Methods and devices for enabling asset trackers

Abstract

A method for activating an asset tracker from an ultra-low power delivery mode to a motion detection mode. The method includes detecting activation trigger activities including double tapping on the housing of the asset tracker, touch detection, optical detection, and loss of proximity with a nearby object within the packaging of an asset container.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 598,646 filed November 14, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] field

[0004] The present disclosure generally relates to asset tracking, and more specifically, to methods and devices for enabling an asset tracker. Background Technology

[0005] An asset tracker is an electronic device placed on an asset to track its location and status. An asset tracker is typically part of an asset tracking system. An asset tracking system enables the tracking of the location and status of one or more assets. The assets can be vehicles, equipment, shipping containers, trailers, tanks, or any other type of asset whose location and status are to be tracked. The asset tracker is attached to the asset and deployed in the field. A battery-powered asset tracker has limited electrical energy for operation.

[0006] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for activating an asset tracker is provided. The asset tracker comprises a housing that encloses internal components of the asset tracker, the internal components comprising a controller, an inertial measurement unit, and at least one peripheral. The method comprises operating the controller of the asset tracker in a low-power mode, keeping at least one peripheral in a powered-off state, configuring an activation detection module of the asset tracker to detect an activation trigger activity, and activating a motion detection mode of the asset tracker to detect motion sustained for a predetermined duration in response to detecting the activation trigger activity.

[0007] Activating the motion detection mode may include configuring an inertial measurement unit to detect motion sustained for a predetermined duration.

[0008] The inertial measurement unit may include a 3-axis accelerometer, and configuring the inertial measurement unit to detect sustained motion may include configuring the 3-axis accelerometer to notify the controller when the 3-axis accelerometer detects an acceleration value exceeding an acceleration threshold during a predetermined duration.

[0009] The activation detection module may include an inertial measurement unit, and configuring the activation detection module to detect an activation trigger activity may include configuring the inertial measurement unit to detect at least one tapping activity in the direction of an axis substantially perpendicular to the surface of the housing, and detecting the activation trigger activity may include detecting at least one tapping activity on the surface of the housing by the inertial measurement unit.

[0010] At least one tapping activity may include a first tapping activity and a second tapping activity spaced apart in time from the first tapping activity.

[0011] The first tapping activity and the second tapping activity may each include a double tap on the surface of the housing.

[0012] The activation detection module may include an inertial measurement unit, and detecting the activation trigger activity may include detecting at least one mid-air gesture.

[0013] At least one aerial gesture may include a first aerial gesture and a second aerial gesture different from the first aerial gesture. Configuring an activation detection module to detect an activation trigger activity may include configuring an inertial measurement unit to detect the first aerial gesture and configuring an inertial measurement unit to detect the second aerial gesture in response to detecting the first aerial gesture.

[0014] Configuring an inertial measurement unit to detect a first aerial gesture may include configuring an inertial measurement unit to detect at least one orientation change along a first axis of an asset tracker, and configuring an inertial measurement unit to detect a second aerial gesture may include configuring an inertial measurement unit to detect at least one orientation change along a second axis of an asset tracker.

[0015] At least one orientation change may include a first rotation from the initial orientation by a first angle exceeding a specific critical angle around each axis, and a second rotation back to the initial orientation by a second angle exceeding a specific angle critical value.

[0016] The activation detection module may include a proximity sensor, and detecting the activation trigger activity may include detecting a loss of proximity between the asset tracker and a proximity object placed in the asset tracker's packaging by the proximity sensor.

[0017] The proximity sensor may include a Hall effect sensor, and the proximity object may include a magnet.

[0018] The proximity sensor may include a reed switch, and the proximity object may include a magnet.

[0019] The activation detection module may include an optical sensor, and detecting the activation trigger activity may include detecting incident light on the optical sensor.

[0020] The activation detection module may include a touch sensor, and detecting the activation trigger activity may include detecting a touch by a person's finger on the touch sensor.

[0021] The touch sensor may include a capacitive touch sensor.

[0022] At least one peripheral device may include a location module.

[0023] In another aspect of the present disclosure, an asset tracker is provided. The asset tracker comprises a housing, a controller disposed in the housing, an activation detection module disposed in the housing and coupled to the controller, a position module disposed in the housing and coupled to the controller, an inertial measurement unit disposed in the housing and coupled to the controller, and a memory coupled to the controller. The memory comprises machine-executable programming instructions, and the machine-executable programming instructions, when executed by the controller, configure the asset tracker to operate the controller of the asset tracker in a low-power mode, keep the position module powered off, configure the activation detection module of the asset tracker to detect an activation trigger activity, and configure the inertial measurement unit to detect motion sustained for a predetermined duration in response to detecting the activation trigger activity.

[0024] The activation detection module may include an inertial measurement unit, and machine-executable programming instructions that configure the activation detection module to detect an activation trigger activity may include machine-executable programming instructions that configure the inertial measurement unit to detect at least one tapping activity in the direction of an axis substantially perpendicular to the surface of the housing.

[0025] At least one tapping activity may include a first tapping activity and a second tapping activity spaced apart in time from the first tapping activity.

[0026] The first tapping activity and the second tapping activity may each include a double tap on the surface of the housing.

[0027] The activation detection module may include an inertial measurement unit, and machine-executable programming instructions that configure the activation detection module to detect an activation trigger activity may include machine-executable programming instructions that configure the inertial measurement unit to detect at least one aerial gesture.

[0028] At least one aerial gesture may include a first aerial gesture and a second aerial gesture different from the first aerial gesture, and machine executable programming instructions configuring an inertial measurement unit to detect at least one aerial gesture may include machine executable programming instructions configuring an inertial measurement unit to detect the first aerial gesture and, in response to detecting the first aerial gesture, configuring an inertial measurement unit to detect the second aerial gesture. Machine executable programming instructions configuring an inertial measurement unit to detect the first aerial gesture may include machine executable programming instructions configuring an inertial measurement unit to detect at least one orientation change along a first axis of an asset tracker, and machine executable programming instructions configuring an inertial measurement unit to detect the second aerial gesture may include machine executable programming instructions configuring an inertial measurement unit to detect at least one orientation change along a second axis of an asset tracker.

[0029] At least one orientation change may include a first rotation from the initial orientation by a first angle exceeding a specific critical angle around each axis, and a second rotation back to the initial orientation by a second angle exceeding a specific angle critical value.

[0030] The activation detection module may include a proximity sensor, and machine-executable programming instructions that configure the activation detection module to detect activation trigger activity may include machine-executable programming instructions that configure the proximity sensor to detect a loss of proximity between the asset tracker and a nearby object placed in the asset tracker's packaging for longer than the proximity loss threshold duration.

[0031] The proximity sensor may include a Hall effect sensor, and the proximity object may include a magnet.

[0032] The proximity sensor may include a reed switch, and the proximity object may include a magnet.

[0033] The activation detection module may include an optical sensor, and machine-executable programming instructions that configure the activation detection module to detect an activation trigger may include machine-executable programming instructions that configure the optical sensor to detect incident light for a predetermined duration.

[0034] The activation detection module may include a touch sensor, and machine-executable programming instructions that configure the activation detection module to detect activation trigger activity may include machine-executable programming instructions that configure the touch sensor to detect a touch by a human finger on the touch sensor.

[0035] The touch sensor may include a capacitive touch sensor. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0036] Exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an asset tracking system including an asset tracker coupled to an engineless asset. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary battery-powered asset tracker. Figure 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary battery-powered asset tracker. FIG. 4 is a state diagram illustrating the operating states of an exemplary battery-powered asset tracker according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for activating a battery-powered asset tracker using a tapping activity according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGS. 6a through 6c illustrate an asset tracker undergoing a first aerial gesture, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, in which the asset tracker is rotated 90 degrees clockwise along its X-axis and then rotated back to its original orientation. FIGS. 7a through 7c illustrate an asset tracker undergoing a second aerial gesture, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, in which the asset tracker is rotated 90 degrees clockwise along its Y-axis and then rotated back to its original orientation. FIGS. 8a through 8c illustrate an asset tracker undergoing a third aerial gesture, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, in which the asset tracker is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise along its Y-axis and then rotated back to its original orientation. FIG. 9 is a state diagram illustrating a method in which an exemplary asset tracker, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, transitions from a shipping mode to a motion detection mode in response to a first aerial gesture and a second aerial gesture. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for activating an asset tracker in response to the aerial gestures of FIG. 6a through 6c and the subsequent aerial gestures of FIG. 7a through 7c or the aerial gestures of FIG. 8a through 8c, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a message sequence diagram illustrating interactions between a controller of an asset tracker and its inertial measurement unit (IMU) during the detection of activation sequences according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a plan view of an exemplary asset tracker in a shipping box according to embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the asset tracker has a proximity sensor and the shipping box has a proximity object. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method for activating an asset tracker using a proximity sensor according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a general method for activating an asset in response to an activation trigger activity according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 15a is a top view of an exemplary asset tracker having an optical sensor covered by a sticker on its top housing. FIG. 15b is a top view of the exemplary asset tracker of FIG. 15a with the sticker removed and the optical sensor exposed to ambient or incident light. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a method for activating an asset tracker using an optical sensor according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 17a is a plan view of an exemplary asset tracker having a touch area on its uppermost housing surface according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 17b is a side view of the exemplary asset tracker of FIG. 17a showing the location of the touch area. FIG. 18 is a circuit diagram illustrating the operation of the touch area of ​​FIG. 17a and FIG. 17b. FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a method for activating an asset in response to a touch detection activity according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0037] The present disclosure generally relates to asset tracking, and in particular to devices and methods for activating an asset tracker. More specifically, the present disclosure provides devices and methods for activating an asset tracker and enabling a motion detection mode therefor in response to an activation trigger activity.

[0038] An asset tracker is an electronic device placed on an asset to track its location and status. An asset tracker is typically part of an asset tracking system. An asset tracking system enables a manager to track the location and status of one or more assets. The assets can be vehicles, equipment, shipping containers, trailers, tanks, or any other type of asset whose location and status need to be tracked.

[0039] Asset trackers are typically powered by batteries. Some asset trackers are powered by rechargeable batteries coupled to energy harvesters, such as solar panels. Other asset trackers are powered by non-rechargeable batteries. A non-rechargeable battery is a type of battery that cannot be recharged once it is depleted. Some common types of non-rechargeable batteries used in portable electronic devices, such as asset trackers, include zinc-carbon batteries and alkaline batteries. In this disclosure, "battery-powered asset tracker" refers to an asset tracker powered by a non-rechargeable and non-rechargeable battery. Once a battery-powered asset tracker is deployed in the field, the asset tracker operates from the non-rechargeable battery until the non-rechargeable battery is depleted. Some asset trackers must be certified for ingress protection; therefore, such trackers have a sealed housing, and it is desirable for the battery to be interchangeable. Additionally, interchangeable batteries reduce costs by avoiding the need to construct battery compartments, battery contacts, etc.

[0040] Asset tracking system

[0041] Asset tracking systems facilitate the tracking and monitoring of the location, movement, and status of various assets. Asset tracking systems can be utilized in logistics, transportation, supply chain management, and other industries. Asset trackers are electronic devices coupled with assets to track and monitor their location, movement, and status. Assets can be vehicles, valuable equipment, shipping containers, trailers, tanks, or any other type of asset whose location, movement, and status need to be tracked. An asset tracker is an electronic device comprising at least one of a location module, an inertial measurement unit, and one or more sensors. The location module determines the location of the asset tracker and, consequently, the location of the asset. The inertial measurement unit (IMU) detects motion, orientation, and heading. One or more sensors determine the conditions experienced by the asset tracker, such as temperature, pressure, and noise. The asset tracker periodically communicates its location, movement, and / or status to a remote server, such as an asset tracking server. Therefore, the location, movement, and / or status of an asset can be tracked in real-time or near real-time. The asset tracker captures its location in real-time but periodically reports the location and / or other statuses to a remote server to conserve power consumption. The asset tracker can also identify and record trips, including their start and end times.

[0042] FIG. 1 illustrates a high-level block diagram of an asset tracking system (101). The asset tracking system (101) includes an asset tracker (200) deployed on an asset (100), a network (50), an asset tracking server (130), a management terminal (140), and satellites (170). For simplification, a single instance of each element is illustrated, but multiple instances of each illustrated element are typical in an asset tracking system.

[0043] The illustrated asset (100) is in the form of a shipping container placed on a trailer (105) coupled to a tractor (110). The asset (100) may be a shipping container, a vehicle, industrial equipment, construction equipment, a tank holding chemicals, or any other asset whose location, movement, and / or status needs to be tracked. The asset (100) may be transported by the trailer (105) as illustrated, or by a ship, train, airplane, or any other means of transport. The asset (100) may also be industrial or construction equipment, such as a generator, concrete mixer, compressor, etc. Assets of such types may have wheels and may be towed from one site to another.

[0044] An asset tracker (200) is an electronic device coupled to an asset such as an asset (100). The asset tracker (200) is configured to track the location, movement, and / or status of the asset (100).

[0045] In some implementations, the asset tracker (200) is powered by a battery. In other implementations, the asset tracker (200) is powered by a rechargeable battery and includes an energy harvester, such as a solar panel, to recharge the rechargeable battery. In the latter case, the asset tracker (200) is an example of an electronic device powered by a rechargeable battery and an energy harvester. The asset tracker (200) acquires its position using a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). In the illustrated embodiment, the asset tracker (200) communicates with satellites (170) to acquire its position. The asset tracker (200) also includes an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and / or sensors such as temperature, light, and pressure sensors. A combination of position data, movement, and sensor data is referred to as asset tracking data (112). The asset tracker (200) connects to a network (50) that allows the asset tracker (200) to transmit asset tracking data (112) to a remote server such as an asset tracking server (130).

[0046] The network (50) may be a single network, or a combination of networks such as a data cellular network, a wide area network, the Internet, and other network technologies. The network (50) provides connectivity between the asset tracker (200) and the asset tracking server (130), and between the management terminal (140) and the asset tracking server (130).

[0047] In some implementations of the asset tracking system (101), the network (50) is a cellular network that utilizes various cellular technologies. These may include 2G (GSM, GPRS, EDGE), 3G (UMTS, HSPA), 4G (LTE), 5G, or NB-IoT, which are low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) technologies that are part of the 3GPP standard.

[0048] In some implementations of the asset tracking system (101), the network (50) may utilize non-cellular wide area network (WAN) technologies. Examples include WiMAX based on IEEE 802.16 standards; LoRaWAN, a low-power WAN protocol; and Weightless, a family of open standard low-power WAN technologies operating in sub-GHz frequency bands.

[0049] In some implementations of the asset tracking system (101), the network (50) utilizes wired network technology when the asset tracker (200) is coupled to an asset that provides wired network connectivity. Examples of wired network technologies include Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, and Local Talk. TM It includes Token Ring, FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface), and ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode).

[0050] In some implementations, the network (50) is a combination of the technologies specified above.

[0051] The asset tracking server (130) is a computer system (or a cluster of computers) responsible for receiving, storing, and analyzing asset tracking data. It can run various operating systems or be implemented on a cloud computing platform. The server connects to a network (50) to receive data from an asset tracker and analyzes this data using software modules. It stores the data and analysis results in an asset tracking database (132) and can communicate information to a management terminal (140).

[0052] The satellites (170) may be part of a GNSS (global navigation satellite system) such as GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, or BeiDou that provides location data. This information is processed by a location module on the asset tracker (200) to determine the location of the asset. Alternatively, the asset tracker may use other methods to determine its location.

[0053] A management terminal (140) is an electronic device capable of accessing an asset tracking server (130) via a network (50). The management terminal may be configured to retrieve data and analytics related to one or more assets (100); receive alerts from the asset tracking server (130) regarding one or more statuses of an asset tracker (200); or issue commands to one or more asset trackers (200) via the asset tracking server (130). The management terminal (140) is illustrated as a laptop computer, but is not necessarily so. The management terminal may be a desktop computer, an industrial human-machine interface (HMI), a touch screen panel, a table, a smartphone, an augmented reality (AR) headset, or a Network Operations Center (NOC). The management terminal (140) may run a web browser or a custom application that allows retrieving data and analytics regarding one or more assets (100) from the asset tracking server (130) via the web interface of the asset tracking server (130). The management terminal (140) may also be used to issue commands to one or more asset trackers (200) via the asset tracking server (130). The manager (11) may communicate with the asset tracking server (130) using the management terminal (140). In addition to retrieving data and analytics, the management terminal (140) enables the manager (11) to set up alerts and geofences to maintain tracking of the asset (100) and receive notifications of deliveries, etc.

[0054] In operation, an asset tracker (200) is coupled to an asset (100) to capture the location, motion, and / or one or more states regarding the asset. Location data is determined by a location module communicating with satellites (170). Motion data is determined by an inertial measurement unit that is part of the asset tracker (200) or coupled thereto. One or more states are determined from sensor data collected from sensors in the asset tracker (200) or from external sensors coupled to the asset tracker (200). A combination of location data, motion data, and / or sensor data comprises asset tracking data (112). The asset tracker (200) transmits the asset tracking data (112) to an asset tracking server (130) via a network (50). The asset tracking server (130) can process, aggregate, and analyze the asset tracking data (112) to generate asset information regarding the asset (100). The asset tracking server (130) may store asset tracking data (112) and / or generated asset information in the asset tracking database (132). The management terminal (140) may access the asset tracking server (130) via the network (50) to access the asset tracking data (112) and / or generated asset information. Alternatively, the asset tracking server (130) may push the asset tracking data (112) and / or generated asset information to the management terminal (140). The administrator (11) may use the management terminal (140) to set alarms for specific activities regarding the asset (100). When the criteria for an alarm are met, the asset tracking server (130) sends a message to the management terminal (140) to notify the administrator (11). For example, when an asset is moved out of the service area, the asset tracking server (130) may send an alarm message to the management terminal (140). The administrator (11) can also configure the asset tracker (200) by issuing commands to it through the asset tracking server (130) using the management terminal (140).For example, the asset tracking server (130) can issue a command to the asset tracker (200) to capture sensor data of specific types in response to specific states.

[0055] Asset Tracker

[0056] Further details regarding the asset tracker (200) are illustrated with reference to FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3. FIGS. 2 is a perspective view of a battery-powered asset tracker in the form of an asset tracker (200) according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The asset tracker (200) has a rigid enclosure in the form of a housing (202) for housing internal components of the asset tracker (200). The housing (202) includes fixing holes (205A and 205B) for fixing the battery-powered asset tracker.

