RFID Tracking Device Battery Conservation via Dynamic Grouping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Active RFID tracking devices for shipment items face battery life concerns due to continuous operation and lack of real-time updates when using existing methods like listen-only mode or duty cycling without proper coordination, which limits continuous tracking and detection of anomalies.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where tracking devices dynamically group together to share the burden of transmitting location information, with only one device from the group communicating at a time, using short-range and long-range communication protocols to conserve battery power and enable continuous real-time updates without manual grouping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If active RFID devices continuously broadcast their location and communicate periodically to remote servers, then real-time tracking capability is improved, but battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by having tracking devices communicate with nearby devices at regular intervals rather than continuously broadcasting to remote servers. Devices exchange location information periodically when in proximity, reducing energy consumption while maintaining real-time tracking capability through coordinated periodic updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the tracking functions of multiple devices by having them share and exchange location information with nearby devices. Instead of each device independently communicating with remote servers, nearby devices combine their tracking capabilities and exchange information locally, reducing overall battery consumption while maintaining comprehensive real-time tracking.
2Use of energy by moving object
If tracking devices use listen-only mode or duty cycling without coordination, then battery consumption is reduced, but real-time tracking and anomaly detection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where tracking devices monitor the presence and status of nearby devices, and adjust their communication behavior accordingly. When devices detect they are in proximity to other tracked items, they activate coordinated communication; when isolated, they enter lower-power modes. This feedback-driven approach maintains real-time tracking capability while optimizing battery consumption based on actual tracking needs.
3Measurement precision
If each tracking device transmits its own location information separately to remote servers, then individual item tracking accuracy is improved, but overall system battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges location information from multiple nearby tracking devices into coordinated transmissions. When devices are in proximity, they combine their tracking data and exchange information locally rather than each device separately communicating with remote servers. This merging approach maintains individual item tracking accuracy through device-to-device precision while reducing overall system battery consumption by eliminating redundant long-range transmissions.
Data Source
AI summary
Technical solutions are described for conserving battery consumption in tracking devices when tracking a plurality of shipment items. An example method includes receiving, by a first tracking device that is associated with a first shipment item, a tracking information of a second shipment item, the tracking information being transmitted by a second tracking device. The method also includes transmitting, by the first tracking device, a tracking message that includes the tracking information of the second shipment item and a tracking information of the first shipment item.