Asset Tracking Device Low Power Mode Co-location

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Solution Overview

Problem

Asset tracking devices, especially those used in freight transport, face challenges in extending their battery life due to continuous location updates and power consumption, which limits their operational duration.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method where the asset tracking device enters a low power mode when co-located with a carrier, relying on the carrier's location updates to conserve battery life, and resumes normal operation upon arrival at the destination or when necessary.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the asset tracking device continuously transmits location data to extend transmission range, then the transmission range is improved, but the battery life deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission rangeVSAvoidbattery life
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The asset tracking device alternates between active transmission mode and low-power mode periodically. During active mode, it transmits location data using GPS and wireless communication. During low-power mode, it enters sleep state to conserve battery. This periodic operation allows the device to achieve extended transmission range when needed while maintaining battery life through intermittent operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The device dynamically adjusts its operational state based on battery status and tracking requirements. It transitions between full-power transmission and low-power states, optimizing the balance between transmission range and battery consumption. The system activates high-power transmission only when location updates are required and enters low-power mode when battery levels indicate need for conservation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If the asset tracking device uses high-power transmission to maintain continuous location tracking, then the tracking accuracy is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation tracking accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs location tracking and data transmission in periodic cycles rather than continuously. During active cycles, it uses full power for accurate GPS reception and transmission. During low-power cycles, it minimizes or suspends transmission activities. This periodic approach maintains tracking accuracy during active periods while significantly reducing average power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The device applies full transmission power only when necessary for accurate location reporting, rather than maintaining constant high-power operation. It uses partial action (reduced power or sleep mode) during periods when continuous tracking is not critical, achieving acceptable tracking performance with reduced energy expenditure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3588143B1Method and system for asset tracking
Publication Date: 2024.03.20 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP3588143B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3588143B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3588143B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Described herein is a method for asset tracking using an asset tracking device. The method comprises detecting a trigger to perform a co-location check; in response to the trigger, determining the asset tracking device is co-located with a carrier en route to a destination; determining a low power duration; and causing the asset tracking device to enter a low power mode for the low power duration.