[0057] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary battery-powered asset tracker in the form of an asset tracker (200) according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0058] The asset tracker (200) includes a controller (230). Multiple peripheral devices are coupled to the controller (230) by different types of interfaces. The peripheral devices include a memory (240), a network interface (220), an IMU (290), a proximity sensor (250), a position module (280), an optical sensor (260), a touch sensor (270), and other sensors (275). The asset tracker (200) also includes a non-rechargeable battery in the form of a battery (210). Some of the peripheral devices are optional. For example, the asset tracker (200) may not include the proximity sensor (250), the optical sensor (260), the touch sensor (270), and / or other sensors (275).

[0059] The controller (230) may be any type of processing unit capable of executing instructions, such as a processor, a microcontroller, or a logic gate array. It may follow various architectures (Von Neumann, Harvard, Modified Harvard) and may be a CISC or RISC processor. The controller may have a single or multiple cores and includes internal memory for storing instructions.

[0060] Memory (240) is an electronic storage component capable of storing both data and programming instructions. It may be any type of memory including ROM, RAM, or other variations such as FRAM and MRAM. Memory (240) is connected to a controller (230) to enable the controller to access and execute the stored instructions and data.

[0061] The location module (280) determines the location of the asset tracker (200). The location data may be in the form of latitude and longitude, Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinates, or any other similar form.

[0062] In some implementations, the position module (280) is a GNSS transceiver that supports one or more of the GNSS technologies mentioned above. The position module (280) may be integrated into the controller (230) or coupled to the controller (230) by a serial interface such as SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit), UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter), USB (Universal Serial Bus), and SDIO (Secure Digital Input / Output).

[0063] In other implementations, the location module (280) determines the location of the asset tracker (200) from the cellular network using cell tower triangulation. In this case, the location module (280) is a firmware module that calculates the location based on information received from the network interface (220), where the network interface (220) is a cellular modem that provides signal measurements from a number of nearby cell towers. The location module (280) estimates the location of the asset tracker (200) using the signal measurements. The location data determined by the location module (280) is transmitted to the controller (230).

[0064] A proximity sensor (250) is an electronic component capable of detecting the presence of a nearby object without any physical contact. In the present disclosure, the proximity sensor (250) is used to determine whether the asset tracker (200) is in the shipping box or has been removed from it. In the present disclosure, the proximity sensor (250) is a device that measures a magnetic field, and the nearby object is a magnet placed in the shipping box of the asset tracker (200). Examples of proximity sensors (250) include Hall effect sensors, reed switches, MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) magnetic field sensors, and quantum sensors. The proximity sensor (250) may be integrated into the controller (230) or coupled to it via a serial interface such as SPI, I2C, UART, USB, or SDIO.

[0065] An optical sensor (260) is an electronic component capable of detecting and / or measuring light or other optical properties. Examples of optical sensors include, but are not limited to, photodiodes, phototransistors, and photoresistors. Photodiodes are semiconductor devices that convert light into electric current. Phototransistors are similar to photodiodes but have internal gain. Photoresistors are passive components whose resistance changes according to the intensity of incident light. The optical sensor (260) is coupled to a controller (230) and configured to indicate to the controller (230) whether there is light incident on the optical sensor (260).

[0066] The touch sensor (270) is a touch-sensing input device. In some implementations, the touch sensor (270) is a capacitive touch sensor. Capacitive touch sensors operate, for example, by making changes in capacitance in response to the sensor being touched by a human finger.

[0067] Other sensors (275) may be one or more of the following: a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a humidity sensor, a gas sensor, an acoustic sensor, a pH sensor, a soil moisture sensor, or any other suitable sensor that indicates the status of the asset (100) to which the asset tracker (200) is coupled. The sensors provide sensor data to the controller (230). Some controllers (230) may have some integrated sensors. In other cases, other sensors (275) are coupled to the controller using a serial interface such as SPI, I2C, UART, USB, or SDIO. Some asset trackers may not have any built-in sensors and may only provide location information and / or IMU information. Some asset trackers may have the ability to pair with external sensors via a wired or wireless interface.

[0068] The IMU (290) is an inertial measurement unit. The IMU (290) is a device used to measure and provide information regarding the motion, orientation, and acceleration of an asset tracker. The IMU (290) may be composed of several components that work together. For example, the IMU (290) may be composed of one or more of an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, and a barometer. The accelerometer measures linear acceleration in three axes (typically X, Y, and Z). In some implementations, the IMU (290) is composed of a 3-axis accelerometer. Such implementations are characterized by low power consumption because the accelerometers consume less power than, for example, gyroscopes. The gyroscope measures the rate of rotation or angular velocity around each of the three axes. The magnetometer measures the strength and direction of the magnetic field and thus determines the heading or orientation relative to the Earth's magnetic field. Barometers measure atmospheric pressure, which can be used to estimate changes in altitude. Some IMUs include microcontrollers or processors that execute sensor fusion algorithms to combine and process data from the various sensors mentioned above. Some IMUs include built-in machine learning cores (MLCs). An MLC is an in-sensor engine equipped with classification-based AI algorithms (decision trees) capable of performing different tasks while sensors detect motion data. Examples of IMUs with MLCs include STMicroelectronics TM It includes iNEMO inertia modules. Other IMUs include a communication interface for interfacing with an external microcontroller or processor. Some asset trackers may not include an IMU unit and may report motion determined from a change in position reported by the position module (280).

[0069] The IMU (290) may have additional features such as detecting a tap, detecting a change in orientation, and detecting free fall. For example, the IMU (290) may be configured to detect a single tap or a double tap and generate an interrupt signal to the controller (230). Additionally, the IMU (290) may be configured to detect a change in orientation around any one of the following: the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis. When a change in orientation of a specific magnitude (e.g., 60 degrees or 90 degrees) is detected, the IMU (290) may generate an interrupt signal to the controller (230). The IMU (290) may be integrated into the controller (230) or may be a separate component communicating with the controller (230) via a serial communication interface such as SPI, I2C, UART, USB, or SDIO. The controller (230) can configure the IMU (290) by transmitting its configuration commands. Additionally, the controller (230) can query the state of the IMU (290) generally or in response to receiving an interrupt signal from it. The IMU (290) may have low-power modes to extend the battery life of the asset tracker. For example, low-power modes feature accelerometers having a low output data rate (1 to 200 Hz) and an IMU (290) consuming current in fractions ranging from micro-amps to a few micro-amps.

[0070] In some implementations, the network interface (220) includes a cellular modem that utilizes cellular technology. In one implementation, the network interface (220) utilizes 2nd generation (2G) cellular technology based on the Global System for Mobiles (GSM) protocol and supporting data transmission protocols such as General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) or Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE). In another implementation, the network interface (220) utilizes 3rd generation (3G) cellular technology that utilizes Universal Mobile Telephone System (UMTS) which supports data transmission using the High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA) protocol. In yet another implementation, the network interface (220) utilizes 4th generation cellular technology (4G) that utilizes the Long Term Evolution (LTE) protocol. In another implementation, the network interface (220) utilizes 5th generation (5G) cellular technology. In another implementation, the network interface (220) uses Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), which is a low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) technology that is part of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standard.

[0071] In some implementations, the network interface (220) includes a wide area network (WAN) modem that utilizes non-cellular WAN technologies. The network interface (220) may utilize non-cellular WAN technologies. An example of a non-cellular WAN technology that the network interface (220) may utilize is WiMAX based on the IEEE 802.16 standard family. TM (Worldwide Interoperability For Microwave Access). Another example of a non-cellular WAN technology available to the network interface (220) is LoRaWAN, a low-power WAN protocol.TM It is a Long Range Wide Area Network (LWAN) technology. Another example of a non-cellular WAN technology available to network interfaces is Weightless, a family of open standard low-power WAN (LPWAN) technologies that operates in the sub-GHz frequency band.

[0072] In some implementations, the network interface (220) uses wired network technology when the asset tracker (200) is coupled to an asset that provides wired network connectivity. Examples of wired network technologies include Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, and Local Talk. TM It includes Token Ring, FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface), and ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode).

[0073] The network interface (220) is used to transmit asset tracking data (112) to the asset tracking server (130) via the network (50). The network interface (220) may also be used to receive commands from the asset tracking server (130) to configure the asset tracker (200) in a specific mode and / or to request a specific type of asset tracking data (112) from the asset (100). The network interface may be integrated into the controller (230) or connected thereto via a parallel interface or a serial interface such as SPI, I2C, UART, USB, or SDIO.

[0074] A battery (210) is used to power an asset tracker (200). The battery (210) is a non-rechargeable battery that may be a zinc-carbon battery or an alkaline battery. For asset trackers to be deployed in the field for many years, the battery (210) is typically non-rechargeable. This is particularly the case for asset trackers that have ingress protection and typically have a sealed housing.

[0075] During operation, the controller (230) may receive one or more of the following: sensor data from other sensors (275), position data from the position module (280), and motion or orientation data from the IMU (290). Collectively, the collected data includes asset tracking data (112). The controller (230) transmits the asset tracking data (112) to the asset tracking server (130) via the network (50) through the network interface (220).

[0076] In some implementations, the asset tracker (200) receives commands from the asset tracking server (130) through the network interface (220) and the network (50). The received commands instruct the asset tracker (200) to be configured in a specific way. For example, the received commands may configure the method, rate, or frequency at which the asset tracker (200) collects asset tracking data (112).

