Asset Tracker Shipping Mode Activation via Gesture and Proximity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery-powered asset trackers face unnecessary power consumption and reduced lifespan due to false activation into travel mode during shipping, as sustained motion detected before deployment can trigger location and network module activation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a shipping mode where most peripherals are powered off, activating only the inertial measurement unit and proximity sensor to detect specific activation triggers like tapping, mid-air gestures, or loss of proximity, transitioning to motion detection mode only when valid activation is confirmed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the asset tracker operates in normal mode with all peripherals powered on, then it can immediately detect location and communicate, but it consumes excessive battery power during shipping due to false motion detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the operational states into distinct modes: shipping mode with limited peripherals powered on, and travel mode with full functionality. This segmentation allows the system to optimize power consumption by activating only necessary components during shipping while maintaining full operational capability when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration during manufacturing to identify the asset tracker as a shipping-mode device. This preliminary action ensures that the device automatically enters low-power shipping mode upon first activation, preventing false travel mode activation during transit before deployment.
2Ease of operation
If the asset tracker uses motion detection to activate travel mode, then it can automatically start tracking, but it falsely activates during shipping due to vessel motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different detection thresholds and criteria for different operational contexts. During shipping mode, the system uses highly sensitive motion detection to identify deployment actions (removal from container, placement on asset), while in travel mode it uses sustained motion criteria. This local quality adjustment reduces false activation by adapting detection parameters to the current operational state.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors motion patterns and provides feedback to adjust its state. When motion is detected during shipping mode, the system analyzes the pattern to determine if it represents deployment or normal shipping motion, only transitioning to travel mode when deployment is confirmed. This feedback mechanism eliminates false activation while maintaining automatic activation capability.
3Ease of operation
If all peripherals are powered on continuously, then the asset tracker is ready for immediate use, but the battery lifespan is reduced due to constant power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management where the system automatically transitions between shipping mode (low power) and travel mode (full power) based on detected conditions. This dynamic adjustment optimizes battery lifespan during shipping while ensuring full readiness for use immediately upon deployment, eliminating the need for manual configuration or prolonged initialization.
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
Conserves battery life by preventing unnecessary activation during shipping, ensuring accurate transition to travel mode only when the asset tracker is deployed, thereby extending the asset tracker's operational lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
The inertial measurement unit may comprise a 3-axis accelerometer and configuring the inertial measurement unit for detecting the sustained motion may comprise configuring the 3-axis accelerometer to notify the controller when the 3-axis accelerometer detects an acceleration value above an acceleration threshold for the predetermined duration.
Implementation Method 2
The proximity sensor may comprise a Hall Effect sensor and the proximity object may comprise a magnet.
Data Source
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.