Motion Sensor Asset Tracking Power Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Asset tracking devices face challenges in efficiently managing power consumption and extending the lifespan of energy storage units, particularly when tracking non-vehicular assets without external power sources, and in synchronizing the tracking of assets that travel together.
Innovation Solution
Implementing motion sensors to determine travel states and optimize location reporting, using temperature-dependent charging for energy storage units, and linking asset tracking devices that travel together to conserve energy and enhance tracking efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If asset tracking devices continuously monitor and transmit location data, then tracking accuracy and responsiveness are improved, but power consumption increases and energy storage unit lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from continuous monitoring to periodic monitoring based on motion detection events. The motion sensor triggers location updates only when state changes occur (asset starts or stops moving), creating event-driven periodic action that maintains tracking accuracy while dramatically reducing power consumption compared to continuous transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The asset tracking device autonomously determines when to update its location by monitoring its own motion state. The onboard motion sensor and controller enable the device to self-regulate its reporting behavior without external commands, making intelligent decisions about when transmission is necessary based on detected motion patterns.
2Speed
If motion sensors continuously monitor asset movement to detect travel state changes, then tracking responsiveness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motion sensor operates in a periodic sampling manner rather than continuous monitoring, checking for motion state changes at intervals. This periodic detection approach maintains responsiveness to asset movement while consuming significantly less power than continuous monitoring would require.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from motion sensor readings to dynamically control when location updates occur. The controller monitors motion sensor output and only triggers location reporting when motion state changes are detected, creating a feedback loop that optimizes the balance between tracking responsiveness and power consumption.
3Ease of operation
If multiple asset tracking devices operate independently without coordination, then device autonomy is maintained, but energy efficiency decreases and tracking synchronization is poor
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple asset tracking devices that travel together are merged into a coordinated group by the server. The system combines data from multiple devices, identifies assets traveling together based on location patterns, and manages them as a unified group, improving overall energy efficiency while preserving individual device autonomy through server-mediated coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The server provides feedback to multiple asset tracking devices about their group status and coordinated tracking behavior. Devices receive information about their association with other assets and adjust their reporting accordingly, enabling energy-efficient synchronized tracking while maintaining individual device operation and autonomy.
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
The solution conserves power, extends the lifespan of energy storage units, and improves the synchronized tracking of assets, especially for non-vehicular assets and groups traveling together, by using motion sensors for energy-efficient reporting and temperature-dependent charging, and linking tracking devices for enhanced data management.
Implementation Method 1
monitoring a motion sensor of an asset tracking device to determine whether an asset has entered into a travelling state
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for asset travel monitoring are provided. An example method for asset travel monitoring involves monitoring a motion sensor of an asset tracking device located at an asset to determine whether the asset has entered into a travelling state, upon determination that the asset has entered into the travelling state, monitoring the motion sensor to determine whether the asset has left the travelling state, and, upon determination that the asset has left the travelling state, obtaining a present location of the asset tracking device and transmitting the present location to a remote server.