Geo-location Reporting System Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack an efficient method for tracking and reporting the location and cumulative time of user computing devices at a geo-location, leading to incomplete data and manual errors.
Innovation Solution
A geo-location reporting system that utilizes a computer server to receive signals from user computing devices regarding their entry and exit from a specified geo-location, calculates the accumulated time spent within a designated proximity zone, and generates reports upon request.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual tracking methods (sign in sheets, counters, video cameras) are used to monitor user presence at geo-location, then implementation is simple and requires minimal technology, but the system cannot account for all time a user computing device is at the geo-location and requires significant manual effort
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables user computing devices to automatically report their own location and time data to the server without manual intervention. The devices self-monitor their presence within geo-location boundaries and autonomously transmit entry/exit signals, eliminating the need for manual sign-in sheets or human-operated counters while achieving complete time accounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical tracking methods (physical sign-in sheets, manual counters, video cameras) with an electronic automated system. User computing devices use software applications to digitally report location data to a server, which automatically processes and stores the information, substituting physical and manual processes with electronic automation.
2Measurement precision
If video cameras and software are used to count people at geo-location, then automated counting is achieved, but the system cannot verify cumulative time spent by each user and requires complex hardware setup
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex hardware like video cameras to physically observe and count people, the system uses digital copies of location data transmitted by user computing devices. Each device creates a digital record of its presence, which the server processes to calculate cumulative time, achieving precise measurement without complex observation hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as an intermediary between user computing devices and the organization. The server receives location signals from devices, processes the data to calculate cumulative time spent at geo-location, and generates reports. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for direct hardware observation while achieving precise time tracking.
3Reliability
If manual sign in sheets are used for tracking, then the system is easy to implement, but data completeness is poor and manual errors occur frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic feedback loops where user computing devices continuously monitor their location and automatically transmit signals to the server upon entering or exiting geo-location boundaries. This automated feedback mechanism ensures complete data collection without relying on manual sign-in actions, eliminating human error while maintaining ease of operation through automatic device-based reporting.
4Loss of information
If counters or video cameras are used to track presence, then automated counting is achieved, but the system cannot provide individual user time data and requires significant infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments location tracking data by individual user computing device rather than providing only aggregate counts. Each device's entry and exit signals are processed separately, allowing the server to calculate and retain individual cumulative time data for each user. This segmentation enables individual user data retention without requiring complex infrastructure beyond standard server processing capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A geo-location reporting system is provided. The system includes a computer server having a memory storing organization data and user data and a user computing device coupled to the computer server. The computer server may be programmed to automatically determine an accumulated amount of time the user computing device has been within the proximity zone during a designated period of time less the time the user computing device is outside of the proximity zone during the designated period of time. Additionally, the system may generate a report of the location, time and accumulated amount of time the user computing device was within the proximity zone in response to receiving a request for the report.