[0077] Modes of operation

[0078] An asset tracker typically has at least two modes of operation. In motion detection mode, the asset tracker uses an IMU to determine whether the asset to which the asset tracker is attached (and thus the asset tracker itself) has sustained motion for a specific duration. In response to the asset tracker determining that motion sustained for a specific duration has occurred, the asset tracker transitions to travel mode. During travel mode, the asset tracker enables the position module (280) to track the location of the asset (i.e., powers up). To conserve battery power, the asset tracker does not keep the position module powered up at all times during travel mode. Instead, the asset tracker periodically powers up the position module to acquire discrete locations of the asset. During travel mode, the asset tracker also periodically powers up the network interface and transmits asset tracking data to a remote server, such as an asset tracking server. In some implementations, the period during which the asset tracker reports asset tracking data is large (e.g., 24 hours) to ensure long battery life. Because the network interface (220) (e.g., cellular modem) consumes more power than the location module (e.g., GNSS transceiver), the asset tracker typically powers up the network interface and reports the location less frequently. When motion stops, the asset tracker switches back to motion detection mode.

[0079] One problem with operating the asset tracker in motion detection mode is that the asset tracker assumes that any sustained motion over a specific duration means the asset tracker is moving and its location needs to be tracked. Therefore, whenever motion sustained for a specific duration or longer is detected, the location module and / or network interface are powered up. However, there are situations where sustained motion may occur before the asset tracker is deployed in the field. For example, the asset tracker (200) may be in transit while being delivered to a customer. If the asset tracker is in motion detection mode, the asset tracker (200) unnecessarily transitions to movement mode. Powering up the location module (280) and / or network interface (220) consumes battery power. Since the battery is non-rechargeable and non-replaceable, the lifespan of the asset tracker (200) is reduced as a result of false determination of movement and unnecessary transitions to movement mode.

[0080] One solution to the problem mentioned above is to have an additional mode known as delivery mode, which is an ultra-low power mode. While in delivery mode, most of the peripherals of the asset tracker (200) are powered off. The asset tracker transitions only to motion detection mode in response to an activation trigger activity. This is illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0081] FIG. 4 is a state diagram (400) illustrating different operating modes of an asset tracker (200) according to embodiments of the present disclosure. When the asset tracker (200) is finished in production and is ready to be shipped to a customer, the asset tracker (200) is in a shipping mode (410). In the shipping mode (410), the asset tracker (200) powers down most of its peripherals, except for one or more peripherals required to detect an activation trigger activity (415). Examples of peripherals required to detect an activation trigger activity include an IMU (290) and a proximity sensor (250).

[0082] In some implementations, the activation trigger activity (415) includes tapping the asset tracker (200) or performing an aerial gesture with the asset tracker (200). In such an implementation, in delivery mode (410), most of the peripherals are powered off, and the IMU (290) is configured to detect tapping activity or orientation change activity. The controller (230) operates in a low-power (sleep) mode and is configured to wake up only when the IMU (290) detects tapping or orientation change.

[0083] In some implementations, the activation trigger activity (415) involves the asset tracker (200) losing proximity to a nearby object placed in the shipping package. In this case, the proximity sensor (250) of the asset tracker (200) detects that proximity to the nearby object placed in the package has been lost and notifies the controller (230), for example, by an interrupt signal. In response, the controller (230) executes machine-executable programming instructions that transition the asset tracker (200) to a motion detection mode (420). In such implementations, the IMU (290) is powered off during the shipping mode (410) and powered up when the asset tracker (200) enters the motion detection mode (420).

[0084] When entering motion detection mode (420), the asset tracker (200) performs some initial activation actions. For example, the asset tracker (200) powers up the network interface (220) and communicates with the asset tracking server (130) to indicate that the asset tracker (200) is activated. In some implementations, in response to entering motion detection mode (420), the asset tracker (200) additionally powers up the position module (280) and transmits its current position to the asset tracking server (130). Subsequently, the asset tracker (200) powers off the position module (280) as the asset tracker (200) is activated but remains stationary while in motion detection mode. In motion detection mode (420), most peripherals are turned off, except for the IMU (290).

[0085] In motion detection mode (420), the asset tracker is configured to check for a motion event (425). Specifically, the IMU (290) is configured to check for sustained acceleration indicating that the asset tracker (200) is in motion. For example, the IMU (290) is configured to check for sustained acceleration exceeding a specific magnitude for a predetermined duration (e.g., 2 seconds). For example, a motion motion acceleration threshold of 0.1g to 0.3g ("motion motion threshold") may be used to detect motion. If the IMU (290) detects sustained acceleration exceeding the motion motion threshold for a predetermined duration, the IMU (290) wakes up the controller (230) (e.g., by an interrupt signal). In response to a determination that the asset tracker (200) has undergone acceleration sustained for a predetermined duration, the controller (230) executes machine-executable programming instructions that configure the asset tracker (200) to operate in a movement mode (430).

[0086] In motion detection mode (420), the asset tracker (200) configures the IMU (290) to sample its built-in accelerometers at a low sampling rate, such as 1 Hz to 10 Hz. This is because, in motion detection mode (420), the asset tracker (200) checks for sustained acceleration indicating movement. Additionally, in some implementations, the IMU (290) is configured to filter noise to remove high-frequency acceleration that may indicate vibration. For example, the asset tracker (200) may be placed on a concrete mixer, a generator, or any other equipment that experiences a certain level of vibration during operation, even if the equipment is not in motion. To filter noise, acceleration data passes through a low-pass filter integrated into the IMU (290). Noise filtering is used to remove or at least reduce false positives that may be detected by the IMU (290) during operation.

[0087] In some implementations, in motion detection mode (420), the asset tracker (200) checks for a deactivation trigger activity (405). When the asset tracker (200) detects a deactivation trigger activity (405), the asset tracker (200) transitions back to delivery mode (410). In some implementations, the deactivation trigger activity (405) is similar to an activation trigger activity (415). For example, the deactivation trigger activity (405) may involve a sequence of single or double tapping actions on the housing (202) of the asset tracker. In other examples, the deactivation trigger is a plurality of aerial gestures similar to the aerial gestures used as the activation trigger activity (415). In other cases, when in motion detection mode, the IMU (290) is configured to detect different sequences of tapping or aerial gestures. In some implementations, the restoration of the asset tracker (200)'s proximity to a nearby object within the package includes a deactivation trigger activity. Deactivating the asset tracker (200) can be used to extend the file of the asset tracker (200) when it is not expected to be in use for an extended period of time.

[0088] In movement mode (430), the asset tracker periodically powers up the location module (280) to determine the location of the asset tracker (200) and, thus, the location of the asset (100). Additionally, periodically, the asset tracker (200) powers up the network interface (220) to transmit the location to the asset tracking server (130). In some implementations, the frequency at which the asset tracker transmits the location to the asset tracking server (130) may be lower than the frequency at which the asset tracker powers up the location module (280) to determine the location. For example, in movement mode (430), the asset tracker (200) may check its location hourly to determine whether the asset tracker is still in motion. If the asset tracker (200) is still in motion, the asset tracker (200) may power off the location module and check again at another time. Every 3 to 4 hours, every 12 hours, or every 24 hours, the asset tracker (200) can power up the network interface (220) to report its location. This is because the network interface (220) (e.g., a wireless modem) typically consumes significantly more power than the location module (280) (e.g., a GNSS transceiver).

[0089] In some implementations, while in movement mode (430), the IMU (290) is configured to detect sudden acceleration characteristics of a collision or free fall. For example, the IMU (290) may be configured to detect acceleration values ​​greater than a specific threshold, such as 1g or 1.5g, and to wake up the controller (230) when the IMU (290) detects such acceleration values. When collision detection (445) occurs, the asset tracker (200) transitions to collision reporting mode (440). In collision reporting mode (440), the controller (230) reads collision-related acceleration values ​​from the IMU (290), powers up the network interface (220), and executes machine-executable programming instructions to send a collision notification containing the collision-related acceleration values ​​to the asset tracking server (130). Afterward, the asset tracker (200) automatically transitions back to movement mode (430).

[0090] While in movement mode (430), when consecutive locations reported to the controller (230) by the location module (280) indicate that the asset tracker has not moved, this constitutes a motion stop event (435). In response to the motion stop event (435), the asset tracker (200) transitions back to motion detection mode (420). In some implementations, detecting the motion stop event (435) involves configuring the IMU (290) to generate an event (e.g., an interrupt to the controller (230)) when motion is not detected for an extended period of time. In some implementations, in response to the event, the controller (230) activates (e.g., wakes up) the location module (e.g., GPS module) to verify that motion has stopped.

[0091] Tapping as an activation trigger activity

[0092] In some implementations, the activation trigger activity (415) is in the form of a tapping sequence on the housing (202) of the asset tracker (200). FIG. 5 illustrates a method (500) for detecting an activation trigger activity (415) according to implementations of the present disclosure, comprising a first tapping activity and a subsequent second tapping activity spaced apart in time from the first tapping activity.

[0093] The method (500) begins at step (502). At step (502), the IMU (290) is configured for tapping detection. For example, the IMU (290) may be configured to check for a single tap or a double tap on the uppermost housing surface (203) of the housing (202). Specifically, the IMU (290) may be configured to detect and report acceleration events corresponding to tapping on the Z-axis, assuming that the Z-axis is a vertical direction perpendicular to the asset tracker (200) when the asset tracker (200) is positioned horizontally as illustrated in FIG. 2. Many IMUs designed for use with smartphones include special features that enable the detection of a single tap or a double tap exceeding a tapping threshold. The tapping threshold is typically an acceleration value specified in fractions of gravity acceleration (g). For example, a tap may be detected when the IMU detects an acceleration value greater than 0.5g or 1g. When a tap is detected, the IMU (290) generates an interrupt signal that can be used by a controller, such as a controller (230), to determine that a tap has occurred.

