LPWAN Device GPS-Based Configuration for Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional object tracking systems require constant network connections, leading to high costs and rapid battery drain, and face challenges with global roaming due to varying frequency band regulations across countries.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device equipped with a GPS module that periodically receives coordinates to reconfigure LPWAN communication settings, using low-energy frequency bands and minimizing transmissions to conserve power and comply with regional regulations, thereby enabling cost-effective and accurate location tracking across different countries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If constant network connection is used for tracking, then location tracking accuracy is improved, but battery consumption increases and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation tracking accuracyVSAvoidbattery consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic location reporting instead of continuous connection. The electronic device determines its location using GPS and reports to the server at predetermined time intervals or when location changes exceed a threshold. This periodic action maintains tracking accuracy while significantly reducing battery consumption and communication costs compared to constant connection methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If sophisticated hardware is used for constant connection, then connection reliability is improved, but device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoiddevice cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By using periodic reporting instead of constant connection, the patent reduces hardware requirements. The device can use simpler, lower-cost components for radio communication and processing while maintaining reliable tracking through strategic periodic updates. This eliminates the need for sophisticated continuous-connection hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The server performs location calculation and tracking management, reducing the processing burden on the device. The electronic device simply reports location data and receives configuration instructions, allowing the use of less sophisticated device hardware while maintaining system reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If GPS is used continuously for location determination, then location accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The GPS module operates periodically rather than continuously, activating at predetermined intervals or when movement thresholds are exceeded. This periodic operation maintains location accuracy by capturing position data at meaningful intervals while dramatically reducing power consumption compared to continuous GPS operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses location data only when necessary - either at scheduled intervals or when actual movement occurs - rather than continuously monitoring. This partial action approach maintains tracking accuracy for moving objects while avoiding unnecessary power consumption during stationary periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Measurement precision

If frequent communications are used for location reporting, then tracking accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device communicates with the server at predetermined time intervals or when location changes exceed a threshold. This periodic communication strategy maintains accurate tracking by reporting position data at meaningful intervals while significantly reducing power consumption compared to frequent or continuous communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs communication actions only when necessary - either according to schedule or when actual location changes occur - rather than maintaining constant communication. This partial action approach maintains tracking accuracy while minimizing power consumption from radio transmissions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS11265681B1Electronic device capable of determining low power wide area network communication configuration and method thereof

Publication Date: 2022.03.01 ELITE SEMICONDUCTOR MEMORY TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

An electronic device is capable of determining a radio communications configuration. The electronic device includes a GPS module arranged for receiving an updated GPS coordinate. A controller is electronically coupled to the GPS module, and arranged for controlling the GPS module to receive the updated GPS coordinate and for determining the radio communications configuration based on the updated GPS coordinate received from the GPS module. A transmitter is electronically coupled to the controller and arranged for transmitting a message from the controller according to the determined radio communications configuration.