Power management in wireless tracking device operating with restricted power source
First Claim
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1. A wireless tracking device, comprising:
- a locating device configured to determine a geographic location of the wireless tracking device;
a plurality of sensors;
a first sensor, of the plurality of sensors, configured to generate a first-sensor signal during a first mode, the first-sensor signal representing a condition or a property associated with the wireless tracking device;
at least one controller coupled to the location device and the plurality of sensors, the at least one controller configured to;
generate a message indicating the geographic location and the condition or the property associated with the wireless tracking device;
set the wireless tracking device in the first mode;
switch the wireless tracking device from the first mode to a second mode in response to the first-sensor signal exceeding a first threshold; and
maintain the wireless tracking device in the second mode in response to receiving a second-sensor signal from a second sensor, of the plurality of sensors, indicating a change that exceeds a second threshold;
wherein the second mode consumes more power than the first mode and the second mode increases the sensitivity of the plurality of sensors as compared to the first mode; and
a communication module operable in the second mode but not the first mode, and configured to send the message via a wireless network.
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Abstract
A wireless tracking device operating in at least two modes to reduce power consumption and extend the operable period of the wireless tracking device. In an active mode, the wireless tracking device samples sensor signals at a higher resolution and may also actively communicate with a remote device via wireless connection. In a hibernation mode, most of the components or modules in the wireless tracking device are shut down to reduce power consumption. The wireless tracking device may switch to the active mode when a predetermine event is detected.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A wireless tracking device, comprising:
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a locating device configured to determine a geographic location of the wireless tracking device; a plurality of sensors; a first sensor, of the plurality of sensors, configured to generate a first-sensor signal during a first mode, the first-sensor signal representing a condition or a property associated with the wireless tracking device; at least one controller coupled to the location device and the plurality of sensors, the at least one controller configured to; generate a message indicating the geographic location and the condition or the property associated with the wireless tracking device; set the wireless tracking device in the first mode; switch the wireless tracking device from the first mode to a second mode in response to the first-sensor signal exceeding a first threshold; and maintain the wireless tracking device in the second mode in response to receiving a second-sensor signal from a second sensor, of the plurality of sensors, indicating a change that exceeds a second threshold; wherein the second mode consumes more power than the first mode and the second mode increases the sensitivity of the plurality of sensors as compared to the first mode; and a communication module operable in the second mode but not the first mode, and configured to send the message via a wireless network. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method of operating a wireless tracking device, comprising:
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setting the wireless tracking device in a first mode; generating a first-sensor signal with a first sensor during the first mode, the first-sensor signal representing a condition or property associated with the wireless tracking device; switching the wireless tracking device to a second mode in response to the first-sensor signal indicating an external event; when in the second mode, (a) determining a geographic location of the wireless tracking device; (b) generating a message indicating the geographic location and the condition or the property associated with the wireless tracking device; and (c) sending the message via a wireless network; maintaining the wireless tracking device in the second mode responsive to receiving a second-sensor signal from a second sensor indicating a change that exceeds a threshold; wherein the second mode consumes more power than the first mode, and the second mode increases the sensitivity of the first and second sensors as compared to the first mode. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium structured to store instructions executable by a processor in a wireless tracking device, the instructions, when executed cause the processor to:
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set the wireless tracking device in a first mode; generate a first-sensor signal with a first sensor during the first mode, the first-sensor signal representing a condition or property associated with the wireless tracking device; switch the wireless tracking device to a second mode in response to the first-sensor signal indicating an external event; when in the second mode, (a) determine a geographic location of the wireless tracking device; (b) generate a message indicating the geographic location and the condition or the property associated with the wireless tracking device; and (c) send the message via a wireless network; maintain the wireless tracking device in the second mode responsive to receiving a second-sensor signal from a second sensor with a change that exceeds a threshold; wherein the second mode consumes more power than the first mode and the second mode increases the sensitivity of the first and second sensors as compared to the first mode.
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Specification