GPS Mesh Network for Accurate Container Location Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current smart container monitoring systems face challenges in obtaining accurate GPS location data due to signal degradation from metallic features, Faraday cages, and intentional or unintentional electromagnetic interference, leading to unreliable geo-location in areas with limited satellite coverage.
Innovation Solution
A GPS mesh network system that coordinates data analysis between multiple GPS-enabled devices to improve location determination, using a Remote Monitoring Station and multilateration techniques, along with Uplink Time Difference of Arrival analysis, to enhance the accuracy and reliability of tracking a single container's location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional GPS receivers are used in smart containers, then the system structure remains simple, but the location data reliability deteriorates due to signal degradation from metallic features, Faraday cages, and electromagnetic interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple GPS receivers from different containers into a collaborative network, merging their individual location determinations to achieve more reliable positioning. Instead of relying on a single GPS receiver that may be blocked by metallic features or Faraday cages, the system aggregates data from multiple receivers across multiple containers to determine the location of any individual container, thereby improving reliability without requiring each container to have a perfectly functioning standalone GPS system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that coordinates and processes location data from multiple GPS receivers. The server receives location information from various containers, performs multilateration calculations, and determines the precise location of target containers. This intermediary mediates between the GPS receivers and the final location determination, enabling reliable positioning even when individual receivers experience signal degradation.
2Measurement precision
If multiple GPS receivers are coordinated to improve location accuracy, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity and data coordination requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the location determination task into multiple independent GPS receivers distributed across different containers, each performing local location determination. Rather than using a single complex receiver, the system divides the function across multiple simple receivers that each independently determine their own location and share it with others. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high measurement precision through coordination while keeping each individual device relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where GPS receivers continuously exchange location data with each other and with a coordinating server. Each receiver provides its determined location as feedback to the network, and this feedback is used by other receivers and the server to refine location determinations through multilateration. This continuous feedback loop enables the system to maintain high measurement precision by constantly updating and cross-validating position information.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a system for increasing the reliability of location data received from a container monitoring unit. According to a first embodiment, the system includes a GPS mesh network device to communicate with existing GPS devices and a remote monitoring station which receives data from unit devices applying back-end analysis for determining the most accurate and robust geo-location for each unit. The present invention provides a method to coordinate analysis of data to improve determination of the exact location and status of assets. This increased visibility will enable the customer to pinpoint the real time location of a single box more. This level of real time asset management translates into greater operational efficiency and performance, cost reductions, and improved safety and security.