Asset Tracking Mode Switching for Low-Signal Transport Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectivity or positioning systems like GPS, cellular, and WiFi are difficult or impractical to employ in environments such as trains, sea vessels, and aircraft due to poor or non-existent signal connectivity, making it challenging to track assets like shipping containers when they are buried in shipyards or onboard vessels.
Innovation Solution
A tracking system that includes a tracking device attached to an asset and a server capable of switching between operational modes based on whether the device is being carried via a transportation medium, within a motion geofence, or in signal communication with a server, leveraging secondary tracking systems like AIS or ADS-B for positional information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional tracking devices are used in transportation environments (trains, sea vessels, aircraft), then tracking capability is provided, but signal connectivity is poor or non-existent making tracking difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a secondary tracking system (AIS, ADS-B, or other transportation-specific systems) as an intermediary to provide positioning information when conventional GPS or cellular signals are unavailable. The server acts as a mediator that switches between primary and secondary tracking systems based on signal availability, ensuring continuous tracking capability in transportation environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking device is designed to be universal by supporting multiple tracking methods - it can operate with conventional GPS/cellular systems when available and automatically switch to transportation-specific systems (AIS for ships, ADS-B for aircraft) when needed. This multi-functionality enables reliable tracking across diverse transportation modes without requiring separate dedicated devices for each environment.
2Productivity
If the tracking device continuously monitors and transmits positional information, then real-time tracking is achieved, but battery power is consumed excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the tracking device's operational state based on real-time conditions. When the device detects that it is being carried by a transportation medium with available secondary tracking systems, it transitions to a low-power standby mode. When signal connectivity is lost or the device is detached, it automatically activates to provide real-time tracking. This dynamic state changes enable continuous tracking capability while minimizing battery consumption during stable transportation phases.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous monitoring, the system uses periodic checks to determine operational mode transitions. The device periodically assesses its carrier status and signal availability to decide whether to activate full tracking functions or enter low-power mode, achieving real-time tracking when needed while conserving energy during stable periods.
3Reliability
If the system switches between multiple operational modes based on carrier status and signal availability, then tracking reliability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking device performs self-assessment of its operational conditions by automatically detecting whether it is being carried by a transportation medium and evaluating signal availability. The server independently determines the appropriate operational mode without requiring external intervention or complex configuration. This self-service approach simplifies the overall system architecture by eliminating the need for manual mode switching while maintaining high tracking reliability through automated adaptation to changing conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for tracking an asset carried via a transportation medium. One such system includes a tracking device and a server. The tracking device is configured to be attached to the asset. The server is configured to receive, from the tracking device, positional information of the tracking device during at least a first operational mode and receive, from a secondary tracking system associated with the transportation medium, positional information of the transportation medium during at least a second operational mode. The server is further configured to determine whether the tracking device is being carried via the transportation medium and to automatically switch between the first operational mode and the second operational mode in response to determining whether the tracking device is being carried via the transportation medium.