Beacon Tracking via Periodic Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated item tracking mechanisms are limited by the need for wireless data transmissions, which can be undesirable in certain environments, leading to human error in disabling or enabling these transmissions, thereby reducing their effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system using beacons that can switch between advertising, listening, and sleep modes automatically, allowing for wireless item tracking without constant data transmission, enabling tracking in environments where constant transmission is not desirable, such as on aircraft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless data transmissions are constantly active for automated tracking, then tracking reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases and wireless interference occurs in certain environments
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon device alternates between advertising mode (transmitting location data) and listening mode (receiving data), creating periodic transmission cycles. This allows the system to maintain tracking functionality while reducing overall energy consumption compared to constant transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different operational modes (advertising, listening, sleep) based on environmental conditions and tracking requirements. This dynamic adaptation optimizes energy usage while maintaining necessary tracking reliability.
2Measurement precision
If wireless data transmissions are constantly active, then tracking accuracy is improved, but wireless interference and desirability in certain environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing periodic advertising intervals rather than continuous transmission, the system reduces wireless interference in environments like aircraft cabins while maintaining sufficient tracking accuracy through regular location updates.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If manual disabling of wireless transmissions is implemented, then wireless interference is reduced, but tracking reliability deteriorates due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon device autonomously manages its own transmission states by automatically switching between advertising and listening modes based on environmental conditions, eliminating the need for manual intervention and preventing human error while maintaining tracking reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses listening mode to detect environmental conditions and feedback signals, then automatically adjusts its transmission behavior accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures wireless interference is minimized while tracking reliability is maintained without human intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for tracking the location of an asset may utilize wireless asset beacons broadcasting asset information/data and powered asset beacons secured relative to movable powered assets. The powered asset beacons may be configured to receive signals transmitted from the asset beacons and to ascertain a relative location between the asset beacon and the powered asset to determine an estimated location of the asset. Moreover, the asset beacons may be selectively activated based on the occurrence of a trigger event, such that the asset beacons do not wireless transmit information/data when it is desirable to limit wireless data transmissions.