Satellite-Aided Asset Tracking System for Utilization Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Companies face challenges in optimizing asset utilization and management of movable assets due to limited visibility and inefficient tracking methods, leading to increased costs and reduced return on investment.

Innovation Solution

A satellite-aided location tracking system using mobile terminals with adaptive motion sensors and GPS modules, which provide accurate position and status reports through a satellite communication network, enabling optimized asset allocation and management via customizable business rules and decision support tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional tracking methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and visibility into asset status deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition information accuracyVSAvoidtracking system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines GPS receiver, motion sensor, and satellite communication transceiver into a single integrated mobile terminal device. This merging approach maintains measurement precision through multiple sensors while reducing overall system complexity by eliminating separate tracking devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile terminal is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a position tracking device and a communication device. It can determine position through GPS and motion sensors, store position history, and communicate with centralized facilities, replacing multiple specialized devices with one universal platform.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of information

If satellite communication network is used for tracking, then visibility and monitoring capabilities are improved, but loss of time for data transmission and processing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveasset status visibilityVSAvoiddata transmission time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile terminal continuously determines and stores position information in its memory before communication is needed. This preliminary action ensures that when data transmission is required, the information is already prepared and ready for immediate upload to the centralized facility, reducing transmission delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically determining position, storing it locally, and managing its own communication schedule. The mobile terminal independently maintains position history without requiring constant external communication, reducing the time burden on the communication network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If continuous monitoring of all assets is implemented, then asset utilization optimization is improved, but use of energy and operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveasset utilizationVSAvoidtracking system energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous real-time transmission, the system uses periodic action by storing position information continuously and transmitting it at scheduled intervals or when triggered by specific events. This approach maintains comprehensive monitoring capability while significantly reducing energy consumption by keeping the transceiver dormant between transmissions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements partial monitoring by continuously tracking position but only transmitting selected data to the centralized facility. This selective transmission approach maintains full monitoring capability for productivity optimization while reducing energy use by transmitting only essential information at reduced frequency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 enhances asset utilization by providing real-time tracking and management insights, reducing fuel, equipment, and labor costs, while improving asset allocation and balancing across geographical areas, leading to increased efficiency and profitability.

Implementation Method 1

A satellite-aided location tracking system using mobile terminals with adaptive motion sensors and GPS modules

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGPS satellite signal reception:

Implementation Method 2

mobile terminals with adaptive motion sensors and GPS modules

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMotion detection:

Implementation Method 3

These mobile terminals can be designed to generate position information that can be used to update status reports that are provided to customer representatives. Mobile terminals can report this position information to a centralized location via a wireless communication network such as a satellite communication network.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSatellite communication:

Data Source

PatentUS11120393B2System and method for increasing asset utilization using satellite aided location tracking

Publication Date: 2021.09.14 SKYBITZ INC

AI summary

A system and method for increasing asset utilization using satellite aided location tracking. Smart sensor technology incorporated into mobile tracking hardware affixed to an asset can be used to support decision processes related to management of multiple assets. Automated decision processes based on customized business rules can operate on asset positions at various defined landmark locations and customized geographical areas.