Automated Contact Tracing Using Multi-Source Location Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional contact tracing methods are labor-intensive and limited in data collection, often relying on human memory, which can be unreliable, especially for recent events, and do not account for airborne transmission risks effectively.
Innovation Solution
A computer system that combines multiple data sources, including user device sensors and user-submitted data, to detect proximity and duration of contact, even in the absence of concurrent presence, using techniques like Bluetooth Low Energy and location tracking with GPS, Wi-Fi, and cellular data, to provide comprehensive and accurate contact tracing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual contact tracing is used, then contact tracing can be performed, but it requires intensive manual efforts and is limited in data collection range
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated contact tracing where user devices automatically detect proximity to infected individuals using sensors and location services. The devices self-report location and contact data to the server without requiring manual intervention from contact tracing workers, thus improving productivity while reducing manual effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical contact tracing processes with automated electronic systems. Sensors, GPS, and communication modules substitute human workers' manual data collection and reporting, enabling scalable contact tracing with minimal human intervention.
2Reliability
If human memory is relied upon for contact tracing, then contact information can be collected, but reliability is limited especially for recent events
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on human memory, the system creates digital copies of contact information through automated sensor detection and location tracking. User devices continuously record proximity data and location information, providing an accurate objective record of contacts without dependence on human recollection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary automated system between the contact event and the contact tracer. Sensors and location services act as intermediaries that objectively detect and record contact events, eliminating the need for human memory and providing reliable data directly to the contact tracing system.
3Reliability
If traditional contact tracing is used, then contacts can be identified, but airborne transmission risks are not effectively accounted for
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to detect multiple types of disease transmission simultaneously. By combining proximity detection, location tracking, and duration monitoring, the system universally covers both direct contact transmission and airborne transmission risks, adapting to different transmission modes without requiring separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds temporal and spatial dimensions to contact detection beyond simple proximity. By tracking location over time and monitoring duration of exposure, the system captures airborne transmission risks that occur over extended periods or in shared spaces, complementing traditional contact-based detection.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer-storage media, for automated contact tracing using multiple data sources. In some implementations, a system uses location data generated based on one or more types of signals, such as GPS signals, WI-FI signals, signals from cellular base stations, signals from short-range wireless technology (e.g., BLUETOOTH), and so on. The system also prompts users for information regarding their locations and the conditions present at the locations, either at the time a user is present or later. With this information, the system compares the tracked locations for different individuals to identify instances of contacts in which criteria for disease transmission potential are met, e.g., when two individuals have certain levels of proximity and timing. Detected instances of contacts can be used to inform individuals of exposure to a disease, as well as to notify public health authorities.