LPWAN Region Awareness Tracking Device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current asset tracking products are burdened with high amortized non-recurring engineering (NRE) costs due to low volume sales and struggle to effectively track shipments through complex logistics involving multiple handoffs and optimized delivery routes, requiring enhanced tracking capabilities beyond traditional methods.
Innovation Solution
A logistics tracking system that includes a device with sensors and communications modules, utilizing a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS/GPS), WiFi, and Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) transceivers to detect environmental conditions and physical events, and report tracking information to a control server, with a look-up table (LoT) to determine optimal transmission frequency bands and output power based on geographic region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional asset tracking products are used, then simplicity of tracking is maintained, but tracking capability for complex logistics is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking device integrates multiple communication technologies (LPWAN, WiFi, GNSS/GPS) and sensor types (environmental sensors, physical event sensors) into a single universal platform that can adapt to various tracking scenarios including simple shipments and complex multi-carrier logistics routes
Solution Approach 2:
The device dynamically selects communication protocols and transmission strategies based on the operational context, such as switching between LPWAN and WiFi, adjusting transmission frequency based on power availability, and adapting tracking detail level based on logistics complexity
2Ease of manufacture
If low volume sales are maintained, then product simplicity is preserved, but NRE costs remain high
Solution Approach 1:
The device allows configuration of transmission parameters (frequency, power level, protocol selection) based on regional regulations and operational requirements, enabling a single hardware platform to serve multiple markets without requiring custom engineering for each region
Solution Approach 2:
The device includes pre-configured regional parameters and regulatory compliance settings stored in memory, allowing it to automatically adapt to different geographic regions without requiring post-manufacturing customization or additional engineering development
3Adaptability or versatility
If LPWAN transceiver uses fixed transmission parameters, then device simplicity is maintained, but regional compliance is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The device stores region-specific transmission parameters (frequency bands, power limits, protocol requirements) in a lookup table in memory, allowing it to automatically select the appropriate configuration based on the detected geographic region without requiring complex real-time analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The device autonomously determines its geographic region using GNSS/GPS or WiFi location data, automatically retrieves the appropriate transmission parameters from stored regional configurations, and configures itself without external intervention or complex decision-making algorithms
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, devices, and systems for tracking an asset are provided. In particular, a device is provided that includes an array of sensors and communications modules configured to detect tracking information, including environmental conditions and physical events, and report the tracking information along with a geographical location of the device to a control server across a wireless network. Upon receiving the tracking information, the control server interprets the information and generates tracking reports for the device configured to be displayed to a graphical user interface of a third-party communication device.