Wireless Sensor Asset Tracking via Connectivity Inference
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of wireless IIoT sensors in enterprise software for mobile fleets poses challenges due to the lack of GPS at individual sensor nodes, temporary associations with assets, asset movement, and the absence of hardwiring to network infrastructure, leading to inaccurate data representation and increased maintenance workload.
Innovation Solution
The solution automates enterprise software organization by utilizing the connectivity status of redundant wireless sensors to a local area network and predefined associations with assets and wireless receivers, enabling AI-driven asset management and data routing that updates dynamically with asset locations, thereby reducing maintenance workload and ensuring accurate asset representation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If wireless IIoT sensors are used in mobile fleets without GPS at sensor nodes, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but data representation accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of wireless receivers and enterprise software that infer asset location based on sensor connectivity patterns. Instead of requiring GPS at each sensor node, the system uses the connectivity status of redundant wireless sensors to a local area network (LAN) and predefined associations of sensors to assets and wireless receivers to determine asset locations, thereby maintaining data accuracy without adding complexity to individual sensor nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/GPS-based location tracking system with a wireless connectivity-based inference system. Rather than relying on physical GPS hardware at sensor nodes, the system substitutes a software-based location determination mechanism that uses connectivity status and predefined associations to automatically update asset locations, reducing device complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual management of directory structures is used for mobile fleets, then data organization flexibility is maintained, but maintenance workload increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the enterprise software automatically manages directory structures and data associations. The system uses connectivity status of wireless sensors and predefined associations to automatically update asset locations and reorganize data structures without human intervention. This automation maintains data organization flexibility while dramatically reducing maintenance workload, as the system adapts to asset movements autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static manual directory structure management into a dynamic automated system. The enterprise software continuously monitors connectivity status and automatically reorganizes data structures to reflect current asset locations. This dynamic approach maintains flexibility to adapt to changing fleet configurations while eliminating the manual maintenance burden associated with static organizational methods.
3Measurement precision
If GPS reference data is used for asset location tracking, then location accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the wireless sensors serve multiple functions: they not only monitor asset conditions but also determine asset locations through their connectivity status to the LAN. By making the sensors multi-functional, the system eliminates the need for separate GPS hardware at each sensor node, reducing device complexity while maintaining location tracking capability through the intermediary software system that processes connectivity information.
Data Source
AI summary
A system having a variety of mobile assets to which are attached one or more wireless sensors and associated with each mobile asset to automate enterprise software organization of assets among dynamically changing sites. A plurality of receivers receive data from redundant wireless sensors, and at least one gateway aggregates wireless sensor data from the receivers, the wireless sensors, receivers and gateway forming a local network associated with a given site. At least one server hosting enterprise software receives aggregated data from the at least one gateway. The enterprise software identifies the location of an asset based on association of a local network with a site and association of sensors with an asset.