Conditional Cellular Activation for Asset Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tracking devices for assets incur increasing operational costs due to the need for continuous cellular network activation, even when the asset is not lost.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that remotely activate and enable cellular communication systems in wireless tracking devices only when an associated asset is determined to be lost, using a tracking device with a cellular communication system and a SIM card that is activated and a network carrier access plan is activated in response to the asset being lost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cellular communication system is continuously activated for tracking devices, then location tracking capability is maintained, but operational costs and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cellular communication system dynamically transitions between inactive and active states based on whether the asset is lost. The system activates cellular communication only when needed (when asset is determined lost) and remains inactive during normal operation, creating a dynamic adaptation to operational requirements rather than continuous activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of cellular communication from continuous activation to conditional activation. By monitoring asset status and triggering cellular communication only when the asset is determined to be lost, the system adjusts the activation parameter based on operational conditions, reducing energy consumption while maintaining tracking capability when needed.
2Use of energy by moving object
If cellular communication system is activated only when asset is lost, then operational costs are reduced, but location determination time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring asset status through other means (such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth communication) and maintaining readiness to activate cellular communication. When the asset is still within range of alternative communication methods, the system prepares for potential loss detection, enabling rapid cellular activation when needed without continuous cellular operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from continuous monitoring of asset status and communication availability to determine when to activate cellular communication. By continuously gathering information about asset location and communication connectivity, the system can quickly detect loss conditions and trigger cellular activation, minimizing the time delay despite not being continuously active.
3Measurement precision
If tracking device uses sophisticated cellular communication, then location accuracy is improved, but operational and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking device employs multi-functionality by supporting multiple communication methods (cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) rather than relying solely on sophisticated cellular communication. The device can use simpler, lower-cost communication methods when available and resorts to cellular communication only when necessary, reducing operational costs while maintaining location accuracy through alternative means when possible.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes determining that an asset with an associated tracking device is lost, and, in response, remotely activating a cellular communication system of the tracking device. A network carrier access plan that provides cellular network service provided by a network carrier to the cellular communication system is also activated. Location data for the asset is received from the tracking device, the location data transmitted from the tracking device using a cellular network connection. The current location of the lost asset is determined based on the received location data.