Telematics Device Micro-Wakeup Impact Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing telematics systems for stationary vehicles face challenges in detecting low-impact accidents while minimizing battery drain, as continuous power-up of telematics devices can lead to battery depletion and current power management schemes may miss capturing the full acceleration profile of such events.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method that involves the telematics device entering a sleep mode and performing periodic micro wakeups to check sensor data, including a three-axis accelerometer, to detect acceleration values above a threshold, with micro wakeups powering up only necessary peripherals to capture and buffer data, and sending this data during regular wakeups to a telematics server.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the telematics device continuously powers up to detect low-impact accidents, then the detection capability is improved, but the battery drain increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccident detection capabilityVSAvoidbattery consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The telematics device implements periodic micro-wakeups from sleep mode at predetermined intervals during which sensors are activated to check for acceleration events. This periodic action allows the system to maintain accident detection capability while significantly reducing battery consumption compared to continuous operation, as the device remains in low-power sleep mode between periodic sensor checks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Use of energy by moving object

If the telematics device enters sleep mode to conserve battery, then power consumption is reduced, but the ability to capture full acceleration profile is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery conservationVSAvoidacceleration profile data

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary sensor checks during periodic micro-wakeups to detect acceleration events before the vehicle is fully powered up. When an acceleration event exceeding a threshold is detected during a micro-wakeup, the system triggers a full power-up to capture the complete acceleration profile, thereby preventing data loss while maintaining battery conservation during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The periodic micro-wakeups serve as an intermediary mechanism between the sleep mode and full operational mode. During these intermediate states, the system activates only the necessary sensors to detect acceleration events, acting as a mediator that allows the system to transition from power-saving mode to full operational mode when needed, thus capturing acceleration data without requiring continuous full power operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Speed

If the telematics device performs frequent wakeups to check sensor data, then the detection responsiveness is improved, but the battery drain increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection responsivenessVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies local quality by activating only the specific sensor subsystems needed for acceleration detection during micro-wakeups, rather than powering up the entire telematics device. This localized activation of only the necessary components (accelerometer sensors) during brief periodic intervals maintains detection responsiveness while minimizing overall power consumption compared to full system wakeups.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

This approach effectively detects low-impact accidents while maintaining acceptable power consumption, ensuring the vehicle's battery is not drained and capturing the full acceleration profile, thus enhancing the detection of low-impact events without compromising battery life.

Implementation Method 1

at least one sensor, including a three-axis accelerometer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAccelerometer: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentUS11487315B1Method and system for impact detection in a stationary vehicle

Publication Date: 2022.11.01 GEOTAB INC

AI summary

A method and a system for impact detection in a stationary vehicle are provided. The method includes putting a telematics device into a sleep mode, performing at least one micro wakeup, determining at least one value from at least one sensor during the micro wakeup. The method also includes storing the at least one value, returning to sleep mode, and waking up from the sleep mode. The method further includes sending the at least one value over a network interface to a telematics server. The telematics device which carries out the method has a controller, memory, and network interface. An accident impact profile may be recorded during the micro wakeups and sent during a wakeup duration for analysis by the telematics server.