Sensor Interface Standardization for Satellite Asset Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional asset tracking systems face challenges in integrating sensors from different manufacturers with mobile terminals due to proprietary communication interfaces, leading to high costs and complexity in reporting sensor data via satellite communication.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a standardized electrical interface, such as a bi-directional half-duplex RS-485 interface, allows for flexible pairing of sensors with mobile terminals over a shared communication bus, enabling two-way communication while minimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If proprietary communication interfaces are used for sensors from different manufacturers, then sensor compatibility is achieved, but installation cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by implementing a standardized communication interface (such as RS-485) that can work with sensors from multiple manufacturers. Instead of requiring proprietary interfaces for each sensor type, the system uses a universal interface that provides multi-functionality across different sensor devices, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining broad compatibility.
2Reliability
If continuous power is supplied to sensors and mobile terminals, then real-time monitoring is maintained, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by enabling sensors and mobile terminals to cycle between sleep mode and active monitoring mode. The system periodically wakes up to perform monitoring tasks, transmits data, and then returns to sleep mode. This periodic operation maintains monitoring reliability when needed while significantly extending battery life by minimizing continuous power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs self-service mechanisms where sensors can autonomously detect when data transmission is needed and signal the mobile terminal to wake up, or the mobile terminal can autonomously determine optimal wake-up times for monitoring. This self-service approach eliminates the need for continuous power supply while ensuring reliable monitoring at appropriate intervals.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for implementing a low-power local-area network for use with a mobile terminal satellite modem. This low-power local-area network enables sensors on an asset to transmit sensor data to a mobile terminal affixed on the asset. The mobile terminal reports the sensor data along with asset position information to a centralized facility via a communications satellite.