Location Tracking Device Power Management for Rescue Signaling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current life-saving devices, such as life jackets, rely passively on search and rescue efforts, which can be inefficient due to limited mobile phone range and power, potentially missing the optimal rescue time.
Innovation Solution
A location tracking device with a power module, a GPS positioning module, and a low-power LORA positioning module, along with a control module that determines when to send rescue signals based on distress conditions and power levels, ensuring continuous signaling for efficient rescue operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mobile phone is used for calling for help, then rescue can be initiated, but power is limited and range is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the positioning and signaling function into two separate modules: a GPS positioning module for accurate location determination and a LORA signaling module for long-range communication. This segmentation allows each module to specialize in its function, with the LORA module handling power-efficient long-range signaling and the GPS module providing precise location data, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliable rescue initiation and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional life-saving device that combines GPS positioning, LORA signaling, and emergency alert capabilities in a single integrated system. The control module coordinates both positioning and signaling functions, allowing the device to provide comprehensive rescue support (location tracking, long-range communication, and power management) that a single mobile phone cannot achieve, thus improving reliability while managing power consumption through intelligent coordination.
2Device complexity
If life-saving device waits passively for search and rescue, then device complexity is reduced, but rescue efficiency is low and optimal rescue time may be missed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the device continuously monitor its environment and automatically trigger emergency alerts when distress conditions are detected. The control module proactively assesses the situation and initiates signaling before external help arrives, transforming the passive waiting approach into an active rescue initiation system. This preliminary action improves rescue efficiency by reducing response time while the automated nature of the system keeps complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the life-saving device to autonomously detect distress conditions, determine its location, and send emergency alerts without requiring user intervention. The control module automatically manages the entire rescue initiation process, from environment monitoring to signal transmission, allowing the device to save itself and improve rescue efficiency. This automation maintains relatively low complexity by integrating all functions into a single coordinated system.
3Measurement precision
If GPS positioning is used continuously, then location accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by having the GPS positioning module operate intermittently rather than continuously. The control module activates GPS positioning only when needed for emergency alerts or when location data is required, and keeps it in sleep mode otherwise. This periodic operation maintains location accuracy when needed while significantly reducing overall power consumption, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and energy usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the operational state of the GPS positioning module based on current needs. The control module changes the GPS module's working parameters (active vs. sleep mode) according to whether emergency signaling is required or location data is currently needed. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain high location accuracy when necessary while minimizing power consumption during normal operation, effectively resolving the contradiction between precision and energy usage.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for sending location information continuously of a user in need of rescue and carrying a location tracking device of the disclosure includes determining whether a rescue-needed signal is received, and if so controlling a first positioning module of the location tracking device to send a first positioning signal. Determining whether a power level of the location tracking device is more or less than a predetermined power level and turning off the first positioning module if less. If so, the location tracking device sends a second positioning signal when the power level is less than the predetermined power level, the power consumption of the second positioning module being less than that of the first positioning module. Thereby, transmission of a rescue signal is enabled for an extended period and over a longer distance.