Asset tracking system activated by predetermined pattern of asset movement
First Claim
1. A method of tracking an asset with a wireless RF system comprising a receiver and a tracking device comprising a transmitter, the method comprising:
- with the transmitter in a sleep state, monitoring for an environmental change with the tracking device, the environmental change being a movement or a change in location, altitude, or temperature;
when the tracking device detects at least two environmental changes that are either a recognized pattern of changes or meet a predetermined time between environmental changes, the transmitter switching to an idle state; and
when in the idle state, if a subsequent environmental change is above a predetermined value within a time period T;
(a) the transmitter switching to a ping state,(b) sending data to the receiver from the transmitter in the ping state regarding the location of the tracking device, and(c) after sending the data, the transmitter returning to the idle state;
after the transmitter returning to the idle state, monitoring for at least two additional environmental changes that are either a second recognized pattern of changes or meet a second predetermined time between additional environmental changes, andwhen the tracking device detects the at least two additional environmental changes that are either a second recognized pattern of changes or meet a second predetermined time between the additional environmental changes, the transmitter returning to the sleep state.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An asset tracking system that optimizes the value per ping by tying the ping to a pattern of movements of the asset. The asset tracking device will send a ping to a remote host (i.e., receiver) when pre-determined condition(s) regarding the movement are met, conditions such as the pattern of movement, and number of movements within a time period. In such a manner, the value per ping is optimized, leading to increased battery life and decreased operational cost. To satisfy these conditions, the asset tracking device is equipped with appropriate sensors, actuators, and trigger mechanism(s). The sensors and actuators detect movements and/or confirm or recognize a sequence of movements. When the detected movements and/or sequence of movements match a predetermined, recognized pattern or condition, the trigger mechanism is activated, after which a data ping is sent.
29 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A method of tracking an asset with a wireless RF system comprising a receiver and a tracking device comprising a transmitter, the method comprising:
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with the transmitter in a sleep state, monitoring for an environmental change with the tracking device, the environmental change being a movement or a change in location, altitude, or temperature; when the tracking device detects at least two environmental changes that are either a recognized pattern of changes or meet a predetermined time between environmental changes, the transmitter switching to an idle state; and when in the idle state, if a subsequent environmental change is above a predetermined value within a time period T; (a) the transmitter switching to a ping state, (b) sending data to the receiver from the transmitter in the ping state regarding the location of the tracking device, and (c) after sending the data, the transmitter returning to the idle state; after the transmitter returning to the idle state, monitoring for at least two additional environmental changes that are either a second recognized pattern of changes or meet a second predetermined time between additional environmental changes, and when the tracking device detects the at least two additional environmental changes that are either a second recognized pattern of changes or meet a second predetermined time between the additional environmental changes, the transmitter returning to the sleep state. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification