Sensor Controller Transit Motion State Transition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Challenges exist in determining when to awaken sensor devices from a sleep state to an operational state for accurate tracking of assets being transported, as missed measurements can occur if the sensor devices are not activated during relevant events.

Innovation Solution

A sensor device mounted on a moveable platform uses a controller to determine transit motion based on acceleration data, transitioning from a sleep state to an operational state upon detecting transit events such as door openings or motion, and periodically activating components to conserve power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If sensor devices remain in sleep state to conserve power, then battery life is extended, but measurements may be missed during relevant transit events

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery lifeVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by detecting transit events (door openings, motion) before the sensor device needs to take measurements. The controller monitors for these events and triggers the sensor activation in advance, ensuring measurements are captured during relevant events while maintaining sleep state otherwise to conserve battery power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If sensor devices are activated continuously to ensure accurate tracking, then measurement accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetracking accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic action by activating the sensor device only during specific periods when transit events occur, rather than maintaining continuous operation. The controller periodically checks for transit events (door openings, motion detected by accelerometer) and activates sensors only during these periods, achieving accurate tracking while significantly reducing overall power consumption compared to continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If the sensor device transitions to operational state upon detecting transit motion, then data integrity is maintained, but unnecessary activations may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata integrityVSAvoidpower waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors multiple sensor inputs (accelerometer data, door switch status) and adjusts sensor activation based on this feedback. The accelerometer provides feedback about actual motion versus expected motion patterns, allowing the controller to distinguish between genuine transit events requiring measurement and false positives, thereby maintaining data integrity while avoiding unnecessary activations and power waste.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Ensures accurate and efficient tracking of assets by activating sensor devices only during necessary transit events, thereby extending battery life and maintaining data integrity.

Implementation Method 1

an accelerometer to produce acceleration data indicative of acceleration of the sensor device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAccelerometer: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentEP4167200B1Triggering transition of a device between states
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP4167200B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4167200B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4167200B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

In some examples, a controller receives, from a sensor that is part of a device mounted on a moveable platform, measurement data. The controller detects, based on the measurement data, a change in transit motion status of the moveable platform. The controller triggers, in response to detecting the change in transit motion status of the moveable platform, a transition of the device from a first power state to a second, different power state.