Dual-Interface Mobile Device Location Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
In controlled-environment facilities, the limited bandwidth for portable communications devices restricts access to services, and there is a need for efficient location tracking of these devices even when they are not connected to the resident network, while ensuring secure and authorized use.
Innovation Solution
A communications device with a data network interface for connecting to a resident network, a tracking network interface for transmitting location signals, and processors to execute operating system instructions, allowing location tracking and service provision even when disconnected, with restrictions based on privilege status and using fixed-location communication devices for remote visitation and access control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If location tracking signals are transmitted continuously, then location tracking precision is improved, but bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic location tracking by transmitting location signals at scheduled intervals rather than continuously. The operating system directs the tracking network interface to transmit location tracking signals during specific time intervals when the device is not connected to the resident network, reducing overall bandwidth consumption while maintaining acceptable tracking precision through periodic updates.
2Adaptability or versatility
If services are provided when disconnected from network, then service availability is improved, but location tracking reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts location tracking functionality from the network-dependent data network interface and implements it through a separate tracking network interface. This allows the device to transmit location signals and be tracked even when disconnected from the resident network, maintaining location tracking reliability while enabling service availability during disconnection periods.
3Reliability
If bandwidth is allocated for location tracking, then location tracking capability is improved, but service bandwidth availability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic transmission of location tracking signals during intervals when the communications device is not connected to the resident network. This timing strategy ensures that location tracking bandwidth requirements do not compete with service bandwidth needs during active connection periods, maintaining both tracking capability and service bandwidth availability.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device may be assigned to a resident of a controlled-environment facility. A data network interface of the resident device establishes a connection with a resident network via one or more network access points located within the facility. A tracking network interface of the resident device transmits location tracking signals received by location tracking devices located within the facility. The resident device connects with the resident network via the data network interface in providing services to the resident. During intervals when the resident device is not connected to the resident network via the data network interface, tracking network interface is used to transmit the location tracking signals.