Beacon-Based Lost Device Location via Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for locating lost mobile devices rely on the device's power and network connectivity, which are unreliable when the device is lost, as it may run out of battery or be disconnected from networks.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a low-power beacon system that operates independently of the device's battery and network, using a self-contained power source or RF energy, to broadcast a unique identifier, allowing for location determination even when the device is powerless or disconnected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing methods for locating lost devices are used, then the device can be located when it has power and network connectivity, but the location method fails when the device runs out of battery or is disconnected from networks
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the location functionality into two independent parts: the main device with its battery and network, and a separate beacon with its own power source. This segmentation allows the beacon to operate independently when the main device is powerless, resolving the contradiction between location reliability and power dependency.
Solution Approach 2:
The beacon acts as an intermediary between the lost device and the location tracking system. It carries the device's identifier and transmits location information independently, serving as a mediator that enables location tracking without relying on the original device's power or network connectivity.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the device relies on its own power source for location tracking, then it can maintain continuous operation, but it cannot locate the device when the battery is depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon serves as an intermediary that preserves the device's identity and location capability beyond the battery's life. By transferring the identifier to the beacon, the system extends the effective duration of location tracking past the point of battery depletion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by provisioning the beacon with the device's identifier before the device is lost. This advance preparation ensures that when the device is eventually lost and powerless, the beacon is already configured to enable location tracking.
3Loss of information
If the device requires network connectivity for location reporting, then accurate location data can be transmitted, but the device cannot be located when disconnected from networks
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon acts as an intermediary that decouples location information availability from network connectivity. It stores the device's identifier locally and can transmit it through alternative means or when network access is available, making the system adaptable to various connectivity scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of location tracking by moving from real-time network-dependent reporting to beacon-based identifier transmission. This parameter change allows location information to be available even when traditional network connectivity is absent.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the invention may include a method, computer program product and computer system for detecting a device. The embodiment may include a computing device that determines a Universally Unique Identifier (UUID) of a beacon of a second device. The computing device may determine a first location of the first device. The computing device may determine whether the UUID of the beacon of the second device matches a UUID in a list of UUIDs, where each UUID in the list of UUIDs corresponds to a beacon associated with a device. The computing device may transmitting the UUID of the beacon of the second device and the first location to a third device, based on determining the UUID of the beacon of the second device matches an entry in the list.