Geofence Composition Architecture for Complex Entity Representation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current geofencing solutions are limited to single circular fences defined by geographical coordinates and do not allow for complex geofence compositions or varying shapes, making them inadequate for representing multiple modes of transport and categories of a point of interest, as well as different sections of an entity.

Innovation Solution

The architecture enables the generation of multiple correlated geofences with varying radii and shapes, such as polygons, that can be combined to create complex geofence compositions, allowing for distinct areas and modes of transport, and enabling geofence relationships to manage triggering events based on location and user interactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple geofences with varying radii and shapes are generated for an entity, then the precision and versatility of geofencing is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegeofencing precisionVSAvoidgeofence composition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides a complex geofencing system into multiple independent geofence components, each with specific characteristics (circular, polygonal, varying radii). These segmented geofences can be individually configured and combined through composition rules, allowing precise representation of different entity sections while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates composite geofence structures by combining multiple primitive geofences (circular, polygonal) with different characteristics into unified geofence compositions. These composite geofences represent complex entity configurations (multiple sections, transport modes, categories) while leveraging the simplicity of individual primitive shapes, resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If geofence composition with multiple primitive geofences is implemented, then the ability to represent different entity sections and modes of transport is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveentity representation versatilityVSAvoidgeofence configuration ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universal geofence composition rules that can handle multiple primitive geofence types (circular, polygonal), various entity characteristics (sections, transport modes, categories), and different triggering scenarios through a single unified framework. This multi-functional approach enables diverse entity representations while maintaining consistent, manageable operation through standardized composition logic

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of information

If geofence relationships are embedded in compositions to manage triggering events, then the notification relevance is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenotification relevanceVSAvoidgeofence relationship management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes geofence relationships and composition rules in advance during system configuration, defining triggering conditions, notification preferences, and entity characteristics before actual geofencing operations. This preliminary setup creates a reusable framework that automatically manages notification relevance based on pre-defined relationships, reducing operational complexity while maintaining high relevance through context-aware triggering logic

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3075176B1Geofence compositions
Publication Date: 2024.07.24 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP3075176B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3075176B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3075176B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Architecture that enables geofence combinations and compositions where multiple correlated geofences are generated for an entity such as a point of interest. The geofences can have varying radii relative to a specific entity and represent distinct areas or aspects of the entity. The geofences can relate to correspondingly different categories to which the entity can belong. The geofences can be of differing shapes than circular, such as polygons (e.g., rectangles, squares, etc.). Moreover, these differently shaped geofences can be applied to a single entity. Each geofence of a geofence set associated with an entity can be assigned to represent different parts of an entity such as a part a shopping mall. Geofence composition is obtained by combining multiple primitive geofences to compose more complex geofence(s) for an entity and for embedding the relationship of the primitive geofences into such compositions.