Animal Tracking Device Relay Communication and Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing animal tracking systems face challenges in tracking an animal's location when communication between the tracking device worn by the animal and the user's device is not smooth, particularly due to range limitations or battery issues, leading to difficulties in recognizing the animal's location.
Innovation Solution
The system includes an animal tracking device with a location determining unit, sensor, device identification storage, battery, and a main control unit that controls communication, allowing for RF communication with a user's device and utilizing a relay unit to maintain communication through another registered device when direct communication is not possible, along with modes like save and SOS to conserve power and increase tracking possibilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct RF communication is used between the animal tracking device and user's device, then communication reliability is improved, but tracking availability deteriorates when communication range is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces another animal tracking device as an intermediary relay node. When direct communication between the target tracking device and user's device is not available, the system automatically routes communication through a third device that is within communication range, enabling indirect but reliable communication and maintaining tracking availability beyond direct communication range.
2Speed
If communication is attempted frequently to maintain tracking, then tracking responsiveness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts communication parameters including transmission power, communication interval, and data update frequency based on animal activity level, battery status, and communication quality. This dynamic adaptation maintains effective tracking responsiveness while optimizing power consumption by reducing communication intensity when full responsiveness is not required.
3Measurement precision
If the user's device includes map information storage and visual display unit, then location confirmation capability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the user's device with existing smartphone functionality. The smartphone's built-in display, processor, and connectivity are utilized to present tracking information, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated device with map storage and visual display components. This integration maintains location confirmation capability while reducing overall system complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables effective tracking of an animal's location even when communication is not smooth, allowing users to efficiently locate animals by sharing information and reducing power consumption, thus enhancing the reliability of animal tracking systems.
Implementation Method 1
a location determining unit configured to determine a current location according to information received from a GPS antenna
Implementation Method 2
a first communication unit configured to perform RF communication with a user's device
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an animal tracking device, which is worn by an animal and tracks a location of the animal, the animal tracking device including: a location determining unit configured to determine a current location according to information received from a GPS antenna; a sensor configured to determine state information about the animal; a device identification information storing unit configured to store device identification information for identifying a device; a battery configured to supply power; a first communication unit configured to perform RF communication with a user's device; and a main control unit, which controls the device, and controls the first communication unit to communicate with the user's device through another animal tracking device registered in the user's device, and a system including the same and a method of tracking a location of an animal.