Tracking Device Signal Gap Prediction and Battery Conservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless tracking devices face communication challenges in areas with signal gaps or blackouts, leading to battery waste and potential misinterpretation of device failure or theft, especially when transported in containers, which affect signal strength and reliability.
Innovation Solution
Collecting and storing communication data on signal strength and problem areas to predict and prevent communication gaps, allowing devices to conserve battery power and notify authorities of impending issues, and providing route recommendations for improved communication reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tracking device continuously attempts to communicate with wireless networks, then communication reliability is improved, but battery power is depleted faster
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by collecting and storing communication data before entering gap areas, predicting communication gaps using historical data and route information, and pre-notifying authorities of impending communication issues. This allows the device to conserve battery power by avoiding futile communication attempts in known gap areas while maintaining reliability through advance preparations.
2Ease of operation
If the tracking device is placed in the center of the transportation container, then product monitoring is optimized, but communication signal strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an intermediary approach by incorporating signal strength sensors and communication data collectors that mediate between the device's central placement and the wireless network. These intermediaries collect communication characteristics and signal strength data, which are then used to predict communication gaps and optimize communication timing, allowing the device to maintain both central placement for monitoring and reliable communication.
3Measurement precision
If the tracking device reports location at prescribed intervals, then monitoring accuracy is improved, but false alarms increase in areas with communication gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by collecting communication data and signal strength measurements, analyzing this feedback information to predict upcoming communication gaps, and adjusting the reporting schedule accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows the device to maintain accurate monitoring by reporting at appropriate intervals while avoiding false alarms caused by communication failures in gap areas.
4Area of stationary object
If the device operates in mountainous areas or urban canyons, then tracking coverage is expanded, but communication reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by collecting communication data in advance and storing it for later analysis. This historical data is used to predict communication gaps in challenging environments like mountainous areas and urban canyons, allowing the device to prepare appropriate responses before entering problematic areas, thereby maintaining reliability while expanding coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus is provided for minimizing potential security problems and battery power usage in a tracking device used in tracking an associated product while being transported along a route wherein wireless communication may be nonexistent or intermittent. This is accomplished in part by having an accessible database of signal quality and strength at a large plurality of locations along given transportation routes whereby adjustments can be made as to the times for the tracking device to obtain GPS location information as well as for times to report any location and or product status data to a remotely located central station. The ability to predict when, along a transportation route communication problems may occur provides the opportunity to notify appropriate authorities in advance of arriving at the communication gap zones whereby arrangements can be made to alleviate potential problems during transportation through wireless communication “gap or dead” zones.