kind that augments aspects of traditional tracking systems by implementing mechanisms for independently detecting and verifying the whereabouts of particular objects moving through a carrier's logistics network. These mechanisms are preferably implemented without having to alter the outward appearance or manner in which such objects would otherwise be shipped. At a high level, the present invention accomplishes this by providing a comprehensive tracking system that includes at least two levels of tracking, one of which involves physically associating a wireless device with an object to be tracked, the wireless device being configured to transmit a signal that can be used to independently detect and verify the location of the particular object as it moves through the carrier's logistics network.