Mobile Transceiver Wireless Service Selection for Asset Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing GNSS tracking devices face challenges in efficiently tracking assets that cross wireless carrier and network coverage boundaries during global and long-range transit, leading to limited battery life due to frequent service changes and lack of overlapping RF bands.
Innovation Solution
A mobile transceiver that selects and switches between wireless services like 4G LTE, 3G, 2G, WLAN, and Bluetooth to maintain communication while minimizing power consumption, by determining the last used service and switching to alternate services based on availability and power efficiency, and receiving commands from an asset tracking service for optimal power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the device frequently switches between wireless services to maintain communication across different networks, then tracking reliability is improved, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary actions by determining the last used wireless service before attempting to connect, rather than scanning all available services from scratch. This preliminary determination of the most likely available service reduces the search space and power consumption while maintaining reliable tracking across network boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The device dynamically adapts its wireless service selection strategy based on its movement state. When stationary or moving slowly, it can afford more thorough service scanning. When moving quickly across boundaries, it prioritizes rapid reconnection to the last known service, balancing reliability with power consumption in real-time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device scans all available wireless services to ensure connection, then service availability is improved, but time and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary action by determining the last used wireless service in advance and storing this information. When needing to reconnect, it starts with this predetermined service rather than scanning all services, significantly reducing service selection time while maintaining high availability through fallback options.
Solution Approach 2:
The device segments the wireless service selection process into multiple stages: first attempt connection to the last used service, then progressively try alternate services if the first attempt fails. This segmented approach reduces average selection time while maintaining comprehensive service availability.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the device maintains continuous connection to wireless networks for tracking, then tracking continuity is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs periodic action by entering sleep mode between tracking updates and only activating wireless services when needed for data transmission. It determines the last used service beforehand, so upon waking it can quickly reconnect without continuous monitoring, maintaining tracking continuity while reducing power consumption during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
Before entering low-power mode, the device performs preliminary action by determining and storing the last used wireless service. This allows rapid reconnection upon activation without full service scanning, ensuring tracking continuity while minimizing power consumption during low-power states.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and mobile transceiver for asset tracking is provided. In one aspect, a method of operating a mobile transceiver comprising a processor, a memory, a satellite receiver, and at least one wireless transceiver is provided. The method comprises activating a wireless transceiver associated with a last used wireless service from a low power mode, searching for a wireless signal for the last used wireless service, and selecting an alternate wireless service when the last used wireless service is not available. Different approaches for selecting the alternate wireless service are provided.