[0094] In step (504), the asset tracker (200) checks whether the first tapping activity has occurred. For example, when the tapping activity occurs, the controller (230) receives an interrupt signal from the IMU (290) indicating event detection by the IMU (290). Then, the controller (230) queries the IMU (290) to verify the cause of the interrupt. For example, the IMU (290) may include a status register indicating the cause of the interrupt generated by the IMU (290). The controller (230) may read the status register from the IMU (290) and execute machine-executable programming instructions to verify that the cause of the interrupt was a tapping event. When the first tapping activity is detected, the control proceeds to step (506). Otherwise, the control remains in step (504).

[0095] In some embodiments, the activation trigger activity consists of a first tapping activity and a subsequent second tapping activity spaced apart in time by the activity interval duration from the first tapping activity. For example, the activation trigger may consist of two double taps spaced apart by at least 3 seconds. If the second tapping activity is detected before the activity interval duration expires, the asset tracker (200) ignores the second activity to prevent false positives. Thus, when the first tapping activity is detected, the asset tracker (200) starts the activity interval timer in step (506).

[0096] In step (508), if the second tapping activity is detected before the expiration of the activity interval timer, the second tapping activity replaces the first tapping activity, and control returns to step (506) where the activity interval timer is restarted. Otherwise, control proceeds to step (510).

[0097] In step (510), if the activity interval timer has not yet expired, control remains in step (510). When the activity interval timer expires, control proceeds to step (512).

[0098] In step (512), the asset tracker (200) checks whether the second tapping activity is detected within a specific duration of the first tapping activity. For example, the asset tracker (200) may be looking for the first tapping activity and the subsequent second tapping activity for 3 to 5 seconds. In this way, the activity interval timer may be restarted with a timeout duration of 2 seconds after expiration. When the second tapping activity is detected after the activity interval timer has expired but within a specific duration of the first tapping activity, control proceeds to step (514). Otherwise, the method returns to step (504).

[0099] In step (514), the asset tracker (200) performs activation actions and transitions to motion detection mode.

[0100] The first tapping activity and the second tapping activity can each be a single tap or a double tap.

[0101] Aerial gestures as activation trigger activities

[0102] In some implementations, the activation trigger activity (415) is in the form of aerial gestures. The aerial gestures may be in the form of linear movements or orientation changes. To avoid false positives, the asset tracker (200) transitions from the delivery mode (410) to the motion detection mode (420) when both the first aerial gesture and the second aerial gesture are detected.

[0103] In some implementations, the first air gesture and the second air gesture each include one or more orientation changes. The IMU (290) may be configured to detect orientation change events around any one of the X-axis, Y-axis, or Z-axis. An orientation change includes a rotation of an angle in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. In this disclosure, a clockwise orientation change is referred to as a positive orientation change, while a counterclockwise orientation change is referred to as a negative orientation change. FIGS. 6a through 6c, FIGS. 7a through 7c, and FIGS. 8a through 8c illustrate an asset tracker (200) undergoing different air gestures each consisting of two orientation changes.

[0104] FIG. 6a illustrates an asset tracker in a horizontal orientation (610) with respect to the X, Y, and Z axes. The asset tracker is rotated clockwise (602) around the X-axis. FIG. 6b illustrates an asset tracker (200) in a second orientation (620) after being rotated 90 degrees clockwise (602). The asset tracker (200) is rotated counterclockwise (604) by 90 degrees back to the horizontal orientation (610) as shown in FIG. 6c. The sequence of orientation changes shown in FIG. 6a through 6c can be used as a first aerial gesture or a second aerial gesture.

[0105] FIG. 7a illustrates an asset tracker in a horizontal orientation (610) with respect to the X, Y, and Z axes. The asset tracker is rotated counterclockwise (612) around the Y-axis. FIG. 7b illustrates an asset tracker (200) in a second orientation (630) after being rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise (612). Then, the asset tracker (200) is rotated 90 degrees clockwise (614) back to the horizontal orientation (610) as shown in FIG. 7c. The sequence of orientation changes shown in FIG. 7a through 7c can be used as a first aerial gesture or a second aerial gesture.

[0106] FIG. 8a illustrates an asset tracker in a horizontal orientation (610) with respect to the X, Y, and Z axes. The asset tracker is rotated clockwise (614) around the Y-axis. FIG. 8b illustrates an asset tracker (200) in a second orientation (630) after being rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise (612). The asset tracker (200) is rotated clockwise (614) by 90 degrees again to the horizontal orientation (610) as shown in FIG. 8c. The sequence of orientation changes shown in FIG. 8a through 8c can be used as a first aerial gesture or a second aerial gesture.

[0107] FIG. 9 illustrates a state diagram illustrating the transition of an asset tracker (200) from a delivery mode (410) to a motion detection mode (420) in response to an activation trigger comprising two air gestures according to embodiments of the present disclosure. While in the delivery mode (410), the asset tracker (200) is configured to detect a first air gesture. When the asset tracker (200) detects the first air gesture (915), the asset tracker transitions to an intermediate second air gesture detection mode (920) in which the asset tracker (200) is configured to detect a second air gesture. When the second air gesture (925) is detected, the asset tracker (200) transitions to a motion detection mode (420).

[0108] FIG. 10 illustrates a method (1000) according to embodiments of the present disclosure in which an asset tracker (200) transitions from a delivery mode (410) to a motion detection mode in response to detecting the aerial gestures of FIG. 6a through 6c and the subsequent aerial gestures of FIG. 8a through 8c. In this method, the aerial gesture consists of a sequence of orientation changes. The orientation changes must be detected sequentially and completed within a predetermined timeout duration, which may be referred to as an "aerial gesture timeout." If the sequence is out of order, the aerial gesture is reset, and the user must restart. Additionally, if the aerial gesture is not completed within a predetermined timeout duration ("aerial gesture timeout"), the aerial gesture is reset, and the user must restart. By way of example only, the aerial gesture timeout may be 5 seconds.

[0109] In step (1002), the asset tracker (200) configures the IMU (290) to detect a 90-degree orientation change around its X-axis. For example, the IMU (290) may include a register to which an orientation change angle threshold is programmed. The asset tracker (200) may configure the IMU (290) to detect an orientation change greater than 70 degrees or greater than 80 degrees. The IMU (290) may also have a register to which the axis of detection is specified. In this way, the asset tracker (200) may specify the axis of detection as the X-axis for detecting the aerial gestures of FIGS. 6a through 6c.

[0110] In step (1004), when the asset tracker (200) detects a positive 90-degree orientation change around the X-axis, control proceeds to step (1006). Otherwise, control is maintained in step (1004).

[0111] In step (1006), when the asset tracker (200) detects a negative 90-degree orientation change around the X-axis, control proceeds to step (1008). When the asset tracker (200) detects another orientation change, the aerial gesture is reset, and control returns to step (1004).

[0112] By step (1008), the asset tracker (200) recognizes a first air gesture consisting of a positive 90-degree orientation change around the X-axis (i.e., from Fig. 6a to Fig. 6b) and a negative 90-degree orientation change around the X-axis (i.e., from Fig. 6b to Fig. 6c). To reduce the possibility of false positives and to ensure that the activation of the asset tracker (200) is intended, the asset tracker (200) configures the IMU (290) to detect a second air gesture consisting of 90-degree orientation changes around a different axis, such as the Y-axis.

[0113] In step (1010), when the asset tracker (200) detects a positive 90-degree orientation change around the Y-axis, control proceeds to step (1012). When another orientation change is detected, the aerial gesture is reset, and control returns to step (1002) to reconfigure the IMU to detect a 90-degree orientation change around the X-axis.

[0114] In step (1012), when the asset tracker (200) detects a negative 90-degree orientation change around the Y-axis, the control proceeds to step (1013). When another orientation change is detected, the aerial gesture is reset, and the control returns to step (1002) to reconfigure the IMU for a 90-degree orientation change around the X-axis.

[0115] In step (1013), the asset tracker (200) checks whether the public gesture timeout has elapsed. As mentioned above, the public gesture must be completed within a specific duration or is considered not to have been detected. In some implementations, the asset tracker (200) configures a timer with a public gesture timeout duration. In step (1013), the asset tracker (200) checks whether the timer has timed out. If the timer has already timed out, the public gesture is considered not to have been detected, and control returns to step (1002). In some implementations, step (1013) is an interrupt-based event. That is, the asset tracker (200) configures a timer with a timeout duration equal to the public gesture timeout duration. Whenever the timer expires, an interrupt signal is generated, and an interrupt handler is executed. The interrupt handler checks whether the public gesture has been fully detected. Otherwise, the interrupt handler resets the aerial gesture and allows step (1002) to be executed.

[0116] In steps (1010 and 1012), the asset tracker (200) detected a second aerial gesture consisting of a positive 90-degree orientation change around the Y-axis (i.e., from FIG. 8a to FIG. 8b) and a subsequent negative 90-degree orientation change around the Y-axis (i.e., from FIG. 8b to FIG. 8c). In step (1014), the asset tracker (200) is activated and transitions to a motion detection mode (420).

