Employment Device Usage Control via Geofencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Employees often use personal electronic devices for non-work-related tasks during work hours, leading to decreased productivity and time wastage, necessitating a system to monitor and control device usage.
Innovation Solution
A software application installed on personal electronic devices that tracks and restricts usage based on location, allowing employers to enable or disable features, receive notifications on app usage, and integrate with timekeeping and POS systems using GPS, Wi-Fi positioning, and geofencing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If employees are allowed to use personal electronic devices freely during work hours, then employee convenience and personal productivity are improved, but overall workplace productivity decreases and time is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts device usage permissions based on real-time location data. When the device detects the employee is at the workplace, restrictive policies are automatically applied; when away, normal usage is permitted. This dynamic policy adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting controls to contextual needs rather than applying static restrictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary monitoring layer that observes device usage patterns and location data without directly blocking functionality. This intermediary collects data and triggers policy responses, allowing the system to balance convenience and productivity through intelligent mediation rather than direct control.
2Productivity
If a monitoring system is implemented to track employee device usage, then productivity control is improved, but device complexity and system intrusion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system operates autonomously by leveraging existing device capabilities (location services, app usage tracking) without requiring complex custom infrastructure. The system self-manages data collection, analysis, and policy enforcement using built-in device features, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses universal device features (GPS, Wi-Fi, app metadata) that serve multiple purposes: location tracking, usage monitoring, and policy enforcement triggers. This multi-functionality approach avoids adding separate dedicated monitoring hardware, reducing complexity while achieving comprehensive time management control.
3Measurement precision
If location-based monitoring is used to control device usage, then accuracy of time tracking is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous location monitoring, the system employs periodic location checks triggered by specific events (app launches, significant location changes). This periodic action maintains sufficient time tracking accuracy while dramatically reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts location data only when and where needed for policy determination, rather than continuously collecting location information. By extracting location data selectively based on usage events, the system achieves accurate time tracking at the moment it matters while minimizing overall energy consumption.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances employee productivity by monitoring and restricting non-work-related device usage during work hours, automating clock-in/clock-out processes, and providing employers with data on device usage for improved time management.
Implementation Method 1
The system and method may utilize location based features of a personal electronic device, including, but not limited to, global positioning satellite locators
Implementation Method 2
The system and method may utilize location based features of a personal electronic device, including, but not limited to, global positioning satellite locators, radio signal multilateration
Implementation Method 3
The system and method may utilize location based features of a personal electronic device, including, but not limited to, global positioning satellite locators, radio signal multilateration, or Wi-Fi positioning
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a system and method adapted for use on a personal electronic device, such as a smart phone, for generally monitoring the use of the personal electronic device by an employee by an employer. The system and method generally functions as a time clock and enables the employee to clock in and clock out. Further, the system and method allows the employee to clock out to view items that are restricted by a monitoring system.