GRID Tag Mesh Network for Remote Asset Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current asset management systems lack the capability to automatically and accurately track and verify the presence of emergency response equipment in remote and inaccessible locations, leading to potential errors and risks in responding to environmental disasters such as oil well spills or other emergencies.
Innovation Solution
A Geo-Referencing Identification (GRID) system comprising GRID tags and GRIDSAT tags that utilize a mesh radio network and satellite communication, allowing for autonomous tracking and reporting of equipment location and status without the need for local infrastructure, and can operate in extreme environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional RFID tags are used for asset tracking, then local infrastructure is required for reading tags, but this makes the system inoperable in remote and inaccessible locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reading function from fixed infrastructure and embeds it into portable handheld devices. The RFID reader is no longer confined to stationary portals but can be carried to remote locations, enabling asset tracking wherever the responder needs to go.
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld device serves multiple functions: it acts as an RFID reader, a communication node in the mesh network, and a portable computing device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for specialized infrastructure at each location.
2Measurement precision
If personnel are sent to verify equipment presence at remote sites, then verification can be performed, but this increases response time and resource requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-positions RFID tags on all emergency equipment and pre-establishes the mesh network infrastructure. When an emergency occurs, verification is immediate through automated scanning, eliminating the need to physically search for and verify each piece of equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous automated feedback on equipment presence and status. The handheld device automatically scans for RFID tags and reports back to the central server, providing real-time verification without requiring manual inspection of each item.
3Reliability
If manual tracking of assets is used, then system complexity is reduced, but accuracy and reliability of asset location data deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tags are passive and self-powered, requiring no battery or external power source. They automatically respond to RFID queries from the handheld device, eliminating the need for maintenance of power sources while providing continuous tracking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual tracking methods with automated RFID detection and wireless mesh network communication. The handheld device automatically detects tag IDs and transmits location data through the mesh network, eliminating manual recording and reducing human error.
4Adaptability or versatility
If satellite communication is implemented for global coverage, then remote location connectivity is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic communication instead of continuous transmission. The handheld device queries RFID tags at specific intervals, and the mesh network transmits data periodically to satellites, allowing tags to remain in low-power states between communications.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh network acts as an intermediary layer between the passive RFID tags and the satellite communication system. Tags communicate with nearby handheld devices or mesh nodes using low-power RFID, which then relay data through the mesh network to satellites, reducing the power requirements for direct satellite communication.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables real-time inventory and location tracking of emergency response equipment, enhancing situational awareness and ensuring that the correct equipment is deployed to the right location, even in remote and harsh environments, thereby improving response efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The satellite modem, global positioning system (GPS) receiver, and mesh radio
Implementation Method 2
The GRIDSAT tag consists of a satellite modem, global positioning system (GPS) receiver, and mesh radio
Implementation Method 3
The GRID tag resembles traditional RFID tags except that the tags are able to communicate with each other
Data Source
AI summary
A system for tagging and tracking assets anywhere in the world under any environmental condition. Geo-Referencing Identification (GRID) tag, GRID satellite (GRIDSAT) tag and associated cloud infrastructure and user interface meet the objectives of a robust global tagging and tracking system. The GRID tag can be used to identify pieces of equipment or storage containers for low-value or aggregate equipment. GRID tags communicate with each other using a mesh radio in each tag. The GRIDSAT tag consists of a satellite modem, global positioning system (GPS) receiver, and mesh radio and can be used by itself for high-value items, large shipping containers, or vehicles and vessels to track and locate them, or used in concert with GRID tags that communicate with each other and with the GRIDSAT tag by means of mesh radio.