[0117] As discussed above, the controller (230) executes machine-executable computer programming instructions (i.e., firmware) that constitute the IMU (290) to detect various activation sequences. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating a simplified exemplary interaction between the controller (230) and the IMU (290) when the asset tracker (200) transitions from delivery mode (410) to motion detection mode (420) in response to an activation trigger activity consisting of a first activation sequence and a second activation sequence.

[0118] In step (1102), the asset tracker (200) enters the shipping mode (410). As soon as the asset tracker (200) is manufactured, it enters the shipping mode, the battery (210) is placed inside it, and the housing (202) is closed.

[0119] In step (1104), the controller (230) configures the IMU (290) for detecting a first activation sequence. The first activation sequence may be a double tapping activity or one of the orientation change aerial gestures of FIGS. 6a through 6c, FIGS. 7a through 7c, or FIGS. 8a through 8c.

[0120] In step (1106), the IMU (290) detects a first activation sequence. If the first activation sequence includes a single tap or a double tap, the IMU (290) detects the activity in a single step. If the first activation sequence was an aerial gesture consisting of a first orientation change and a second orientation change, the IMU (290) detects each orientation change in separate steps.

[0121] In step (1108), the IMU (290) transmits a notification to the controller (230) indicating that a first activation sequence has been detected. The notification may be in the form of an interrupt that wakes up the controller (230) and places the cause of the interrupt in the status register of the IMU (290). Subsequently, the controller (230) can access the status register to identify the cause of the interrupt, which is the detection of an orientation change. For a first public gesture consisting of a first orientation change and a second orientation change, the notification of step (1108) is transmitted twice, once for each orientation change detection.

[0122] In step (1110), the controller transmits a configuration message to the IMU (290) to configure the IMU (290) to detect a second activation sequence. For example, the first activation sequence may be a double tap, while the second activation sequence may be a single tap. In this case, the IMU (290) needs to be configured to detect a single tap instead of a double tap. As another example, the first activation sequence may be a first air gesture containing orientation changes around the X-axis, while the second activation sequence may be an air gesture containing orientation changes around the Y-axis. Accordingly, the controller (230) transmits a message configuring the IMU (290) to detect orientation changes around the Y-axis for the second activation sequence.

[0123] In step (1112), the IMU (290) detects a second activation sequence. If the second activation sequence is a tapping action, the detection of the second activation sequence occurs in one step. If the second activation sequence is an aerial gesture containing two orientation changes, detecting the second activation sequence includes detecting a first orientation change and a second orientation change.

[0124] In step (1114), the IMU (290) transmits a notification of the detection of a second activation sequence to the controller (230). If the second activation sequence is a second aerial gesture that includes two orientation changes, the notification of the second activation sequence includes a notification of the first orientation change and a notification of the second orientation change of the second aerial gesture.

[0125] In step (1116), in response to receiving notification of both the first activation sequence detection and the second activation sequence detection, the controller (230) executes machine-executable programming instructions that configure the asset tracker (200) to operate in motion detection mode.

[0126] proximity sensor

[0127] In some implementations, the asset tracker is activated when removed from a package, such as a shipping box, for longer than a specific duration. Refer to FIG. 12. In FIG. 12, the asset tracker (200) has a proximity sensor (250). The asset tracker (200) is placed in a package, such as a shipping box (1300). The shipping box (1300) has a proximity object (252). Initially, when the asset tracker (200) is placed in the shipping box, the proximity sensor (250) approaches the proximity object (252). The proximity sensor (250) reports the proximity to the proximity object (252) to the controller (230). In response to determining the proximity of the asset tracker (200) to the proximity object (252), the asset tracker (200) enters a shipping mode in which the controller is in a low-power (sleep) mode and peripherals are powered off. When the asset tracker (200) is removed from the shipping box (1300), the proximity sensor (250) generates a notification event, such as an interrupt, to the controller (230) indicating the loss of proximity. If the loss of proximity lasts longer than a specific loss of proximity threshold duration, the asset tracker enters motion detection mode. The use of the proximity sensor (250) has the advantage of reducing false positives. The asset tracker (200) is typically not removed from the shipping box (1300) if all the user needs to do is perform a visual inspection or check the model and / or serial number. The asset tracker (200) is removed from the shipping box (1300) and installed on the asset. Therefore, activating the asset tracker (200) in response to the loss of proximity to a nearby object within the shipping box triggers the activation of the asset tracker (200) just as the asset tracker is about to be installed.

[0128] FIG. 13 illustrates a method (1200) for activating an asset tracker based on the loss of proximity and entering a motion detection mode by an asset tracker (200) according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0129] In step (1202), the asset tracker configures a proximity sensor (250). For example, the proximity sensor (250) may be a Hall effect sensor module that can be configured to generate an interrupt when there is proximity to a magnet and when proximity to a magnet is lost. A Hall effect sensor is a type of sensor that can detect the presence and strength of a magnetic field using the Hall effect. Alternatively, the proximity sensor (250) may be a reed switch. A reed switch is an electrical switch that is actuated by the presence or absence of a magnetic field. A reed switch consists of two thin ferromagnetic (magnetically sensitive) metal reed contacts enclosed within a glass or plastic envelope. These reed contacts are located very close to each other but do not make physical contact under normal conditions. When the proximity sensor is close to a magnet, the magnetic field generated by the magnet causes the metal reed contacts to become magnetized. This attraction causes the reeds to come into contact, closing the switch. In this "closed" state, the reed switch conducts an electric current, allowing current to flow through the switch. Conversely, when the asset tracker is removed from the packaging, the magnet no longer approaches the reed switch. As a result, there is no external magnetic field near the reed switch, and the two metal reed contacts remain separated. In this mode, the reed switch is in a normally open state where the switch does not conduct electric current.

[0130] In step (1204), the asset tracker checks whether the asset tracker is placed in the shipping box by checking whether proximity to a nearby object has been detected. For example, the asset tracker may wait for an interrupt indicating that the Hall effect sensor module has detected proximity to a magnet. If so, this indicates that the asset tracker is placed in the shipping box, and control proceeds to step (1205). Otherwise, control remains in step (1204) waiting for the asset tracker to be placed in the packaging (e.g., the shipping box). As another example, when the asset tracker is placed in the packaging, the magnet is very close to the reed switch, causing current to flow through it. Such current flow can trigger an interrupt, and the asset tracker knows that it is placed in the shipping box, and control proceeds to step (1205).

[0131] In step (1205), the asset tracker enters shipping mode. In shipping mode, the controller runs in low-power mode, and all other peripherals are powered down.

[0132] In step (1206), the controller waits for an event from a proximity sensor (e.g., a Hall effect sensor or a reed switch) indicating a loss of proximity. If proximity is lost, the control proceeds to step (1208). Otherwise, the asset tracker is maintained in step (1206).

[0133] In some examples, the asset tracker (200) is temporarily removed from the shipping box. For example, the asset tracker (200) may be removed from the box to copy the serial number or model number written on the label. In such cases, it is not desirable to terminate the shipping mode. As such, the asset tracker (200) is configured to delay the termination of the shipping mode and the enable of the motion detection mode until sufficient time has elapsed to indicate that the asset tracker has been deployed to the site. To this end, in step (1208), the asset tracker (200) starts a proximity loss timer. The proximity loss timer is configured to expire after a proximity loss threshold duration that is considered sufficient to ensure that the removal of the asset tracker (200) from the packaging is caused by deployment to the site rather than a temporary removal for inspection or copying data.

[0134] In step (1210), if the proximity loss timer has not yet expired, control remains at 1210. The asset tracker remains in delivery mode. If the proximity loss timer has expired, control proceeds to step (1212).

[0135] In step (1212), the asset tracker (200) checks whether proximity to a nearby object is still lost. If proximity to a nearby object is restored, control returns to step (1206). If proximity to a nearby object is still lost, control proceeds to step (1214).

[0136] In step (1214), the asset tracker is activated and the motion detection mode is enabled.

[0137] FIG. 14 illustrates a method (1400) by an asset tracker (200) according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0138] In step (1402), the asset tracker operates the asset tracker's controller (230) in a low-power mode. In this mode, the controller (230) is running at a very slow clock and can wake up upon receiving an interrupt signal.

[0139] In step (1404), the asset tracker keeps its location module powered off.

[0140] In step (1406), the asset tracker configures an activation detection module to detect activation trigger activity.

[0141] In step (1408), the asset tracker checks whether an activation trigger activity has been detected, for example, by an activation detection module.

[0142] In response to determining that an activation trigger activity has been detected, in step (1410), the asset tracker activates a motion detection mode to detect motion that has persisted for a predetermined duration.

[0143] In some implementations, enabling the motion detection mode includes configuring the IMU in the form of an inertial measurement unit (IMU) (290) to detect motion that has persisted for a predetermined duration.

[0144] In some implementations, the IMU (290) includes a 3-axis accelerometer, and configuring the IMU (290) to detect sustained motion includes configuring the 3-axis accelerometer to notify the controller (230) when the 3-axis accelerometer detects an acceleration value exceeding an acceleration threshold for a predetermined duration.

[0145] In some implementations, acceleration values ​​are detected by an X-axis accelerometer, a Y-axis accelerometer, or both an X-axis accelerometer and a Y-axis accelerometer. This assumes that the horizontal plane of the asset tracker (200) is in the XY plane, and that the IMU (290) is installed in the asset tracker with the same orientation and measures X-axis and Y-axis acceleration values ​​in the horizontal plane.

