Asset Tracking Device Power Management via Travel State Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Asset tracking devices face challenges in conserving power when monitoring non-vehicular assets without external power sources, and existing methods for tracking groups of assets traveling together are inefficient, leading to energy wastage and reduced utility.
Innovation Solution
Implementing motion sensors to determine travel states and adjust power consumption accordingly, using temperature-dependent charging for energy storage units, and synchronizing tracking of assets that travel together by analyzing their histories to link and manage their data effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If asset tracking devices continuously monitor location and transmit data, then tracking accuracy and data reliability are improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operating modes that adjust the tracking device's activity based on travel state detection. Motion sensors continuously monitor asset movement, and when travel is detected, the device transitions to a higher-power accurate tracking mode. When stationary, it switches to a low-power mode with reduced location update frequency, thereby maintaining tracking accuracy during movement while conserving energy during stationary periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic location updates instead of continuous monitoring. The device determines travel state periodically using motion sensors, and location data is transmitted at intervals based on the current operating mode. This periodic action reduces power consumption compared to continuous monitoring while still providing reliable tracking data during active travel periods.
2Reliability
If asset tracking devices operate in high-power mode to ensure continuous monitoring, then data reliability is improved, but device lifespan is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operating modes that adjust the tracking device's activity based on travel state detection. Motion sensors continuously monitor asset movement, and when travel is detected, the device transitions to a higher-power accurate tracking mode. When stationary, it switches to a low-power mode with reduced location update frequency, thereby maintaining tracking accuracy during movement while conserving energy during stationary periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters such as location update frequency and transmission power based on the detected travel state. During travel, the device uses higher update frequencies and full power for reliable data collection. During stationary periods, it reduces update frequency and power consumption, thereby extending device lifespan while maintaining data reliability when needed.
3Measurement precision
If multiple asset tracking devices independently monitor assets traveling together, then individual asset tracking accuracy is improved, but energy consumption across the group increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a group tracking mode where multiple asset tracking devices that detect they are traveling together can share location data and coordinate their monitoring activities. When devices detect proximity and similar travel patterns, they merge their tracking efforts, with some devices reducing their update frequency or entering low-power mode while relying on data from other devices in the group, thereby reducing overall group energy consumption while maintaining individual asset tracking accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for inferring a status asset information from data of a first type gathered by a first asset tracking device is provided. The method includes determining that a first asset tracking device coupled to a first asset and a second asset tracking device coupled to a second asset are travelling together, that the first asset tracking device has a first operating mode, and that the second asset tracking device has a second operating mode, which is different from the first operating mode of the first asset tracking device. In response, the second asset tracking device enters into a low-power mode in which it either does not gather data of the first type or does so at a reduced rate. Status information related to the second asset may be inferred from data of the first type gathered by the first asset tracking device.