Adaptive Geolocation Using Precision Buffers for Power Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing geofencing techniques on portable electronic devices face a tradeoff between power consumption and accuracy, with high power usage for accurate GPS detection leading to reduced battery runtime and intermittent location updates causing missed geofence entries or exits.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a server and electronic device to determine a window around the user's location, transmit geofences within that window, and adjust geolocation techniques based on precision buffers for varying levels of accuracy, allowing for accurate detection of geofence entries and exits while minimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS receiver is used constantly for accurate geofence detection, then geofencing accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases and battery runtime decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the geolocation technique adjustable and adaptive. The system dynamically switches between different location detection methods (GPS, network-based, hybrid) based on contextual factors such as user movement patterns, geofence density, and power availability. This allows the system to optimize the balance between accuracy and power consumption in real-time rather than using a fixed approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters of the geolocation system including update intervals, detection thresholds, and technique selection based on precision buffer levels. By adjusting these parameters dynamically according to user context and geofence characteristics, the system achieves accurate geofence detection while minimizing unnecessary power consumption during low-risk periods.
2Use of energy by moving object
If GPS receiver is switched off between location updates to conserve power, then power consumption is reduced, but geofencing accuracy decreases and entries/exits may be missed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the geofence detection space into multiple precision buffers with different accuracy requirements. By dividing the monitoring area into zones of varying criticality, the system can apply different power consumption strategies to different segments, using high-accuracy GPS only when necessary in critical buffers while using lower-power methods in less critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different levels of detection accuracy to different spatial regions (precision buffers). Areas closer to geofence boundaries or with higher importance receive higher detection quality, while distant or less critical areas use lower-quality, lower-power detection methods. This localized approach optimizes the overall system performance.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If location updates are obtained intermittently to reduce power usage, then battery runtime is extended, but detection of geofence entries and exits becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through scheduled location updates combined with event-triggered updates. The system uses periodic checks at configured intervals supplemented by immediate updates when movement events are detected, creating a hybrid rhythm that balances battery conservation with reliable detection of geofence transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms where the system monitors location data, movement patterns, and proximity to precision buffers, then adjusts update frequency and detection intensity accordingly. This closed-loop feedback ensures that power consumption is minimized during stable periods while automatically increasing detection reliability when geofence events are likely.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed embodiments provide a system that facilitates geolocation of a user. The system includes a server and an electronic device. First, the server receives a location of the user from an electronic device of the user and determines a window around the location. Next, the server transmits the window and one or more geofences within the window to the electronic device. The electronic device then obtains one or more precision buffers associated with one or more levels of accuracy for detecting the location of the user near the one or more geofences. Finally, the electronic device facilitates use of the one or more geofences by varying a geolocation technique for tracking the location of the user based on the one or more precision buffers.