Geofence Definition via Map Element Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for creating geofences on mobile devices are complex and require users to manually draw or define spatial boundaries, making it difficult to represent irregular shapes and inefficient for mass market adoption.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allows users to create geofences by selecting map elements or point of interest data, using spatial representations like polygons, polylines, and point objects, with default extents and algorithmic adjustments for varying densities, enabling a 'one selection' process for accurate geofence definition and storage on mobile devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If users manually draw or define spatial boundaries using GUI tools, then geofence boundaries can be precisely defined, but the process becomes complex and difficult for mass market adoption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent copies the real-world spatial boundaries of map elements (polylines, polygons, points) directly as geofence definitions. Instead of requiring users to draw boundaries, the system automatically copies the stored geometric data from map elements to create accurate geofences, resolving the contradiction between precision and ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces map elements (polylines, polygons, points) as intermediaries between the user and the geofence creation process. Users select from pre-defined map elements rather than drawing boundaries directly, with the map element geometry serving as the intermediary that defines the geofence boundary automatically.
2Ease of operation
If default radius or axis values are used for point features, then geofence creation is simplified, but accuracy may be compromised for irregularly shaped objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different geometric representations (polylines, polygons, points) to different map elements based on their local characteristics. Regular objects receive simple geometric representations while irregular objects receive more complex representations that match their actual shape, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of geofences based on the selected map element type. Instead of using a fixed radius for all point features, the system adjusts the geometric representation (from point to polyline to polygon) according to the local characteristics of each map element, achieving both simplicity and accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex GUI tools are provided for drawing geofences, then boundary definition capability is enhanced, but device resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the geofence definition task from the mobile device and relocates it to the mapping system/server. The device only needs to select map elements and receive pre-computed geofence definitions, eliminating the need for complex drawing tools and reducing device resource requirements while maintaining shape flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the mapping system universal by having it serve multiple functions: storing map data, defining geofence boundaries, and providing geometric representations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate geofence drawing tools on the device, reducing complexity while maintaining versatility.
4Manufacturing precision
If extensive network bandwidth is allocated for geofence data transfer, then geofence definition accuracy is improved, but resource efficiency on mobile devices decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs geofence definition actions in advance by storing map elements with their geometric data (polylines, polygons, points) on the server. When a user creates a geofence, the system retrieves pre-defined geometric data rather than transferring complex boundary information, reducing network bandwidth consumption while maintaining accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
The preferred embodiments of the present invention are directed to an improved mapping and navigational system. Specifically, the present invention is directed to a system for defining and assigning geographical boundaries to points of interests on a graphical map, where the geographical boundaries preferably correlate to spatially defined boundaries of the respective points of interests. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the points of interest, along with the respective defined geographical boundaries, can be transferred from a personal computing device to a telecommunication device, such as a portable communication device, so as to be used for mapping purposes and to set off proximity alerts when the portable communication device, equipped with a GPS unit, enters or exits the geographical boundary of a particular point of interest.