Asset Tag Dynamic Packet Rate Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing asset management systems face challenges in efficiently managing communication packets from tags, particularly in battery-powered devices, as frequent packet transmission reduces battery life and energy consumption, while infrequent transmission may lead to delayed detection of asset location changes.

Innovation Solution

A tag with adjustable sending rates based on movement and use detection, using sensors like acceleration, vibration, and GPS, adjusts communication packet frequency to conserve energy and enhance detection efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If tags send communication packets frequently to ensure timely detection of asset location changes, then the timeliness of information in the asset management system is improved, but the energy consumption increases and battery life is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetimeliness of informationVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The tag dynamically adjusts its communication packet sending rate based on detected movement states. When movement is detected, the sending rate increases to ensure timely location updates. When stationary, the sending rate decreases to conserve energy. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between maintaining information timeliness and reducing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of communication packet sending rate based on movement detection. The processor instructs the wireless communication unit to send packets at different rates (first rate when stationary, second rate when moving), thereby adapting the system's operational parameters to current conditions and resolving the energy-timeliness trade-off.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If tags with non-exchangeable batteries send communication packets frequently, then the asset management system maintains accurate location tracking, but the battery lifetime is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation tracking accuracyVSAvoidbattery lifetime
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The tag employs dynamic sending rate adjustment based on movement detection. During stationary periods, the sending rate is reduced to extend battery lifetime. During movement, the rate increases to maintain location tracking accuracy. This dynamic strategy optimizes the balance between tracking reliability and battery duration for non-exchangeable batteries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The tag autonomously monitors its own movement state using the movement detection unit and self-adjusts its communication packet sending rate without external control. This self-service mechanism ensures location tracking reliability while conserving battery energy, extending the operational lifetime of tags with non-exchangeable batteries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Speed

If mobile phones scan frequently for advertising packets to detect tag locations, then the detection speed is improved, but the energy consumption of the mobile phone increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection speedVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The tag sends communication packets periodically at variable rates determined by movement state. This periodic transmission allows mobile phones to scan less frequently while still detecting location changes timely, reducing the energy consumption of mobile devices without significantly compromising detection speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from movement detection to adjust the communication packet sending rate. When movement is detected, the tag increases sending frequency to ensure timely detection. When stationary, it reduces frequency, allowing mobile phones to conserve energy during scanning while maintaining adequate detection performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution extends battery life and reduces energy consumption by optimizing packet transmission rates based on asset movement and use, ensuring timely detection of location changes.

Implementation Method 1

the movement detection unit comprises an acceleration sensor, a vibration sensor, a GPS sensor, an orientation sensor, a gyro sensor, and/or a magnetometer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcceleration sensor detection: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 2

Vibration of the tag may indicate a use of the asset the tag is attached to or a movement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration detection: Vibration

Implementation Method 3

a GPS sensor, an orientation sensor, a gyro sensor, and/or a magnetometer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGPS location detection:

Implementation Method 4

a wireless communication unit, configured to send communication packets, in particular RF beacons, e.g. advertising packets

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRF beacon transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4576838A1Tag, asset with tags, asset management system, and method for controlling the sending of communication packets of a tag
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 HILTI AG
  • EP4576838A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4576838A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4576838A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for controlling sending of communication packets of a tag comprising: sending communication packets at a first sending rate by the tag; monitoring a motion state of the tag and/or a use state of a power tool, the tag is attached to or part of; sending the communication packets by the tag at a second sending rate, the second sending rate being higher or lower than the first sending rate, after a change in the motion state of the tag and/or a change in the use state of the power tool has been detected by the monitoring.