Geocoding Verification for Asset Tracking Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Asset tracking systems face inaccuracies in geocoding due to ambiguous addresses and missing location data, leading to inefficient response times and potential misdirection of resources.
Innovation Solution
The system verifies customer-provided location descriptors by comparing multiple pieces of information, such as addresses, zip codes, and cross-streets, to ensure spatial proximity and accuracy before allowing geocoding, thereby increasing confidence in the location data sent to responders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the system uses simple address matching for geocoding, then the system is easy to operate and fast, but the location accuracy deteriorates when addresses are ambiguous or non-existent
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification by collecting multiple location descriptors (address, cross streets, zip code, city) before geocoding occurs. This advance data gathering and validation prevents inaccurate geocoding by ensuring multiple consistent descriptors are provided before the location is finalized and sent to responders.
2Measurement precision
If the system verifies multiple location descriptors for accuracy, then the location accuracy improves, but the system complexity and response time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The verification module serves multiple functions simultaneously: it collects location descriptors, validates their consistency, determines spatial proximity, and only allows geocoding when verification succeeds. This multi-functional approach manages complexity by consolidating verification tasks into a single integrated process rather than separate steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to the operator when location descriptors are inconsistent or when verification fails. This feedback mechanism allows the operator to correct errors or provide additional information, ensuring accurate geocoding while managing system complexity through guided interaction rather than automated rigid processing.
3Productivity
If the system sends assets to verified locations, then the response efficiency improves, but the time required for location verification increases
Solution Approach 1:
Location verification is performed as a preliminary action before geocoding and asset dispatch. By validating multiple descriptors (address, cross streets, zip code, city) and confirming spatial proximity in advance, the system ensures that when assets are sent, the location information is already verified, preventing time-wasting corrections later in the response process.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method for verifying customer addresses before using those addresses in an asset tracking system. More specifically, the enhanced asset tracking system can accept multiple characteristics of the location. An operator or GIS system can check that these descriptors are identifying the same location. If descriptors do identify a same location, then the operator or GIS system can allow the location information to pass to the assets.