Dynamic Geofencing for GPS Devices via Server Recalculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location tracking systems for communication devices lack efficient dynamic geofencing capabilities, particularly for screenless devices and scenarios where real-time location monitoring and alerts are critical, such as parental tracking of children.
Innovation Solution
A system that utilizes communication servers to establish and manage dynamic geofenced areas around linked communication devices, using GPS data and RF transceivers to set virtual boundaries and alert users when devices breach or re-enter these boundaries, with options for voice command configuration and automatic recalibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static geofencing is used for location tracking, then the system structure is simple, but it lacks real-time adaptability to changing locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic geofencing where geofence boundaries are not fixed but continuously updated based on real-time location data from GPS and other location sources. The system automatically recalculates geofence parameters as the monitored device moves, enabling real-time adaptability while managing complexity through server-based computation rather than device-level complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The communication server acts as an intermediary that handles the complex computations for dynamic geofence management. Instead of requiring complex processing on the monitored device, the server receives location data, calculates updated geofence boundaries, and sends updated parameters back to the device, thereby achieving real-time adaptability without increasing device complexity
2Measurement precision
If continuous location monitoring is implemented, then real-time tracking accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic location monitoring where the device determines its location at scheduled intervals rather than continuously. The communication server periodically requests location updates and processes them to maintain accurate geofence monitoring. This periodic approach reduces energy consumption while maintaining sufficient tracking accuracy for geofence applications
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multiple location determination methods including GPS, network-based location, and device sensor data that can operate autonomously. The device can self-determine its location using available resources without requiring constant server intervention, reducing overall system energy consumption while maintaining tracking accuracy through the use of energy-efficient location methods
3Ease of operation
If manual geofence configuration is used, then device complexity is low, but ease of operation deteriorates for screenless devices
Solution Approach 1:
The communication server serves as an intermediary that handles the complex geofence configuration process. Users can configure geofences through simplified interfaces on their own devices, and the server manages the complex parameters, calculations, and updates for the monitored screenless device. This approach improves ease of operation for screenless devices while concentrating complexity on the server side
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical configuration on the monitored device with automated electronic configuration management through the communication server. Geofence parameters are transmitted electronically and automatically applied, eliminating the need for manual configuration on the screenless device itself while improving ease of operation through remote configuration capabilities
4Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic geofencing with real-time updates is implemented, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication server acts as an intermediary that absorbs the complexity of dynamic geofence calculations and management. The monitored device simply receives location updates and transmits them to the server, which performs the complex operations of calculating dynamic boundaries, determining geofence violations, and managing updates. This distributes complexity to the server while keeping the device relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The communication server provides universal functionality by handling multiple tasks including location data reception, dynamic geofence calculation, violation detection, and device communication. By consolidating these diverse functions on the server, the system achieves dynamic geofence capability without requiring each device to implement complex functionality locally
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed for managing a spontaneously created geofenced area among a plurality of communication devices communicable with a communication server. The communication server receives, from a location enabled first communication device, an instruction to create a geofence around itself. Upon receiving location data from the first and a location enabled second communication devices, the communication server compares the location data of the first and second communication devices to determine how close they are to one another. When the first and second communication devices are within a predetermined distance of one another, the communication server creates a geofence around the first communication device. The communication server will then periodically poll and receiving updated location data for the first and second communication devices. The communication server then recalculates the geofence boundary based on the location of the first communication device. The communication server also notifies the first communication device any time the second communication device ventures beyond the boundary of the geofence.