Satellite Asset Tracking with Adaptive Motion Sensing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current satellite-based asset tracking systems lack effective mechanisms for providing real-time visibility and accurate status reporting of movable assets, particularly in terms of motion detection and event-driven alerts, leading to inefficiencies in monitoring and tracking.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a satellite-aided location tracking system using a mobile terminal with a global locating system (GLS) module and adaptive motion sensor, which generates periodic or event-driven status reports, and allows user-configurable perimeters for alerts, along with integration of various sensors for comprehensive asset monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If satellite communication networks are used for tracking mobile assets, then wide-ranging coverage and monitoring capabilities are provided, but effective tracking and status reporting mechanisms are lacking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidtracking effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a centralized facility as an intermediary between mobile terminals and users. This facility receives status reports from mobile terminals via satellite communication and processes the information, providing effective tracking mechanisms that were previously lacking in satellite-based systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where mobile terminals automatically generate and transmit status reports containing position information and sensor data to the centralized facility. This feedback loop enables continuous monitoring and effective tracking across the wide satellite coverage area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of information

If mobile terminals generate periodic status reports, then real-time visibility of assets is improved, but unnecessary transmissions and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisibility of asset statusVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic reporting where mobile terminals adjust their transmission behavior based on asset motion state. The adaptive motion sensor detects whether the asset is moving or stationary, and the terminal generates status reports only when motion is detected or at optimized intervals, reducing unnecessary transmissions while maintaining real-time visibility during active periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses periodic status report generation combined with event-driven triggering. Instead of continuous transmission, the mobile terminal periodically assesses asset state and transmits reports based on detected changes or predetermined intervals, optimizing energy usage while providing timely updates on asset status.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Measurement precision

If adaptive motion sensors and event-driven alerts are implemented, then tracking accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into the mobile terminal including GLS positioning, adaptive motion sensing, event detection, and automated report generation. This multi-functional design improves tracking accuracy through precise motion detection while managing complexity by consolidating capabilities within a single integrated device rather than separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9607499B2Satellite aided location tracking with user interface
Publication Date: 2017.03.28 SKYBITZ INC
  • US9607499B2 patent drawing
  • US9607499B2 patent drawing
  • US9607499B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A satellite aided location tracking and data services with user interface. A graphical user interface is provided that enables users to monitor the status of movable assets. Detailed information in a position history enables the user to obtain status information (e.g., starts and stops) at each position report. This status information promotes visibility into the journey of each movable asset.