Access Point Queries for Tracking Device Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in locating tracking devices without requiring direct communication with their mobile devices, as existing methods can be unreliable and time-consuming, especially when the device is left behind, leading to increased inconvenience and time loss.
Innovation Solution
A tracking system that utilizes access points within a geographic boundary to determine the location of a tracking device, allowing the system to query these access points for the device's presence and provide updates, and instruct them to communicate with the tracking device to facilitate its retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mobile device is used to determine the tracking device location, then the location can be determined, but it takes several minutes and may be unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces access points as intermediary devices between the mobile device and the tracking device. When the mobile device cannot directly communicate with the tracking device, it queries nearby access points (via cloud server) to see if they have detected the tracking device. This intermediary approach allows location determination without requiring direct mobile device-tracker communication, reducing both time and improving reliability.
2Reliability
If the mobile device scans for tracking device signals, then the location can be found, but the mobile device may not be in range, leaving the user unable to determine the tracking device's location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the access point infrastructure serve multiple functions: their original networking function plus an additional function of detecting and reporting tracking devices. By leveraging the widespread presence of access points in various locations (cafes, offices, public spaces), the system extends its adaptability and range coverage without requiring the mobile device to be physically close to the tracking device.
3Loss of information
If access points continuously report tracking device location, then the location data is available, but the location data may be duplicative, particularly while the tracking device remains at the location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic reporting by access points instead of continuous reporting. Access points report tracking device locations at scheduled intervals rather than continuously, reducing duplicate communications when the device remains stationary. This periodic action maintains location data availability while significantly reducing energy consumption and network traffic.
Data Source
AI summary
A tracking system determines a location of a tracking device associated with a user using one or more access points at the location. Each access point at the location is configured to detect and couple with the tracking device when the tracking device is within a communicative range of the access point. An access point provides updates on the tracking device's presence, as well as the tracking device's arrival to and departure from the communicative range of the access point, to a tracking server. The tracking server determines, from these updates, whether the tracking device is at the location. The user may be notified, via a mobile device, of the tracking device's location.