초록 ▼

The asset monitoring system and associated method includes an asset monitor for providing a remotely located central station with information relating to a container, such as a trailer, both during tethered periods in which the energy storage reservoir of the asset monitor is electrically connected

The asset monitoring system and associated method includes an asset monitor for providing a remotely located central station with information relating to a container, such as a trailer, both during tethered periods in which the energy storage reservoir of the asset monitor is electrically connected to an external power source, such as the electrical system of a tractor or truck, and during untethered periods in which the energy storage reservoir of the asset monitor is electrically untethered or disconnected from the external power source. As a result, the energy storage reservoir is recharged by energy received from the external power source during tethered periods and supplies energy to the asset monitor during both tethered and untethered periods. The asset monitor also includes a controller for controlling its operations. The controller includes tether status determining means for separately identifying tethered periods and untethered periods. The controller also includes power management means for placing the asset monitor in an active mode during tethered periods and in an energy conservation mode during untethered periods. Once placed in an energy conservation mode, the asset monitor can continue to draw power from the energy storage reservoir so as to perform selected ones of its operations. Typically, however, the asset monitor continues operations at a reduced rate or frequency relative to the rate of operations performed by the asset monitor during the active mode in order to conserve the energy stored by the energy storage reservoir.

대표청구항 ▼

[ That which is claimed is:] [1.] An asset monitoring system comprising:a central station;at least one asset monitor associated with a respective container for providing said central station with information relating to the respective container, wherein said at least one asset monitor comprises:an e

[ That which is claimed is:] [1.] An asset monitoring system comprising:a central station;at least one asset monitor associated with a respective container for providing said central station with information relating to the respective container, wherein said at least one asset monitor comprises:an energy storage reservoir which as recharged by energy received from an external power source during tethered periods in which said asset monitor is electrically tethered to the external power source, wherein said energy storage reservoir is adapted to supply energy to maintain said asset monitor in operation during both tethered periods in which said energy storage reservoir is recharged by the external power source and untethered periods in which said asset monitor is electrically untethered from the external power source; anda controller for controlling operations of said asset monitor, wherein said controller comprises;tether status determining means for separately identifying tethered periods and untethered periods; andpower management means, responsive to said tether status determining means, for placing said asset monitor in an active mode during tethered periods and an energy conservation mode during untethered periods, wherein said power management means manages recharging of said energy storage reservoir during the active mode, and wherein said power management means selectively permits power to be drawn from said energy storage reservoir during the energy conservation mode, thereby allowing at least some of the operations of said asset monitor to be performed during the energy conservation mode;a sensor interface, operably connected to said controller, for communicating with at least one sensor which is associated with the container, wherein said power management means only provides power to the at least one sensor for predetermined periods of time during the energy conservation mode such that communication is only established between said controller and the at least one sensor within the predetermined periods of time during the energy conservation mode; andcommunications means for establishing a first communications link between said at least one asset monitor and said central station.