Asset Tracking via Last Known Location Storage
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for tracking lost or stolen portable electronic devices require continuous data network communication to determine their location, which fails when Wi-Fi is off or the battery runs out, leading to delayed detection of missing devices.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows portable electronic devices to communicate their last known location to a server or client via wireless data networks, using GPS or network IP address, and sends updates via electronic messaging, even when intermittent access occurs, enabling tracking of assets beyond personal devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous data network communication is required to determine device location, then location accuracy is maintained, but the system fails when Wi-Fi is off or battery runs out
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing and storing location data whenever the device connects to a network, building up a history of locations before the device is lost. This allows the last known location to be retrieved even when the device later becomes offline due to disabled Wi-Fi or depleted battery.
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as an intermediary between the portable device and the user. It stores location information received from the device and makes it accessible to the user even when the device is offline. The server mediates the communication gap between the lost device and the owner seeking to locate it.
2Measurement precision
If the system waits for device to reconnect to network, then accurate location can be obtained, but detection of missing devices is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary location capture and storage during periods when the device is online and communicating with the server. This creates a repository of location data that can be immediately accessed when the device is reported lost, eliminating the need to wait for reconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system serves itself by automatically storing location data and making it accessible without requiring continuous device operation. The pre-stored location information serves the user's need immediately when the device is lost, without requiring the device to be actively communicating at that moment.
3Reliability
If GPS and network IP address methods are used, then location can be determined without continuous connectivity, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs multiple location determination methods (GPS, network IP address triangulation) that can serve different scenarios. GPS provides accurate location when available, while network IP methods provide fallback capability when GPS is unavailable or the device is offline, creating a universal solution that handles various conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as an intermediary that handles the complexity of multiple location determination methods. It receives location data from various sources (GPS coordinates, network IP addresses from multiple access points), processes and stores this information centrally, and presents it to users in a unified manner, shielding users from the underlying complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The last known location of a beacon associated with an asset can be determined based on the beacon's last communication with a data network. A beacon can be set up to communicate its location to or through a server to a second client used for locating and tracking the beacon after the beacon obtains a wireless data network connection and registers its most recent location with the server. Beacon location can be based on data network router IP address or GPS information. Location can be stored in memory until a subsequent location and/or wireless connection is obtained. A beacon can also include short range wireless communications to facilitate short range radio frequency communications with a second client that are determined to be in close proximity to the beacon. Short-range communications can be facilitated utilizing Bluetooth communications.