Low Power Location Tracking Device Motion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic tracking devices face limited battery life due to high power consumption from their wireless communication subsystems, which is exacerbated by the need to remain active for extended periods to track movable objects effectively.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a low-power always-on motion sensor to control the wireless communication subsystem, activating it only when no motion is detected for a threshold time period, and setting it to a standby mode when motion is detected, allowing the subsystem to register with a network and respond to queries while minimizing power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the wireless communication subsystem remains active to track movable objects, then object tracking capability is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication subsystem dynamically transitions between active and standby modes based on motion detection status. When motion is detected, the subsystem enters standby mode to conserve energy; when no motion is detected for a threshold period, it activates to report location, thus adapting its operational state to current tracking needs
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic motion detection sampling using the always-on motion sensor, with the wireless communication subsystem activating only after a threshold time period of no detected motion. This periodic check approach allows the system to maintain tracking capability while minimizing unnecessary power consumption from continuous wireless communication
2Use of energy by moving object
If the wireless communication subsystem is deactivated to save power, then power consumption decreases, but tracking responsiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The motion sensor operates in an always-on state before the wireless communication subsystem is activated, performing preliminary motion detection to determine the appropriate time to wake up the communication subsystem. This preliminary action ensures that the system can respond quickly when the object becomes stationary, minimizing tracking delays
Solution Approach 2:
The motion sensor acts as an intermediary between the always-on low-power state and the high-power wireless communication subsystem. It monitors motion continuously at low power and triggers the communication subsystem only when appropriate conditions are met, thus mediating between power savings and tracking responsiveness
3Duration of action of moving object
If the wireless communication subsystem stays in standby mode to reduce power consumption, then battery life extends, but location update frequency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the motion sensor to control the activation of the wireless communication subsystem. The motion sensor continuously provides motion status feedback, and when no motion is detected for the threshold period, this feedback triggers the communication subsystem to activate and report location, thus dynamically adjusting update frequency based on actual movement patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of the wireless communication subsystem from continuous operation to event-triggered operation based on motion detection. By changing the activation criterion from time-based periodic updates to motion-based event triggers, the system extends battery life while maintaining location update frequency during actual movement events
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are techniques for reducing power consumption of an electronic tracking device. The electronic tracking device includes a wireless communication subsystem and an always-on low-power sensor for sensing the motions of the electronic tracking device. A controller of the electronic tracking device controls the operations of the wireless communication subsystem based on the detection signals from the always-on low-power sensor such that the wireless communication subsystem is only activated when motions of the electronic tracking device have stopped for a threshold period of time, or when a query from a server is received when the wireless communication subsystem is in a standby mode.