Dynamic Location Tracking Switching Between WiFi and GPS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location tracking systems for user devices, such as GPS, face accuracy issues due to obstacles and limited range, particularly in indoor environments, where signal strength is diminished by structures like mountains and buildings.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that intelligently switches between network-based location tracking techniques, such as Bluetooth or NFC, and GPS, based on the user device's communication range with network devices, ensuring continuous and precise location monitoring by using signal strength to determine proximity and switching to GPS when the device exits the network range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If GPS is used for location tracking, then coverage area is improved, but location accuracy deteriorates in indoor environments due to signal blockage by buildings and obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between GPS and WiFi tracking techniques based on the user device's communication range with network devices. When the device is within communication range, WiFi tracking is used for precise indoor location; when outside range, GPS tracking takes over for outdoor coverage, thus adapting to different environments to maintain both accuracy and coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the tracking technique parameter based on environmental conditions. By monitoring communication signal strength and determining whether the device is within network range, the system switches between different tracking methods (WiFi proximity-based vs. GPS satellite-based) to optimize location accuracy for the current environment
2Measurement precision
If WiFi proximity tracking is used for indoor location, then location accuracy is improved, but coverage area deteriorates when device is outside network range
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements multi-functionality by incorporating both WiFi proximity tracking and GPS tracking capabilities. The location tracking system can perform both indoor precise tracking (using WiFi) and outdoor broad coverage tracking (using GPS), making it universally applicable across different environments without requiring separate systems
3Device complexity
If a single location tracking technique is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to inability to adapt to different environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between WiFi and GPS tracking techniques based on real-time communication range detection. This dynamic adaptation ensures reliable location tracking whether the device is indoors (WiFi available) or outdoors (GPS required), improving overall system reliability without requiring complex manual configuration or multiple independent systems
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method includes: selecting between a first location tracking technique and a second location tracking technique used to track a user device. The selecting includes: receiving a communications signal emitted from the user device via one or more network devices; selecting the first tracking location technique based on receiving the communications signal; determining that the user device is outside communications range of the one or more network devices; and selecting the second tracking location technique based on the determining that the user device is outside communications range of the one or more network devices. The method further includes monitoring location information of the user device based on the selecting between the first location tracking technique and the second location tracking technique; and storing or outputting the location information.