Smart Tag Sleep-Wake Cycle for Beacon-Based Asset Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing asset tracking systems face high power consumption due to constant position updating and reporting, which is inefficient and costly, especially in systems relying on wireless radio frequency communication.
Innovation Solution
A smart tag system that operates in a wireless network of RF-enabled beacon lighting devices, using visible light communication (VLC) to conserve power by transitioning between sleep and wake states and employing a sleep-wake cycle to minimize network traffic, while still providing accurate location tracking through a combination of VLC and RF signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the asset tracking device constantly updates and reports location through wireless radio frequency communication, then the location tracking accuracy is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The asset tracking device alternates between sleep mode and active mode, performing location updates only at periodic intervals rather than continuously. The device wakes up to collect location data from beacons and then returns to sleep mode, significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining acceptable tracking accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the continuous transmission function from the asset tracking device and places it on the beacon infrastructure. Beacons continuously transmit location data, while the tag only needs to periodically receive and process this information, reducing the power burden on the moving asset device.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the asset tracking device uses optical detection means to track location, then the power consumption is reduced, but the detection capability is limited to line-of-sight conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges optical detection (VLC beacons) and RF detection (RFID tags) into a single hybrid system. The asset tracking device uses both optical signals from beacons for location data and RF communication for data transmission, combining the low power advantage of optical detection with the versatility of RF communication.
3Measurement precision
If the asset tracking device remains in high power consumption state to constantly report location, then the location tracking accuracy is improved, but the battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device implements periodic operation with defined sleep and active cycles. During sleep mode, the device consumes minimal power; during active mode, it collects location data and communicates with beacons. This periodic pattern extends battery life while maintaining sufficient tracking accuracy for the application.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary actions by pre-collecting location data from multiple beacons during brief active periods, then uses this cached information during sleep periods. This allows the device to maintain accurate location knowledge without continuous active monitoring.
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 effectively reduces power consumption while maintaining accurate location tracking and data reporting, enabling efficient asset tracking with minimal network traffic and extended battery life.
Implementation Method 1
Each light source has an identification code that is transmitted by modulating an output of the light source
Implementation Method 2
Each node includes a radio frequency (RF) transceiver that transmits RF signals to and receives RF signals from other ones of the nodes
Data Source
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AI summary
A tag is configured to provide information that enables a processor or other computing device to locate the tag and any asset associated with the tag in an area. The tag incorporates a motion sensor responsive to movements of the tag above a predetermined rate and a predetermined magnitude. In response to the movements above the predetermined rate and magnitude, the motion sensor generates a voltage exceeding a predetermined threshold. An energy-saving process exploits the tag's microcontroller's transitions between a "sleep" state and an "awake" state. While asleep, the microcontroller maintains a clock and data in memory, and monitors an input from the motion sensor. In response to voltages at the input over the predetermine threshold, the microcontroller receives signals from one or more nearby beacon nodes in a network operating in the area, process the signals and transmit information based on the processed signals, for a position determination.