Asset Tracking Device Dynamic Data Rate Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Asset tracking devices that transmit location data at high periodic rates incur high data transmission costs and power consumption, necessitating a solution to reduce data transmission while maintaining real-time monitoring capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An asset tracking device that operates in two modes: a low-data-rate mode for storing and transmitting location history and a high-data-rate mode for real-time monitoring, switching between the two based on user interaction, with the device compressing data when not actively being viewed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the asset tracking device transmits location data at a high periodic rate, then real-time monitoring capability is improved, but data transmission cost and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the data transmission rate based on operational conditions. During normal operation, it transmits at a low periodic rate to conserve power. When real-time monitoring is required, it switches to a high periodic rate, thus adapting the transmission behavior to actual needs and resolving the contradiction between real-time capability and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the transmission parameter (data rate) from low to high based on operational mode. By modifying this key parameter dynamically, the system can achieve real-time monitoring when needed while maintaining low power consumption during normal operation, effectively resolving the technical contradiction.
2Reliability
If the asset tracking device transmits location data at a high periodic rate, then real-time monitoring capability is improved, but data transmission cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action with variable periods. During normal operation, it transmits location data at extended intervals (low periodic rate). When real-time monitoring is activated, it switches to frequent transmission intervals (high periodic rate). This periodic action with adaptive timing resolves the contradiction by providing real-time capability only when necessary, reducing overall data transmission costs.
3Quantity of substance
If the asset tracking device compresses location data, then data transmission volume is reduced, but data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary compression of location data before transmission during normal operation. By pre-compressing the data, it significantly reduces the transmission volume. The compression is handled by the tracking device itself, and the compressed data is stored and transmitted as needed, resolving the contradiction between reducing data volume and managing processing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is described for operating an asset tracking device, wherein the tracking device normally collects many location points at a high periodic rate and transmits the location points as a single compressed location history data block at a low periodic rate, which greatly reduces the amount of transmitted data required to send a detailed location history. When a user begins actively viewing the asset location in some application such as on a mobile device, a command is immediately sent from the tracking server back to the tracking device. This command causes the device to start transmitting location reports at a high periodic rate, thereby allowing the user to monitor the current location of the asset in real-time. Transmission at the high data rate required for real-time monitoring only occurs while the user is actively interacting with the application, which is usually a short period of time.