Bandwidth-Efficient Location Tracking via Deviation Thresholding
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Solution Overview
Problem
In systems that track a large number of devices with location-tracking capabilities, the excessive bandwidth required for constant location updates can lead to network congestion, potentially causing important updates to be missed and degrading tracking accuracy.
Innovation Solution
Devices determine a deviation distance based on extrapolated and actual travel directions and speeds, transmitting location updates only when this deviation exceeds a threshold, thereby filtering out non-substantial updates and reducing network traffic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If constant location updates are transmitted from every device, then tracking accuracy is improved, but bandwidth consumption increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of update transmission frequency based on deviation magnitude. Instead of constant updates, updates are transmitted selectively when deviation from extrapolated position exceeds a threshold, thereby reducing bandwidth consumption while maintaining tracking accuracy for significant movements
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs partial updates by transmitting location information only when necessary (when deviation exceeds threshold), rather than performing complete constant updates. This partial action approach reduces overall bandwidth consumption while maintaining adequate tracking accuracy
2Quantity of substance
If bandwidth is reduced by filtering location updates, then network congestion is decreased, but important updates may be missed
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback by comparing actual position against extrapolated position to determine whether to transmit updates. This feedback mechanism ensures that updates are transmitted when deviations occur, maintaining reliability while reducing unnecessary traffic
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary extrapolation of device position based on previous movement patterns before determining whether to transmit updates. This preliminary action allows the system to predict expected position and identify significant deviations that require reporting
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for transmitting location updates include determining a deviation distance, based on an extrapolated travel direction and an actual travel direction from a last updated location. It is determined that the deviation distance exceeds a deviation threshold. A location update is transmitted to a tracking server, responsive to the determination that the deviation distance exceeds the deviation threshold.