GPS-Bound Mobile Geofences for Precise Asset Cycle Times
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current geofence systems are inaccurate, inflexible, and require manual adjustment due to static geofences that do not adapt to the changing locations of mobile assets, leading to inefficiencies in tracking cycle times and productivity optimization in worksites like quarries and paving operations.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses GPS-receiving devices to create customizable, mobile geofences bound to assets, allowing geofences to move with the assets, filter accurate data, and track precise location, time, and movement for optimized productivity calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If static geofences are used to track asset locations, then the system structure is simple, but the measurement precision of cycle times deteriorates because the geofences cannot adapt to changing asset locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static geofences into dynamic mobile geofences that automatically follow and adapt to the location of mobile assets. The geofence is bound to the asset's GPS coordinates and updates its position in real-time, enabling precise measurement of cycle times regardless of asset movement. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by improving measurement precision through adaptability while managing complexity through automated positioning algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously receives feedback from GPS receivers on asset locations and automatically updates the geofence position accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the geofence remains accurately positioned relative to the moving asset, enabling precise cycle time measurements without manual intervention and resolving the precision-complexity contradiction through automated adaptive positioning.
2Productivity
If manual geofence adjustment is required to track moving assets, then the system complexity is low, but the loss of time increases due to frequent manual updates
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile geofence system performs self-adjustment by automatically binding to the asset's GPS location and updating its position without human intervention. The system serves itself by continuously tracking the asset's movement and maintaining accurate geofence positioning, thereby eliminating time-consuming manual adjustments and improving productivity through automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The geofence is pre-configured to automatically follow the asset's location through binding mechanisms. This preliminary setup of automated tracking eliminates the need for subsequent manual adjustments, as the system is already positioned and configured to accurately track the asset's movement from the outset, saving time and improving productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If static geofences are used, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability deteriorates because the geofences cannot move with assets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic mobile geofences that automatically adapt to changing asset locations through real-time GPS tracking. The geofence binds to the asset's position and moves with it, providing high adaptability to varying worksite conditions. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to handle diverse scenarios without requiring complex manual reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile geofence system serves multiple functions: it tracks asset location, measures cycle times, and adapts to any worksite configuration automatically. This multi-functionality achieves high adaptability while managing complexity through a single integrated system that handles various tasks simultaneously, rather than requiring separate systems for each function.
4Measurement precision
If inaccurate geolocation data is collected, then the data collection process is simple, but the measurement precision of productivity metrics deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from multiple GPS receivers and continuously monitors location data quality. It automatically filters out inaccurate readings and adjusts measurements based on real-time feedback about data reliability. This feedback-driven filtering ensures high measurement precision for productivity metrics while managing complexity through automated quality control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system collects more location data than strictly necessary and applies filtering algorithms to extract only the accurate measurements needed for productivity calculations. This excessive data collection followed by selective filtering ensures measurement precision while managing complexity by processing only the essential filtered data for final metrics, rather than attempting to process every raw data point.
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
Accurately measures asset cycle times and wait times, reducing inefficiencies by dynamically adjusting geofences to asset locations, thereby enhancing productivity and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
GPS, which stands for Global Positioning System, is a navigational system using satellite signals to determine the location of a receiver on or above the earth's surface. At least 24 GPS satellites are in orbit above the earth, each transmitting its position and the time to all receivers within line of sight.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices and methods for managing mobile assets at a worksite. A system computer creates a geofence relating to the geolocation of a first communication device disposed in a first mobile asset, the data points of the geofence periodically updated according to the geolocation of the first communication device such that changes in the geolocation of the first communication device are proportionally reflected in the updated geolocation of the datapoints of the geofence. The cycle time of a second communication device disposed in a second mobile asset can be determined by determining the amount of time lapsed after the second communication device triggers the geofence. The wait time of assets at a worksite can also be determined and managed. Various triggering events are described. Various shapes of the geofence are described to avoid unintended triggers of the geofence by assets, including polygonal shapes.