Proximity Fence Using Beacon Segmentation for Flexible Geofencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional geofencing technologies are limited in complexity, granularity, and flexibility, as they rely on geographic location information and require reprogramming when changes occur in the environment, such as modifications to store layouts.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of proximity fences, defined by a group of signal sources without geographic location information, which trigger different functions of application programs based on proximity, allowing for more complex and flexible location-based services by using RF transmitters broadcasting beacon signals with identifiers and labels, enabling precise and irregularly shaped boundaries that adapt without reprogramming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional geofencing using GPS coordinates and radius is used, then the system is simple to implement, but the granularity and complexity of location-based services are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The geofence is segmented into multiple zones by deploying multiple beacon transmitters at different locations within the geofence area. Each beacon creates a distinct zone that can trigger different application functions, enabling granular control and complex location-based services while maintaining the simplicity of beacon-based implementation
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional GPS coordinate-based geofencing to a multi-dimensional beacon signal-based approach. By using signal strength (RSSI) as an additional dimension alongside beacon identifiers, the system can determine not just whether a device is in the geofence, but also its proximity to specific zones, enabling more complex services
2Measurement precision
If a proximity fence is defined by multiple signal sources, then higher granularity and precise irregular boundaries are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of calculating complex geometric boundaries for irregular geofence shapes, the system uses multiple beacon transmitters placed at key locations. Each beacon acts as a reference point that copies the geofence boundary information in its signal, allowing the mobile device to determine position relative to the irregular boundary through signal triangulation without complex geometric calculations
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical/geometric approach of defining irregular boundaries with coordinate geometry with a signal-based approach. Mobile devices determine their position relative to irregular boundaries by measuring signal strength from multiple beacons, substituting physical geometric calculations with electromagnetic signal processing
3Ease of operation
If conventional geofence with fixed point location and radius is used, then the system is easy to operate, but flexibility to adapt to environmental changes is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The geofence system transitions from a static definition (fixed point and radius) to a dynamic configuration using multiple beacons. When environmental changes occur, such as store layout modifications, administrators can simply relocate or add beacons to reflect the new configuration, and the system automatically adapts without requiring reprogramming of geometric parameters
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of changing geometric parameters (center coordinates and radius) to adapt to environmental changes, the system changes the configuration parameters of beacon transmitters. By adding, removing, or relocating beacons and updating their identifiers, the system adapts to environmental changes while maintaining the simple operation of beacon-based detection
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A proximity fence can be a location agnostic fence defined by signal sources having no geographic location information. The proximity fence can correspond to a group of signal sources instead of a point location fixed to latitude and longitude coordinates. A signal source can be a radio frequency (RF) transmitter broadcasting a beacon signal. The beacon signal can include a payload that includes an identifier indicating a category to which the signal source belongs, and one or more labels indicating one or more subcategories to which the signal source belongs. The proximity fence defined by the group of signal sources can trigger different functions of application programs associated with the proximity fence on a mobile device, when the mobile device moves within the proximity fence and enters and exits different parts of the proximity fence corresponding to the different subcategories.