Time Slot Segmentation for Scalable Asset Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless protocols lack a defined mechanism for a locator device to receive Angle of Arrival (AoA) packets from hundreds or thousands of tag devices without collisions, making it difficult to efficiently track multiple devices simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A system with a locator device and tag devices that utilize a segmented wireless channel into specific time slots, including a locator time slot, sync slot, and multiple tag slots, where each tag device is assigned a designated time slot to transmit AoA packets, minimizing collisions and enabling efficient packet reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If tag devices transmit AoA packets continuously without time slot assignment, then the locator device can receive packets from all tag devices, but packet collisions occur frequently making it impossible to track hundreds or thousands of devices
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless channel is segmented into distinct time slots, with each tag device assigned to a specific time slot for transmitting AoA packets. This segmentation prevents packet collisions by ensuring that only one tag device transmits during each time slot, enabling the locator device to reliably track hundreds or thousands of tag devices simultaneously.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If tag devices transmit AoA packets at regular intervals from hundreds or thousands of devices, then the locator device can maintain continuous tracking, but transmission collisions occur without a defined protocol
Solution Approach 1:
Tag devices transmit AoA packets at regular intervals according to a defined protocol that assigns specific time slots to each device. This periodic action with structured time slot assignment enables continuous tracking of hundreds or thousands of tag devices while eliminating packet collision interference through coordinated transmission timing.
3Productivity
If tag devices remain in active state to transmit packets frequently, then the locator device can receive updates from all devices quickly, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Tag devices transmit AoA packets at regulated intervals rather than continuously, allowing them to enter low power states between transmissions. This periodic transmission approach maintains adequate tracking performance while significantly reducing power consumption for tag devices with limited battery capacity.
4Reliability
If a protocol assigns specific time slots to each tag device, then packet collisions are minimized, but the system complexity increases for managing hundreds or thousands of devices
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless channel is divided into time slots that can be assigned to tag devices in groups or ranges. This segmentation approach manages the complexity of assigning time slots to hundreds or thousands of devices by organizing them into manageable units while maintaining reliable packet transmission through collision-free time slot allocation.
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 allows the locator device to receive AoA packets from hundreds or thousands of tag devices in less than 10 seconds, significantly improving synchronization and reducing power consumption by keeping tag devices in a low power state for longer periods.
Implementation Method 1
Algorithms for determining the direction of arrival of an incoming wireless signal are well known. These algorithms exploit the difference in phase of the incoming signal at a plurality of antenna elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A system having a locator device and a plurality of tag devices is disclosed. The locator device comprises an antenna array allowing it to determine an angle of arrival for incoming signals from each of the plurality of tag devices. The system also defines a sequence of time slots, where each time slot has a specific function. The sequence may start with a locator time slot, where the locator device transmits a packet that informs all of the tag devices that this is the start of the sequence. A sync slot follows the locator time slot, where new tag devices may transmit a sync request to the locator device. Upon receipt of a sync request, the locator device assigns the new tag device a tag slot. Following the sync slot are a plurality of tag slots, where each tag device transmits an AoA packet during its assigned tag slot.