[0146] In some implementations, the activation detection module includes an IMU (290). Configuring the activation detection module to detect activation trigger activity includes configuring the IMU (290) to detect at least one tapping activity in the direction of an axis substantially perpendicular to the surface of the housing (202) of the asset tracker. For example, referring to FIG. 2, the asset tracker is illustrated in a horizontal orientation where its horizontal plane lies on the XY plane. Tapping activity on the top housing surface (203) of the housing (202) can be detected by an IMU (290) installed within the housing (202) of the asset tracker (200). When the IMU (290) is installed such that its horizontal plane matches the horizontal plane of the asset tracker, tapping activity on the top housing surface (203) of the housing (202) generates a tapping event in the Z-direction.

[0147] In some implementations, at least one tapping activity includes a first tapping activity and a second tapping activity time-separated from the first tapping activity. To prevent accidental activation of the asset tracker, a single tapping activity is insufficient to trigger entry into motion detection mode (i.e., configuring the IMU (290) to detect motion that has persisted for a predetermined duration). Therefore, a first tapping activity and a second tapping activity time-separated from the first tapping activity are required to trigger activation. An exemplary method of activating the asset tracker using a first tapping activity and a second tapping activity time-separated from the first tapping activity is described in detail in FIG. 5 above.

[0148] In some implementations, the first tapping activity and the second tapping activity each include a double tap on the surface of the housing (202). Accordingly, the activation trigger activity consists of a first double tap, a wait for several seconds, and a second double tap.

[0149] In some implementations, the activation detection module includes an IMU (290), and detecting the activation trigger activity includes detecting at least one air gesture. An air gesture includes holding the asset tracker (200) in the air and then moving it in a specific pattern that includes linear motion in any of the X, Y, or Z directions and rotations around any of the X, Y, or Z axes. Exemplary air gestures involving rotations around the X-axis and Y-axis have been described above with reference to FIGS. 6a through 6c, FIGS. 7a through 7c, and FIGS. 8a through 8c.

[0150] In some embodiments, at least one air gesture includes a first air gesture and a second air gesture different from the first air gesture. For example, the first air gesture may include any one of the gestures of FIGS. 6a through 6c, FIGS. 7a through 7c, and FIGS. 8a through 8c. Similarly, the second air gesture may include any one of the gestures of FIGS. 6a through 6c, FIGS. 7a through 7c, and FIGS. 8a through 8c. To reduce false positives, the second air gesture is preferably different from the first air gesture. For example, if the first air gesture corresponds to FIGS. 6a through 6c, the second air gesture corresponds to FIGS. 7a through 7c or FIGS. 8a through 8c. Configuring an activation detection module to detect activation trigger activity includes configuring an IMU (290) to detect the first air gesture. In response to detecting a first aerial gesture, the asset tracker configures an IMU (290) to detect a second aerial gesture. This is described in detail with reference to the message sequence diagram in FIG. 11.

[0151] In some implementations, configuring the IMU (290) to detect a first aerial gesture includes configuring the IMU (290) to detect at least one orientation change along a first axis with respect to the asset tracker. Similarly, configuring the inertial measurement unit to detect a second aerial gesture includes configuring the IMU (290) to detect at least one orientation change along a second axis of the asset tracker (200).

[0152] In some implementations, at least one orientation change includes a first rotation from the initial orientation by a first angle exceeding a specific threshold angle around each axis, and a second rotation back to the original orientation by a second angle exceeding a specific angle threshold. For example, referring to FIGS. 6a through 6c, FIGS. 7a through 7c, and FIGS. 8a through 8c, the initial orientation is illustrated in any one of FIGS. 6a, FIGS. 7a, and FIGS. 8a. In the case of FIGS. 6a through 6c, the first rotation is from the initial orientation illustrated in FIG. 6a to the orientation illustrated in FIG. 6b. The first rotation is by an angle of 90 degrees. To detect such an orientation change of 90 degrees, the IMU (290) is configured to report an orientation change exceeding a specific threshold angle of, for example, 80 degrees. The same applies to the change of orientation between FIG. 7a and FIG. 7b, and between FIG. 8a and FIG. 8b. With respect to the second rotation, it is illustrated by the change of orientation between any one of FIG. 6b to FIG. 6c, FIG. 7b to FIG. 7c, and FIG. 8b to FIG. 8c. In such figures, the second rotation causes the asset tracker to be oriented in the same way as in FIG. 6a, FIG. 7a, or FIG. 8a, respectively.

[0153] In some implementations, the activation detection module includes a proximity sensor, and detecting the activation trigger activity involves detecting a loss of proximity between an asset tracker (200) and a nearby object (252) placed in a package, such as a shipping box (1300) of the asset tracker (200), by the proximity sensor (250). As discussed above, in some implementations, the loss of proximity needs to persist for a duration exceeding a loss of proximity threshold to trigger the activation and transition to motion detection mode of the asset tracker.

[0154] In some implementations, the proximity sensor includes a Hall effect sensor.

[0155] In another implementation, the asset tracker (200) uses an optical sensor for activation. Specifically, the asset tracker (200) transitions from the delivery mode (410) to the motion detection mode (420) in response to the detection of ambient light by the optical sensor. For example, referring to FIG. 15b, the asset tracker (200) has an optical sensor (260) placed on the top housing surface (203) of its housing (202). The asset tracker (200) is delivered in the delivery mode (410) with the optical sensor (260) covered by an optical sensor cover, such as a sticker (262), as shown in FIG. 15c. In some implementations, the sticker (262) includes an activation command message such as "Remove to activate".

[0156] To activate the asset tracker (200), an optical sensor cover, such as a sticker (262), is removed. In response to the removal of the optical sensor cover, the optical sensor (260) detects incident light. The optical sensor (260) notifies the controller (230) of the detection of incident light. In response to the detection of incident light, the controller (230) executes a machine-executable programming instruction that configures the asset tracker (200) to transition from delivery mode (410) to motion detection mode (420). In some implementations, the machine-executable programming instruction configures the asset tracker (200) to transition from delivery mode (410) to motion detection mode (420) when the optical sensor (260) detects incident light for at least a predetermined duration.

[0157] FIG. 16 illustrates a method (1600) for activating an asset tracker (200) according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0158] In step (1602), the asset tracker (200) configures the optical sensor (260). For example, the asset tracker (200) can adjust the light sensitivity parameter of the optical sensor (260). In some implementations, the asset tracker (200) configures the optical sensor (260) to generate an event detectable by the controller (230) when the optical sensor (260) detects incident light.

[0159] In step (1604), the asset tracker enters delivery mode (410).

[0160] In step (1606), the asset tracker (200) checks whether the optical sensor (260) has detected incident light. In some implementations, this step involves the controller (230) executing machine-executable programming instructions that poll the optical sensor (260) to determine whether the optical sensor (260) has detected incident light. In other implementations, this step checks whether the optical sensor (260) has generated an event, such as an interrupt, to the controller (230) indicating that the optical sensor (260) has detected incident light. If the optical sensor (260) has not detected incident light, control is maintained in step (1606). If the optical sensor (260) has detected incident light, control proceeds to step (1608).

[0161] In method (1600), the asset tracker (200) transitions from delivery mode (410) to motion detection mode (420) when the optical sensor (260) detects incident light for a predetermined duration. This has the advantage of eliminating false positive cases when the optical sensor cover is accidentally and / or temporarily removed, exposing the optical sensor (260). In the illustrated implementation, the asset tracker (200) uses a timer to track the duration for which the asset tracker (200) detects incident light. In step (1608), the asset tracker (200) starts a predetermined duration timer. The timer may be a hardware timer integrated into the controller (230) or a software timer implemented by machine-executable programming instructions. The timer is configured to operate as a one-shot (non-periodic) timer that, upon expiration, notifies the controller (230) that the predetermined duration has expired.

[0162] In step (1610), the asset tracker (200) checks whether the predetermined duration has expired. In some implementations, the controller (230) executes machine-executable programming instructions that check whether the predetermined duration timer has expired. In other implementations, the timer generates an event to the controller (230) when it has expired. If the predetermined duration timer has not expired, control remains in step (1610). When the predetermined duration has expired, control proceeds to step (1612).

[0163] At the expiration of a predetermined duration, in step (1612), the asset tracker (200) checks whether incident light is still detected by the optical sensor (260). If incident light is still detected after the expiration of the predetermined duration, control proceeds to step (1614). If incident light is not detected after the expiration of the predetermined duration, control returns to step (1606).

[0164] In step (1614), the asset tracker (200) is activated and transitions to motion detection mode (420).

[0165] The use of the optical sensor (260) can sometimes lead to false positives and thus to the premature activation of the asset tracker (200). For example, there are instances where the asset tracker (200) is exposed to light due to a user opening a shipping box to read a serial number from the asset tracker (200) or to inspect the asset tracker (200) for damage during shipping. If the shipping box is opened for a longer period than the aforementioned predetermined duration, the asset tracker (200) may be accidentally activated. To address such situations, the use of a touch sensor or a proximity sensor is considered.

[0166] In another implementation, the asset tracker (200) uses a touch sensor (270) for transitioning from the activation and delivery mode (410) to the motion detection mode (420). As illustrated in FIG. 17a, the touch sensor (270) creates a virtual key or touch area (271) on the surface of the housing of the asset tracker (200). The touch sensor (270) can be activated by an operator touching the touch area (271). The touch area (271) is defined by a touch sensor electrode (272) placed below the top housing surface (203) of the asset tracker (200).

