Container Control LoRa Frequency Propagation Without GPS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for determining LoRa frequencies in environments where GPS is unavailable, such as inside a vessel hold, are ineffective, as LoRa-configured devices are restricted to specific frequencies and cannot legally transmit on restricted frequencies without GPS-based location determination.
Innovation Solution
A control system and method that utilizes cellular connections to determine LoRa frequencies, employing a web server and LoRa server to broadcast approved frequencies via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi beacons, allowing propagation among container control devices within a transport vessel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS-based frequency determination is used, then LoRa frequency compliance is ensured, but GPS availability is required which is not always present in transport applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces cellular network location data as an intermediary to determine LoRa frequency when GPS is unavailable. The container control device uses cellular location information from the web server to identify the appropriate LoRa frequency, serving as a mediator between location determination and frequency selection when the primary GPS method cannot be used.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a backup frequency determination mechanism by copying the location-based frequency selection logic from the GPS-dependent path to a GPS-independent path using cellular data. The web server stores and provides location information through multiple sources (GPS and cellular), creating redundant copies of location data that can be used interchangeably.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If LoRa devices are restricted to specific frequencies, then regional frequency regulations are complied with, but frequency flexibility is reduced when GPS is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The web server preliminarily determines and stores the appropriate LoRa frequency based on location information before the container needs to transmit. When the container control device needs to communicate, the frequency is already predetermined and available through cellular data, eliminating the need for real-time frequency determination and ensuring immediate compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring GPS availability and switching between GPS-based and cellular-based frequency determination methods. The container control device receives feedback from the web server about the available location sources and adjusts its frequency selection process accordingly, ensuring regulatory compliance regardless of the primary location source availability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cellular connections and web servers are used for frequency determination, then GPS availability is not required, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The web server acts as an intermediary that consolidates the complexity of multiple location determination methods (GPS and cellular) into a single interface. The container control device simply requests location data from the web server without needing to implement its own cellular-based location determination logic, reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The web server provides universal location information service that works with multiple location sources (GPS and cellular). Instead of creating separate systems for GPS-based and cellular-based frequency determination, the web server universally handles both methods, reducing overall system complexity through consolidation and multi-functionality.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for frequency determination and propagation in a transport container system includes establishing a cellular connection with a network when a first container control device (406) is connected to one of AC power or internal battery power. The method further includes determining whether location information of the first container control device of a plurality of container control devices (406-410) is available and transmitting the location information to a web server (404). The method further includes receiving, from the web server, information related to an approved LoRa frequency along with a timestamp and thereby establishing a connection with a LoRa server (414) if the LoRa frequency and the timestamp are valid. The method further includes broadcasting the LoRa frequency and a timestamp of the first container control device to a set of container control devices of the plurality of container control devices, that are not connected to the LoRa server.