Arrival Alert Location Zoning for Lower Server Computation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current arrival alert systems consume significant computational resources by performing extensive calculations and retrieving external data regardless of the tracking device's proximity to the destination, leading to inefficient use of server resources.

Innovation Solution

Implement a smart location determination scheme that adjusts the amount of calculations based on the device's distance from the destination, using isochrones to define a zone where detailed computations are performed only when necessary, reducing computational intensity as the device approaches the destination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If extensive calculations and external data retrieval are performed for every location update, then arrival alert accuracy is improved, but server computational resources are wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearrival alert accuracyVSAvoidserver computational resources
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the level of computational processing based on the device's proximity to the destination. Detailed calculations with external data retrieval are performed only when the device is within a threshold distance, while simplified processing is used at greater distances. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making resource consumption proportional to the criticality of the calculation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different processing qualities to different spatial zones. Within a defined zone around the destination, detailed calculations are performed to ensure accurate arrival alerts. Outside this zone, simplified processing is used. This local differentiation ensures high accuracy where needed while reducing overall computational resource consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If detailed location calculations are performed continuously, then arrival timing accuracy is improved, but unnecessary computational power is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation determination accuracyVSAvoidserver processing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs detailed location calculations periodically based on the device's proximity to the destination threshold rather than continuously. This periodic execution of detailed processing only when necessary maintains accuracy for critical arrival timing while improving overall server processing efficiency by avoiding unnecessary computations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the processing parameter (level of detail) based on the distance parameter. As the device approaches the destination threshold, the system transitions from simplified to detailed calculation mode. This parameter adaptation maintains measurement precision when critical while optimizing productivity during less critical periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If all external data is retrieved for every location update, then arrival prediction accuracy is improved, but communication bandwidth and time are wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearrival prediction accuracyVSAvoiddata retrieval time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary filtering of when detailed data retrieval is necessary based on the device's proximity to the destination. By pre-determining the threshold distance, the system avoids unnecessary external data retrieval for locations outside the threshold zone, thereby reducing communication bandwidth consumption and retrieval time while maintaining accuracy when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3756366B1Smart location determination for arrival estimation and generation of arrival alerts
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 RAKUTEN GROUP INC
  • EP3756366B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3756366B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3756366B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems, methods and computer-readable media are disclosed for adjustment in the amount of calculations performed at a server for determining a location of a device for purposes of providing an arrival alert to a destination of arrival of the device. In one aspect, a method includes determining a zone around a destination; receiving location information from a tracking device that is traveling to the destination; based on the location information and the zone, determining whether the tracking device is within the zone to yield a determination; determining a remaining time for a user associated with the tracking device to reach the destination based on the determination; and providing an arrival alert to the destination regarding an arrival time of the user at the destination based on the remaining time and an arrival threshold.