Dynamic Virtual Fence Adjustment for Moving Secondary Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing virtual fencing technologies struggle to effectively manage nonstationary virtual fences for secondary devices in relation to controller devices, particularly when these devices move between locations, requiring dynamic adjustments to maintain the virtual perimeter.
Innovation Solution
A method, computer program product, and computer system that activate a controller device and a secondary device, establish a nonstationary virtual fence around the secondary device, and adjust the virtual fence based on the movement of the secondary device, ensuring the controller device remains within the defined area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a stationary virtual fence is established for a secondary device, then the virtual perimeter is clearly defined and easy to manage, but the system cannot adapt when the secondary device moves to new locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by transforming the virtual fence from a stationary geometric shape to a dynamic entity that automatically relocates and resizes based on the secondary device's current position. The virtual fence maintains a constant offset distance from the secondary device, creating a moving protective perimeter that adapts to device movement without requiring manual reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automatic virtual fence adjustment triggered by GPS location updates from the secondary device. When the device moves, the system autonomously recalculates and repositions the virtual fence parameters without user intervention, enabling the fence to self-adapt to new locations while maintaining the specified offset distance.
2Measurement precision
If the virtual fence is adjusted frequently to track device movement, then the system maintains accurate location tracking, but the energy consumption increases due to continuous GPS updates and communications
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic action by implementing threshold-based GPS update triggering. Instead of continuous monitoring, the virtual fence adjustment is activated only when the secondary device's movement exceeds a predetermined distance threshold or when specific time intervals elapse. This periodic approach maintains location tracking accuracy while significantly reducing the frequency of GPS updates and communications, thereby lowering energy consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a virtual fence is established around each secondary device individually, then each device has its own protected area, but managing multiple secondary devices requires establishing and coordinating multiple separate virtual fences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Merging principle by consolidating multiple individual virtual fences into a single encompassing virtual fence when multiple secondary devices are involved. The system calculates the geometric boundaries that contain all secondary devices within a unified perimeter, allowing the controller device to interact with one consolidated virtual fence rather than managing multiple separate ones, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining individual device protection.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the virtual fence maintains a fixed offset distance from the secondary device, then the protected area remains consistent, but the fence cannot expand or contract to accommodate varying security requirements at different locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements local quality by allowing different offset distances for different secondary devices or different regions. Each secondary device can have its own customized offset distance from the virtual fence boundary, enabling the protected area to maintain consistency for each device while accommodating varying security requirements across different locations through device-specific or region-specific parameter configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for managing a virtual fence for a secondary device with respect to a controller device includes activating the controller device associated with a first object and a secondary device associated with a second object. The method includes establishing the virtual fence for the controller device and the secondary device, where the first virtual fence surrounds the secondary device and the controller device is positioned within the first virtual fence. The method includes receiving, from the controller device, a ping with location information for the controller device and the secondary device. The method includes, responsive to determining an adjustment to the first virtual fence is required, adjusting the first virtual fence based on a movement of the secondary device from a first location to a second location.