Tracking Device Location in Restricted Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tracking devices are limited in their ability to locate objects when they are in communicatively-restricted environments, beyond the range of mobile devices and community mobile devices, making it difficult for users to find lost items.
Innovation Solution
A tracking system that includes a tracking device capable of entering an alternate locating state, using its own GPS and sensors to determine its location and report it to the tracking system via a different network, such as Wi-Fi or cellular, even when out of range of mobile devices, allowing for location determination and reporting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tracking device uses conventional mobile device communication for location tracking, then power consumption is low and battery life is extended, but the tracking device cannot be located when beyond the range of mobile devices
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking device dynamically switches between two operational states: a low-power state using conventional mobile device communication when available, and a high-power state using alternate communication networks (Wi-Fi, cellular, satellite) when mobile devices are out of range. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by adjusting power consumption based on environmental conditions while maintaining reliable location tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary mechanism (alternate communication networks with higher transmission power) that enables the tracking device to communicate beyond the limited range of mobile devices. This intermediary allows the device to overcome the communication barrier without permanently increasing power consumption, as it only activates when necessary.
2Reliability
If the tracking device increases transmission power to extend range beyond mobile devices, then location tracking reliability improves, but battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking device employs periodic action by using high-power transmission only intermittently when mobile devices are out of range, rather than continuously. The device monitors communication availability and activates alternate high-power networks only when necessary, thus maintaining location tracking reliability while minimizing battery consumption over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the transmission power parameter dynamically based on communication conditions. When mobile devices are available, the device uses low-power communication; when they are not, it switches to high-power alternate networks. This parameter change allows the device to extend range when needed without permanently sacrificing battery life.
3Measurement precision
If the tracking device uses multiple communication networks for location reporting, then location determination accuracy improves in restricted environments, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking device achieves multi-functionality by incorporating multiple communication network interfaces (mobile device, Wi-Fi, cellular, satellite) that can serve different purposes. Each network type provides a specific function, and the device universally supports all of them, allowing it to operate across diverse environments without requiring separate specialized systems for each network type.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system is segmented into distinct modules, each handling a specific network type. This segmentation allows the device to independently manage and switch between different communication protocols, reducing the overall complexity by organizing functions into separate, manageable units rather than a monolithic system.
Data Source
AI summary
A tracking device has a first transceiver, a second transceiver, and control logic. The first transceiver can transmit a first tracking signal for locating the tracking device to mobile devices via a first network. The mobile devices provide the first tracking signal to a tracking server. The second transceiver can transmit a second tracking signal for locating the tracking device to the tracking server via a second network. The control logic can configure the tracking device in a first state in which the first transceiver transmits the first tracking signal, and the second transceiver is disabled and does not transmit the second tracking signal. In response to determining that the tracking device cannot connect to the tracking server via the first network, the control logic configures the tracking device in a second state in which the second transceiver is enabled and transmits the second tracking signal.