Hub Sensor Pairing via Mobile ID Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
In environments with multiple tracking devices and sensors in close proximity, such as the transportation industry, pairing external sensors with the correct tracking device is challenging due to the difficulty in determining the appropriate sensor to pair, often requiring technical expertise that mechanics or drivers may not possess.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a hub device with short and long-range RF communication radios, a mobile device with an ID scanner, and a server to capture and transmit unique identifiers of both the hub and sensors, allowing the hub to establish connections with the appropriate sensors automatically, eliminating the need for manual selection from multiple detected peripherals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual pairing of sensors to tracking devices is performed in environments with multiple devices in close proximity, then pairing can be completed, but the process becomes complex and requires technical expertise that mechanics or drivers do not possess
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary that mediates the pairing process between sensors and tracking devices. The mobile device captures identifiers of both the tracking device and sensors, transmits this information to a server, and receives pairing instructions. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for mechanics or drivers to perform complex manual pairing procedures, making the process accessible to non-technical personnel while maintaining accurate sensor-tracking device associations in environments with multiple devices in close proximity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors and tracking devices are present in close proximity, then comprehensive monitoring coverage is achieved, but it becomes difficult to determine the appropriate sensor to pair with a particular tracking device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the mobile device captures the unique identifiers of the tracking device and sensors, transmits this information to a server, and receives pairing instructions based on the server's processing. The server determines the correct associations by analyzing the captured identifiers and provides feedback in the form of specific pairing instructions. This feedback loop ensures accurate sensor-tracking device associations even when multiple devices are in close proximity, as the system receives confirmation and adjustment instructions from the server.
3Ease of operation
If automatic connection establishment is implemented, then pairing process is simplified, but the system requires additional components such as mobile device with ID scanner and server for coordinate transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a mobile device that serves multiple functions: it acts as an identifier capturer by scanning or reading the unique identifiers of tracking devices and sensors, functions as a communication device by transmitting this information to the server, and serves as a receiver for pairing instructions. This multi-functional approach consolidates several roles into a single device that personnel already possess and are familiar with using, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining the ability to perform automatic pairing operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A hub device that monitors characteristics of a transportation platform, such as a tractor trailer used for transporting goods, may establish connections with a plurality of external sensors. In order to simplify the pairing process between the hub devices and the external sensors, the hub device may be receiving IDs of the sensors to pair to from a remote server. A technician may physically scan tags, for example a barcode or an NFC tag, of the sensors and hub device, which are then transmitted to the remote server in order to identify which hub and sensors should be paired.