Transport Logger Orientation Reference for False Alarm Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing logger devices for monitoring environmental parameters during transport suffer from false positive alarms due to improper placement of the device, leading to unnecessary stops and delays in transportation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize an initial angular position of a logger device as a unique reference to monitor and correct deviations in real-time, eliminating false positives by associating the device with an asset and measuring its initial orientation before transport, using sensors like accelerometers or gyroscopes, and transmitting data to an external control computer for real-time monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If logger devices are placed directly on assets or in shipping packages for real-time monitoring, then real-time monitoring capability is improved, but false positive alarm rate increases due to improper device placement
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by capturing the initial angular position of the logger device at the moment of association with the asset or package. This initial measurement serves as a reference point that accounts for any improper placement orientation. During transport, the system monitors deviations from this reference position rather than assuming a fixed correct orientation, thereby eliminating false positives caused by incorrect initial placement while maintaining reliable real-time monitoring.
2Ease of operation
If traditional tilting devices with fixed threshold alarms are used, then alarm simplicity is improved, but operational efficiency deteriorates due to unnecessary stops and delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures the initial angular position at the start of transport as a reference point. This preliminary measurement allows the system to distinguish between intentional non-standard placement (which would be captured in the initial position) and actual tilting events during transport. The alarm system then monitors deviations from this reference rather than using fixed thresholds, maintaining simplicity while eliminating false alarms that cause unnecessary stops.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously comparing current angular position measurements against the reference initial position and only triggering alarms when deviations exceed a threshold. This feedback mechanism provides intelligent differentiation between normal placement variations and actual tilting events, maintaining operational simplicity while preventing unnecessary transportation interruptions.
3Device complexity
If fixed threshold alarm systems are used for tilting detection, then device complexity is reduced, but false positive rate increases due to improper device placement
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary measurement of the angular position when the logger device is first associated with the asset or package. This initial measurement is stored as a reference position that reflects the actual placement orientation, whether correct or incorrect. The alarm system then compares subsequent measurements against this reference rather than using fixed thresholds, thereby maintaining simple device architecture while dramatically improving alarm accuracy by adapting to the actual placement condition.
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
Ensures accurate monitoring of asset orientation, reducing false alarms and enabling proactive adjustments to maintain optimal conditions during transport, thereby preventing asset damage.
Implementation Method 1
measuring, subsequent to associating the logger device to the asset, an initial angular position of the logger device
Implementation Method 2
measuring, subsequent to associating the logger device to the asset, an initial angular position of the logger device
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention relates to method and a system for monitoring in real time at least one environmental related parameter of an asset while transporting the asset from a beginning location to a destination location, where the monitoring is performed using a logger device, the method comprising: • turning the logger device to the on-power mode, • associating, prior to starting the transport from the beginning location, the logger device to the asset by either placing the logger device into an inner side of the packaging material containing the asset or at an outer side of the packaging material, • measuring an initial angular position of the logger device prior to starting the transport from the beginning location, wherein the measured angular position is utilized as a reference angular position for the logger device during transport from the beginning location to the destination location by means of determining if a deviation in an angular position of the logger device from said reference angular position exceeds a pre-defined limit.