Tracking Device Power Management via Accelerometer Motion Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Tracking devices consume excessive power when continuously determining location, even when there is no significant movement, leading to inefficient power usage and unnecessary location updates.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system where tracking devices use prior location information and reduce power consumption by turning off location determination circuits when insignificant movement is detected, using movement determination circuits like accelerometers to indicate when the device has not moved significantly, and only updating location when necessary.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If location determination circuit remains active continuously, then location information is always up-to-date, but power consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation information accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the operation state of the location determination circuit based on movement detection. When the accelerometer detects insignificant movement, the location circuit is turned off or operates at reduced precision. When significant movement is detected, the location circuit activates to update the location. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the system's measurement precision and energy consumption state variable rather than fixed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The tracking device uses its own accelerometer to detect movement and automatically control the activation of its location determination circuit. The device self-manages its power consumption by using onboard sensors to determine when location updates are necessary, eliminating the need for continuous high-power operation while maintaining accurate location tracking when movement occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Use of energy by moving object

If location determination circuit is turned off to save power, then power consumption decreases, but location information becomes outdated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidlocation information

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the accelerometer continuously monitors movement and provides input to the location determination circuit control. When movement exceeding a threshold is detected, the feedback signal triggers the location circuit to activate and update the location information. This feedback loop ensures location information is updated timely based on actual movement conditions, preventing information loss while minimizing unnecessary power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The accelerometer operates in a low-power state continuously to monitor for movement, performing preliminary detection before the high-power location determination circuit needs to activate. This preliminary action by the motion sensor allows the system to prepare for location updates only when necessary, reducing overall power consumption while ensuring location information is captured when movement occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If location updates are performed frequently, then location information is current, but unnecessary updates waste power when device is stationary

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation information currencyVSAvoidenergy waste

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of performing full location determination updates at every scheduled interval, the system uses partial action by first checking the low-power accelerometer sensor. Only when movement is detected does the system perform the excessive action of activating the location determination circuit. This approach prevents unnecessary energy waste from full location updates when the device is stationary, while ensuring updates occur when movement has happened.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements periodic monitoring through the accelerometer at low power consumption levels, with the location determination circuit activating periodically only when movement triggers are detected. This periodic check-in mechanism ensures the system remains responsive to movement events while avoiding continuous high-power operation, balancing location information currency with energy conservation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 significantly reduces power consumption and minimizes unnecessary location updates, enhancing the battery life and operational efficiency of tracking devices.

Implementation Method 1

movement determination circuits (e.g., accelerometers) to indicate when the device has not moved significantly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAccelerometer: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentUS20240298145A1System and methods for reporting location information including reporting of no significant position change

Publication Date: 2024.09.05 B I INCORPORATED

AI summary

Various embodiments provide systems and methods for using prior location information in a tracking device for reporting when no significant movement is indicated.