[0167] FIG. 18 illustrates the theory of operation of a touch sensor (270). The touch sensor (270) includes a touch sensor electrode (272), a sensor capacitor (274), a sampling capacitor (276), a first switch SW1, and a second switch SW2. The touch sensor (270) may be an external component or an integrated component of the controller (230).

[0168] The touch sensor electrode (272) is made of a conductive material and is placed under the top housing surface (203). The touch sensor electrode (272) provides a sensor capacitor (274) between the touch sensor electrode (272) and the top housing surface (203).

[0169] The sampling capacitor (276) can be charged from the sensor capacitor (274) and provides an input voltage that can be detected by an input pin such as the input pin of the controller (230).

[0170] The first switch SW1 is an electronic switch that connects point (279) to VDD when closed.

[0171] The second switch SW2 is an electronic switch that connects point (279) to the sampling capacitor (276).

[0172] First, consider the case where a person's finger is not touching the touch area (271). When the first switch SW1 is closed, current charges the sensor capacitor (274). When the first switch SW1 is open and the second switch SW2 is closed, the sensor capacitor (274) discharges into the sampling capacitor (276). Because the sensor capacitor (274) is small (i.e., in picofarads), the voltage at point (279) is at a logic LOW value.

[0173] Second, consider the case where a human finger touches the touch area (271). In this case, there is a human connection to the earth represented by the human body capacitor (278). The human body capacitor (278) is in parallel with the sensor capacitor (274). When SW1 is closed, the sensor capacitor (274) and the human body capacitor (278) are charged. When SW1 is opened and SW2 is closed, both the sensor capacitor (274) and the much larger human body capacitor (278) are discharged into the sampling capacitor (276). The voltage on the sampling capacitor rises above the input voltage HIGH value (VIH) and can be detected by the controller (230) connected to the point (279).

[0174] To prevent accidental activation of the asset tracker (200) upon accidental touch of the touch area, the asset tracker (200) may require that the touch area (271) be touched for a predetermined duration before activation begins. FIG. 19 illustrates a method (1900) by an asset tracker for activating a motion detection mode (420) according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0175] In step (1902), the asset tracker (200) configures a touch sensor (270). The touch sensor (270) may be configured to periodically close switch SW1 (and open switch SW2) to charge the sensor capacitor (and human body capacitor (278)), and then open switch SW2 (and close switch SW1) to transfer the charge from the sensor capacitor (274) (and, if applicable, the human body capacitor) to the sampling capacitor (276).

[0176] In step (1904), the asset tracker (200) enters delivery mode (410).

[0177] In step (1906), the asset tracker (200) checks whether a touch is detected on the touch area (271). Checking whether a touch is detected may involve checking the voltage on the sampling capacitor (276) and whether it is logical LOW or logical HIGH. If the voltage on the sampling capacitor is LOW, control is maintained in step (1906). If the voltage on the sampling capacitor (276) is HIGH, control proceeds to step (1908).

[0178] In step (1908), the asset tracker (200) starts a timer ("determined duration timer") that expires after a predetermined duration.

[0179] In step (1910), if the predetermined duration timer has not expired, control is maintained in step (1910). Conversely, if the predetermined duration timer expires, control proceeds to step (1912).

[0180] In step (1912), the asset tracker (200) checks whether the touch sensor (270) still detects a human finger touch on the touch area (271). For example, the asset tracker (200) may execute machine-executable programming instructions to check the voltage on the sampling capacitor (276). If a human finger touch is still detected, control proceeds to step (1914). If a human finger touch is not detected, control returns to step (1906). In the latter case, it is assumed that the previous touch detected in step (1906) was accidental and was not intended to activate the asset tracker (200).

[0181] In step (1914), the asset tracker (200) is activated and transitions from delivery mode (410) to motion detection mode (420).

[0182] Advantageously, the use of a touch sensor to activate the asset tracker (200) avoids false positives and activates the asset tracker when the touch sensor is touched for at least a predetermined duration.

[0183] Embodiments in which the technologies are implemented in circuits and / or computer-executable instructions have been described. It should be understood that some embodiments may be in the form of a method or process in which at least one example is provided. Operations performed as part of a method or process may be ordered in any appropriate manner. Accordingly, even if they are illustrated as sequential operations in exemplary embodiments, embodiments may be constructed in a different order from that illustrated, which may include performing some operations simultaneously. Various aspects of the embodiments described above may be used alone, in combination, or in various arrangements not specifically discussed in the embodiments described above, and thus are not limited to the details and arrangements of components presented in the description above or illustrated in the drawings in their application. For example, aspects described in one embodiment may be combined in any manner with aspects described in other embodiments.

Claims

Claim 1 A method for activating an asset tracker, wherein the asset tracker comprises a housing surrounding internal components of the asset tracker, the internal components comprising a controller, an inertial measurement unit, and at least one peripheral device, the method comprising: operating the controller of the asset tracker in a low-power mode; maintaining the at least one peripheral device in a power-off state; configuring an activation detection module of the asset tracker to detect an activation trigger activity; and activating a motion detection mode of the asset tracker to detect motion sustained for a predetermined duration in response to detecting the activation trigger activity. Claim 2 A method according to claim 1, wherein the step of activating the motion detection mode comprises configuring the inertial measurement unit to detect the sustained motion during the predetermined duration. Claim 3 A method according to claim 2, wherein the inertial measurement unit comprises a 3-axis accelerometer, and configuring the inertial measurement unit to detect sustained motion comprises configuring the 3-axis accelerometer to notify the controller when the 3-axis accelerometer detects an acceleration value exceeding an acceleration threshold during the predetermined duration. Claim 4 The method of claim 1, wherein the activation detection module comprises the inertial measurement unit; the step of configuring the activation detection module to detect the activation trigger activity comprises configuring the inertial measurement unit to detect at least one tapping activity in the direction of an axis substantially perpendicular to the surface of the housing; and the method of detecting the activation trigger activity comprises detecting the at least one tapping activity on the surface of the housing by the inertial measurement unit. Claim 5 A method according to claim 4, wherein the at least one tapping activity comprises a first tapping activity and a second tapping activity spaced apart in time from the first tapping activity. Claim 6 In claim 5, the method wherein the first tapping activity and the second tapping activity each comprise a double tap on the surface of the housing. Claim 7 A method according to claim 1, wherein the activation detection module includes a proximity sensor; and the method of detecting the activation trigger activity includes detecting the loss of proximity between the asset tracker and a proximity object placed in the packaging of the asset tracker by the proximity sensor. Claim 8 In claim 7, the proximity sensor comprises a Hall effect sensor, and the proximity object comprises a magnet. Claim 9 A method according to claim 1, wherein the activation detection module includes an optical sensor; and detecting the activation trigger activity includes detecting incident light on the optical sensor. Claim 10 A method according to claim 1, wherein the activation detection module includes a touch sensor; and the method of detecting the activation trigger activity includes detecting a touch by a person's finger on the touch sensor. Claim 11 As an asset tracker, the device comprises: a housing; a controller disposed in the housing; an activation detection module disposed in the housing and coupled to the controller; a position module disposed in the housing and coupled to the controller; an inertial measurement unit disposed in the housing and coupled to the controller; and a memory coupled to the controller and storing machine-executable programming instructions, wherein the machine-executable programming instructions, when executed by the controller, the asset tracker The controller of the above asset tracker operates in a low-power mode; Keep the above position module in a power-off state; Configure the activation detection module of the asset tracker to detect activation trigger activities; An asset tracker configured to configure the inertial measurement unit to detect motion sustained for a predetermined duration in response to detecting the above-mentioned activation trigger activity. Claim 12 An asset tracker according to claim 11, wherein the inertial measurement unit comprises a 3-axis accelerometer, and the machine-executable programming instructions configuring the inertial measurement unit to detect sustained motion include machine-executable programming instructions configuring the inertial measurement unit to notify the controller when the 3-axis accelerometer detects an acceleration value exceeding an acceleration threshold during the predetermined duration. Claim 13 In claim 11, the machine-executable programming instructions constituting the inertial measurement unit to detect the activation trigger activity include machine-executable programming instructions constituting the inertial measurement unit to detect at least one tapping activity in the direction of an axis substantially perpendicular to the surface of the housing, an asset tracker. Claim 14 In paragraph 13, the asset tracker wherein the at least one tapping activity comprises a first tapping activity and a second tapping activity spaced apart in time from the first tapping activity. Claim 15 In paragraph 14, the asset tracker wherein the first tapping activity and the second tapping activity each comprise a double tap on the surface of the housing. Claim 16 In claim 11, the activation detection module comprises a proximity sensor; and the machine-executable programming instructions that configure the activation detection module to detect the activation trigger activity comprise machine-executable programming instructions that configure the proximity sensor to detect a loss of proximity between the asset tracker and a proximity object placed in the package of the asset tracker for a duration longer than the proximity loss threshold duration, an asset tracker. Claim 17 In paragraph 16, the asset tracker wherein the proximity sensor comprises a Hall effect sensor and the proximity object comprises a magnet. Claim 18 In paragraph 11, the activation detection module comprises an optical sensor; and the asset tracker, wherein detecting the activation trigger activity comprises detecting incident light on the optical sensor. Claim 19 In claim 11, the activation detection module includes a touch sensor, and the machine-executable programming instructions that configure the asset tracker to detect the activation trigger activity include machine-executable programming instructions that configure the asset tracker to detect a touch by a human finger on the touch sensor.

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