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 device can operate without external power sources, but the amount of energy generated varies greatly depending on solar irradiance, weather conditions, orientation, and surrounding environment, making it difficult to predict operational time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations of estimated power generation and consumption before determining operational time. The server calculates these values based on device configuration, location, and environmental factors, allowing for advance planning and more accurate prediction of when the device will need recharging or maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors actual power generation and consumption, comparing it against estimated values. This feedback loop allows the server to refine its predictions over time, improving the accuracy of operational time forecasts by learning from real-world performance data and adjusting calculations accordingly.
2Productivity
If the object tracking device collects information intermittently or continuously, then it can provide useful information about objects, but the energy consumption varies greatly depending on device configuration and monitoring frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the monitoring frequency and information collection intervals based on available energy levels and operational priorities. When energy is abundant, the device can collect and transmit data more frequently; when energy is limited, the system reduces monitoring intensity to conserve power, optimizing the balance between productivity and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The server calculates optimal configuration parameters including sampling intervals, transmission frequencies, and processing rates based on available energy and operational requirements. By changing these parameters dynamically, the system can maintain useful information collection while adapting energy consumption to match available power from solar cells or battery capacity.
3Reliability
If external power sources are used to provide power to object tracking devices, then the device can remain operational, but it is difficult to provide external power sources when objects are left alone at remote locations
Solution Approach 1:
The object tracking device is equipped with self-charging capability through integrated solar cells that automatically generate power from available sunlight. The device independently manages its own power needs without requiring external intervention, charging its internal battery during the day and operating during nighttime or cloudy periods, thereby maintaining reliability while eliminating the need for manual power provisioning at remote locations.
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 continuous monitoring of assets by providing updated configuration data and timely notifications to users.
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.