Aggregated Node Group Power Control for Collision-Free Asset Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Asset tracking systems face limitations in managing large numbers of device nodes due to increased channel collision, leading to unreliable tracking and reduced battery lifespan of device nodes, especially when hundreds or thousands of nodes are concentrated in a small volume.
Innovation Solution
The asset management system dynamically manages power states of aggregated node groups by sensing energy reflections to detect state changes, such as physical movement, and instructs device nodes to transition between low and high power states only when necessary, using a mesh network and reflected energy devices to synchronize communication and reduce channel collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If device nodes are concentrated in a small volume to enable asset tracking, then tracking capability is improved, but channel collision increases and reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power state management where device nodes transition between low power state and high power state based on detected events. This dynamic adjustment of operational states reduces simultaneous communications, thereby reducing channel collisions while maintaining tracking capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic reflection energy transmissions to detect state changes in aggregated node groups. By transmitting energy at specific intervals and detecting reflections, the system can trigger power state transitions in a controlled, periodic manner rather than continuous operation, reducing channel collisions.
2Reliability
If device nodes operate continuously to maintain tracking, then tracking reliability is improved, but battery lifespan deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Device nodes dynamically adjust their power states based on detected events. During low-activity periods, nodes remain in low power state to conserve battery. When events are detected (via reflection energy), nodes transition to high power state to perform tracking operations, optimizing the balance between reliability and battery lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses reflection energy devices to detect state changes of aggregated node groups, enabling nodes to autonomously determine when to transition power states without continuous external control. This self-service mechanism extends battery lifespan by eliminating unnecessary power consumption while maintaining tracking reliability when needed.
3Use of energy by moving object
If device nodes are placed in low power state to extend battery lifespan, then energy consumption is reduced, but tracking responsiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-positions device nodes in low power state to conserve energy, but maintains the capability for rapid state transition. When reflection energy detects a state change condition, nodes quickly transition to high power state, providing responsive tracking only when necessary rather than continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic power state management where device nodes transition between low power state and high power state based on detected events. This dynamic adjustment enables energy efficiency during normal operation while maintaining rapid responsiveness when tracking is actually needed, resolving the contradiction between energy consumption and tracking responsiveness.
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
This approach significantly extends the battery lifespan of device nodes from days or months to several years, enhances tracking reliability by minimizing channel collisions, and maintains system functionality without power supply failures, while reducing costs by eliminating the need for internal sensors in device nodes.
Implementation Method 1
A reflected energy device may sense energy reflected by an aggregated node group, and the reflected energy device may transmit energy to the aggregated node group
Data Source
AI summary
Managing aggregated node group power states. A reflected energy device may transmit energy to one of multiple aggregated node groups. Each aggregated node group includes multiple device nodes. The aggregated node group may be moved from one location to another. The transmitted energy is reflected to detect occurrence of a state change condition. A communication device such as the reflected energy device or an anchor node then instructs device node(s) of the aggregated node group to enter a high power state and to enter a low power state.