Geofence Monitoring via Dynamic GPS Cycling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Geofencing technologies consume excessive power due to continuous GPS usage, which is inefficient for determining when a mobile device crosses a geofence, especially in building automation systems.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method where the GPS capability of a mobile device is temporarily turned on to determine the current location, then turned off and kept off for a calculated delay time based on the estimated time to cross the geofence, reducing power consumption by minimizing continuous location tracking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If GPS capability is continuously turned on to monitor geofence crossing, then geofence monitoring accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegeofence monitoring accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The GPS capability is activated periodically rather than continuously. The system calculates a time-to-fence value based on current position and estimated speed, then keeps GPS off for that calculated duration before reactivating it. This periodic activation maintains geofence monitoring capability while dramatically reducing power consumption compared to continuous GPS operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary calculations of the time-to-fence value based on current position, geofence parameters, and estimated movement speed. This preliminary action allows the system to predict when GPS should be reactivated, ensuring continuous monitoring accuracy without needing GPS on at all times, thus optimizing power usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Use of energy by moving object

If GPS capability is turned off frequently to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but geofence monitoring reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidgeofence monitoring reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The GPS activation schedule is dynamic rather than static. The time-to-fence value is continuously recalculated based on current position, geofence boundaries, and estimated speed. This dynamic adjustment ensures GPS is activated at the optimal moment to detect geofence crossings, maintaining reliability while minimizing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from current position data and estimated speed to adjust the GPS reactivation timing. By continuously monitoring position changes and calculating updated time-to-fence values, the system adapts its GPS usage pattern to maintain reliable geofence detection even with intermittent GPS operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10271284B2Methods and systems for performing geofencing with reduced power consumption

Publication Date: 2019.04.23 RESIDEO USA LLC

AI summary

A GPS capability of a mobile device may be turned on in order to ascertain an updated current location and then be turned off. Position relative to the geofence may be determined based on the updated current location and a time to fence value that provides an estimate of how soon an individual carrying the mobile device could cross the geofence may be calculated. The GPS capability may be kept turned off for a delay time period that is based at least in part on the calculated time to fence value. After the delay time period, the GPS capability of the mobile device may be turned back on and the cycle of turning on the GPS, ascertaining an updated current location and turning off the GPS may continue. An indication of the position of the mobile device relative to the geofence may be transmitted.