Crowd Sensing Object Tracking via Opportunistic WiFi Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current object tracking technologies face challenges in privacy, security, energy efficiency, and user resource utilization, particularly in civilian applications like child protection, where existing methods rely on expensive GPS devices and incur monthly charges, and are not effective indoors or in crowd sensing scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A WiFi-based, opportunistic crowd sensing system that utilizes smartphone applications to detect and track objects using a secure wireless signal, minimizing user involvement and leveraging WiFi Direct for efficient communication, with a cloud server managing volunteer participation and location updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS-based tracking devices are used for object tracking, then location accuracy is improved, but device cost and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple wireless communication technologies (WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular) into a unified tracking system that automatically selects the most energy-efficient available option, merging their advantages to achieve both accuracy and energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters such as transmission power, sampling frequency, and communication protocol based on environmental conditions and tracking requirements, reducing energy consumption while maintaining acceptable location accuracy
2Measurement precision
If GPS-based tracking devices are used for object tracking, then location accuracy is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking system is designed to work with existing ubiquitous smartphone hardware and wireless communication capabilities, eliminating the need for specialized expensive GPS-only devices while maintaining tracking functionality through multi-purpose use of common devices
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring dedicated expensive tracking devices, the system uses copies of existing smartphone communication capabilities already present in widely owned devices, leveraging redundant infrastructure to reduce costs
3Reliability
If cellular communication is used for one-to-one tracking communication, then direct communication is achieved, but monthly charges and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic opportunistic communication only when needed or when energy is available, rather than continuous cellular communication, reducing operational costs while maintaining reliability through scheduled checks and event-triggered updates
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cloud-based servers and intermediate communication platforms that facilitate tracking information exchange using lower-cost communication methods, mediating between the tracking device and user interfaces to reduce direct cellular communication costs
4Ease of operation
If active user involvement is required for tracking operation, then user awareness and control are improved, but user burden and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking system operates autonomously with automatic location detection, tracking, and reporting functions that execute without user intervention, while providing user-friendly interfaces for monitoring, eliminating the need for users to manage complex tracking operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary setup, calibration, and configuration actions automatically during initial deployment, and pre-processes tracking data before presentation to users, reducing the operational complexity users must manage
5Area of stationary object
If traditional crowd sensing approaches are used, then sensing coverage is improved, but privacy and security issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and separates personally identifiable information from the crowd sensing data collection process, collecting only anonymous location and environmental data while excluding sensitive personal information, thereby maintaining sensing coverage without compromising privacy
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces intermediate processing layers and data aggregation mechanisms that protect individual privacy by processing data in aggregate forms before analysis, mediating between raw sensing data and final outputs to prevent privacy violations while maintaining security
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for automated crowd sensing object detection. The invention senses a missing object's presence in proximity which is conducted using a smartphone, with a software application running in the background that opportunistically collects and reports the data without the active involvement of the user. A small tag is attached to a tracked object or worn by a person who does not carry a smartphone (i.e., a young child), and emits a secure wireless signal periodically for geo-fencing and geo-tracking by caregivers. The information is sent to a cloud server so that the commander may be able to confirm the whereabouts of the tagged object or person in this case.