Asset Tracking Device Positioning via ITS Messages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Asset tracking devices with low power capabilities face challenges in efficiently obtaining position fixes using GNSS, especially in adverse environments like urban areas with tall buildings, leading to increased power consumption and potential failure in obtaining accurate location data.
Innovation Solution
The use of intelligent transportation system (ITS) messages to determine the position of an asset tracking device, reducing the need for frequent GNSS position fixes and minimizing power consumption by utilizing ITS signals from nearby vehicles or roadside units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the asset tracking device uses GNSS to obtain position fixes, then accurate location data can be obtained, but power consumption increases and the device cannot operate in sleep mode effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces roadside units (RSUs) and other vehicles as intermediary sources of position information. Instead of directly using GNSS satellites, the asset tracking device obtains position data through ITS messages transmitted by these intermediaries, which relay the position information without requiring the tracker to actively search for and lock onto satellite signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The asset tracking device receives copies of position information that have been transmitted by other vehicles or roadside units. Rather than independently determining its own position through GNSS, the device uses position data that has been measured and transmitted by other entities in the ITS network, effectively copying their position information for its own tracking purposes.
2Measurement precision
If the asset tracking device attempts to obtain GNSS position fix in adverse environments like urban canyons, then location data may be obtained, but significant power is wasted and the fix may not be obtainable
Solution Approach 1:
In urban canyon environments where GNSS signals are blocked by tall buildings, the patent uses roadside units and other vehicles as intermediaries to relay position information. These intermediaries are positioned along the road infrastructure and can maintain communication with the asset tracking device even when satellite signals are obstructed, providing position data through alternative paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary position determination through ITS message exchanges before the asset tracking device needs to activate its GNSS receiver. By continuously receiving position information from roadside units and other vehicles through ITS messages, the device maintains awareness of its location without periodically waking up to search for satellite signals, especially in environments where such searches are likely to fail.
3Measurement precision
If the asset tracking device wakes up frequently to obtain position fixes, then location accuracy is maintained, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic reception of ITS messages at the asset tracking device, where position information is transmitted at regular intervals by roadside units and other vehicles. This allows the device to maintain updated location data by simply listening for these periodic transmissions without needing to actively initiate frequent wake-up cycles for GNSS positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service positioning where the infrastructure (roadside units) and other vehicles autonomously provide position information to the asset tracking device through ITS messages. The tracking device passively receives these self-generated position reports from the environment, eliminating the need for it to actively request or determine its own position through power-intensive GNSS operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method at an asset tracking device, the method including activating a receiver at the asset tracking device; obtaining an intelligent transportation system message using the receiver; determining a position from the intelligent transportation system message; and reporting the determined position to a remote server.