Asset Tracker Activation Trigger Detection Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Battery-powered asset trackers face challenges in efficiently transitioning from a low-power shipping mode to a motion detection mode, leading to unnecessary battery consumption due to false determinations of travel.

Innovation Solution

The asset tracker employs an activation detection module that detects specific activation trigger activities, such as tapping, mid-air gestures, loss of proximity, or incident light, to transition from shipping mode to motion detection mode only when activated intentionally.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the asset tracker operates in low-power mode with peripherals powered off, then battery consumption is reduced, but the device cannot detect motion or activation triggers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery consumptionVSAvoidmotion detection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The asset tracker is divided into functional modules with different power requirements. The controller can operate in low-power mode while the inertial measurement unit (IMU) remains in a higher-power detection mode. This segmentation allows the system to maintain minimal functionality (activation detection) while conserving energy, and selectively activate full motion detection capabilities only when triggered by the IMU detecting specific motion patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the asset tracker continuously monitors for motion, then travel detection accuracy is improved, but battery consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetravel detection accuracyVSAvoidbattery consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous monitoring, the system uses periodic sampling through the IMU that detects motion patterns at intervals. The IMU monitors for specific activation triggers (taps, shakes, orientation changes) periodically, and only when such patterns are detected does the system transition to full motion detection mode. This periodic action maintains reliability by detecting actual travel events while significantly reducing battery consumption compared to continuous monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Speed

If the asset tracker activates motion detection mode immediately upon any motion, then response time is reduced, but false detections increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactivation response timeVSAvoidfalse detection rate

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis through the IMU to detect specific activation trigger patterns before activating full motion detection mode. The IMU pre-processes motion data to identify deliberate activation gestures (such as double taps, specific shake patterns, or orientation changes) and only then triggers the motion detection mode. This preliminary action filters out incidental motions during shipping or handling, reducing false detections while maintaining fast response to intentional activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 approach significantly reduces unnecessary battery consumption by ensuring that the asset tracker only enters motion detection mode when explicitly activated, thereby extending its operational life.

Implementation Method 1

configuring the inertial measurement unit for detecting the sustained motion for the predetermined duration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInertial measurement:

Implementation Method 2

configuring the inertial measurement unit for detecting at least one tapping activity in a direction of an axis substantially perpendicular to a surface of the housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcceleration detection: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 3

The activation detection module may comprise a proximity sensor and detecting the activation trigger activity may comprise detecting, by the proximity sensor, a loss of proximity between the asset tracker and a proximity object disposed in a packaging of the asset tracker

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectProximity detection:

Implementation Method 4

The proximity sensor may comprise a Hall Effect sensor and the proximity object may comprise a magnet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHall Effect: Hall Effect

Implementation Method 5

The activation detection module may comprise an optical sensor, and detecting the activation trigger activity may comprise detecting incident light on the optical sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4557196A1Devices and methods for activating an asset tracker

Publication Date: 2025.05.21 GEOTAB INC

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AI summary

A method of activating an asset tracker from an ultra-low power shipping mode to a motion detection mode. The method includes detecting an activation trigger activity including double-tapping on the housing of the asset tracker, mid-air gestures comprising orientation changes, touch sensing, optical sensing, and loss of proximity with a proximity object in the packaging of the asset container.