Asset Tracking via Gateway Intermediary for Shielded Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current asset tracking systems face inefficiencies and poor performance when tracking items through complex logistics journeys involving multiple transportation means and environments, particularly when trackers are shielded by metallic containers, leading to restricted connectivity and inaccurate positioning.
Innovation Solution
A method where an identifying information is associated with an item and a master/slave information is assigned between two devices, allowing the responsible device to determine the item's position estimate, enabling seamless tracking even when the primary tracker is shielded, by switching to a gateway tracker that can receive signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tracker is placed inside a metallic container for transport, then the item can be tracked throughout the logistics journey, but radio signals are blocked leading to poor positioning performance and restricted connectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary between the shielded tracker and the external network. The gateway receives signals from satellites or network sources outside the container and relays them to the tracker inside, enabling positioning functionality despite the metallic shielding. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by allowing tracking continuity while maintaining positioning accuracy through indirect signal transmission.
2Reliability
If the tracker operates autonomously in all conditions, then it can maintain tracking functionality, but battery consumption increases especially when connectivity is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation modes for the tracker based on environmental conditions. When the tracker detects it is inside a shielded container (via GPS signal strength or other indicators), it automatically switches to a low-power mode where positioning is performed by the gateway instead. When outside the container, it resumes autonomous operation. This dynamic adaptation maintains tracking availability while significantly reducing battery consumption during shielded periods.
3Measurement precision
If multiple tracking methods are used simultaneously, then positioning can be maintained in all environments, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than equipping the tracker with multiple positioning methods, the patent uses an intermediary gateway that possesses the additional positioning capabilities (such as GNSS receiver or network positioning). The gateway performs the complex positioning measurements and communicates results to the simpler tracker device. This approach maintains positioning accuracy across different environments while keeping the tracker device itself relatively simple and cost-effective.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed that includes associating an identifying information indicative of an item to be tracked from a first device to a second device. The method also includes assigning a master/slave information indicative of a responsibility that the first device and/or the second device is in charge of tracking the item from the first device to the second device. The method further includes determining a position estimate indicative of a position of the item to be tracked based at least partially on the identifying information and the master/slave information. The first device is directly related to the item to be tracked, and the second device is not directly to the item to be tracked. An apparatus, a tangible computer-readable medium and a system are also disclosed.