GPS Tracking Device Power Preservation via Conditional Radio Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional tracking devices face challenges with battery life due to high power consumption by components like wireless transmitters and GPS receivers, limiting their lifespan.
Innovation Solution
The tracking device is designed to conserve power by enabling the wireless transmitter and GPS receiver only when it is determined to be lost, using a set of predefined or user-defined conditions, and then transmitting its location to a central system for recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the wireless transmitter and GPS receiver are continuously enabled, then the tracking functionality is improved, but the battery life deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by enabling the GPS receiver and wireless transmitter only at specific intervals or under specific conditions rather than continuously. The system checks lost conditions periodically and activates components only when needed, significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining tracking reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of the GPS receiver and wireless transmitter based on real-time conditions. The controller continuously monitors lost conditions and transitions components between active and inactive states, optimizing the balance between tracking functionality and battery life.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the wireless transmitter and GPS receiver are enabled only when lost conditions are met, then the battery life is extended, but the tracking response time may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring lost conditions and being ready to activate the GPS receiver and wireless transmitter immediately when conditions are met. This preparation ensures rapid response time while maintaining power savings during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms to continuously monitor lost conditions and adjust the operational state of tracking components in real-time. This feedback loop ensures that the system responds quickly when the device is lost while maintaining battery efficiency during normal use.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, techniques include a method for preserving battery power in a tracking device that includes a first communication module, a second communication module, and a location determination unit where the first communication module, second communication module, and location determination unit are initially disabled. The method includes determining that lost conditions are satisfied. The method includes enabling the first communication module and determining that a wireless network compatible with the first communication module is not available before disabling the first communication module. The method includes enabling the second communication module and the location determination unit and determining a location of the tracking device based on location information received from the location determination unit. The method includes transmitting the determined location of the tracking device via the second communication module to a tracking system configured to inform a user associated with the tracking device of the determined location.