Systems and methods of remote object tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Object tracking devices that intermittently or continuously collect information about assets face challenges in maintaining operational visibility due to unpredictable power generation from solar cells and varying energy consumption, making it difficult to accurately forecast their operational time, especially when external power sources are not readily available.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an object tracking device with a location determination module and a power generation module, connected to a remote management server that receives location and configuration information to estimate power generation and consumption, determining the device's operational time and generating notifications for users, such as requests for reorientation or external power, based on this data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If solar cells are used to generate power for object tracking devices, then the devices can operate independently without external power sources, but the power generation becomes unpredictable due to varying solar irradiance, weather conditions, and orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary estimation of power generation and consumption before the actual operation period. The server calculates expected power generation based on historical solar irradiance data, device orientation, and weather patterns, and estimates power consumption based on configuration settings. This advance calculation allows the system to plan operations and alert users before power depletion occurs, resolving the unpredictability issue while maintaining independence from external power sources.
2Measurement precision
If the object tracking device continuously or frequently collects and transmits information, then the monitoring quality improves, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements partial action by estimating power consumption for different transmission frequencies and operational modes before execution. The server calculates expected power consumption for various scenarios (continuous monitoring, periodic updates, event-triggered transmissions) and compares these estimates with available power generation. This allows selective implementation of monitoring levels that partially satisfy the quality requirement while staying within power constraints, rather than always operating at maximum monitoring intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operational parameters based on real-time conditions. The server continuously monitors actual power generation and consumption, compares them with estimates, and dynamically modifies transmission frequencies, sampling rates, and other operational parameters to optimize the balance between monitoring quality and power consumption. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain acceptable monitoring quality while extending operational duration.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the device operates for an extended period without external power, then the coverage area and operational flexibility increase, but the accuracy of operation time forecasting decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback loops for power generation and consumption monitoring. The device measures actual power generation from solar cells and actual power consumption during operation, then transmits these measurements to the server. The server compares actual values with estimated values, calculates deviations, and uses this feedback to refine future estimates through machine learning algorithms. This feedback mechanism progressively improves forecasting accuracy over time, enabling reliable prediction of operational duration even for extended periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary power consumption estimation based on detailed configuration information before the device begins operation. The server analyzes the device's operational mode, transmission frequency, sensor activation patterns, and environmental conditions to calculate expected power consumption. This preliminary estimation, combined with solar irradiance forecasts, allows the system to predict operational duration with sufficient accuracy for planning purposes, enabling extended operations while maintaining useful forecasting capability.
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 system accurately determines the estimated operation time of object tracking devices, enabling improved power management and ensuring continued monitoring of assets by providing updated configurations and notifications to users, thus enhancing the reliability of object tracking systems.
Implementation Method 1
An object tracking device can include a solar cell that can generate solar-based energy for the object tracking device
Data Source
AI summary
A management server in communication with one or more object tracking devices is disclosed. The management server may receive location information, configuration information, and orientation information associated with the one or more object tracking devices. Based at least in part on the location information, the management server may receive weather information associated with the locations of the one or more object tracking devices. Based at least in part on the location information, the weather information, the configuration information, and the orientation information, the management server can determine power generated and power consumed by the one or more object tracking devices, which then can be used to determine estimated operation time for the one or more object tracking devices.