Asset Communication System With Active Passive Subsystems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication devices for asset tracking require technologies that can handle long-range, medium-range, and short-range communication effectively, while also needing ultra-low power consumption to extend battery life, especially in mobile assets that cannot be wired to energy grids.
Innovation Solution
The development of a wireless asset communication system that integrates an active communication subsystem with a first radio transceiver, a passive communication subsystem with a second radio transceiver, sensory subsystems, and a processing subsystem, including a programmable circuit and memory, which allows for data movement between these components and uses synchronous and asynchronous trigger controllers to manage power consumption based on activation criteria and events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If active communication subsystem is used for long-range communication, then communication range is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is segmented into two distinct subsystems: an active communication subsystem for long-range communication and a passive communication subsystem for short-range communication. This segmentation allows the system to use the appropriate subsystem based on the required communication range, thereby optimizing power consumption while maintaining extended communication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The active communication subsystem operates periodically rather than continuously, with a trigger controller activating it based on predetermined criteria such as asset location, time of day, or communication needs. This periodic operation significantly reduces power consumption compared to continuous operation, while still achieving long-range communication when required.
2Use of energy by moving object
If passive communication subsystem is used, then power consumption is reduced, but communication range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the passive communication subsystem with an active transceiver that can be activated on demand. The passive subsystem handles short-range communication with minimal power consumption, while the integrated active transceiver provides long-range capability when activated by the trigger controller, combining the advantages of both approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger controller acts as an intermediary between the passive communication subsystem and the active transceiver. It monitors predetermined criteria and activates the active transceiver only when long-range communication is needed, mediating between the low-power passive mode and the high-range active mode to optimize overall system performance.
3Reliability
If frequent activation occurs, then data communication reliability is improved, but battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The activation criteria for the active communication subsystem are dynamic rather than static. The trigger controller adjusts activation based on real-time conditions such as asset location, communication priorities, and battery status. This dynamic approach ensures reliable communication when needed while minimizing unnecessary activations that would drain the battery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters based on conditions: the trigger controller modifies activation frequency, transmission power levels, and communication protocols depending on the situation. This allows the system to maintain communication reliability when required while reducing power consumption during normal operation, thereby extending battery life.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system enables efficient wireless data communication across various ranges using both active and passive technologies, optimizing battery life by adjusting activation frequencies and criteria, thus providing reliable and long-lasting asset tracking solutions.
Implementation Method 1
a passive communication subsystem including a second radio transceiver configured to transmit and receive data using radio waves for communication and power
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for providing an asset communication system are described. One asset communication system includes an active communication subsystem including a first radio transceiver, a passive communication subsystem including a second radio transceiver configured to transmit and receive data using radio waves for communication and power, and a sensory subsystem. The sensory subsystem can include one or more sensors, for example, an ambient environment sensor. The asset communication system further includes a synchronous trigger controller for activing the active communication subsystem according to a schedule, and an asynchronous trigger controller for activating the active communication subsystem based on a signal received from a sensor or the second radio transceiver.