Power Efficient Dynamic Geofences via Network Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Geofencing technologies for location-based services consume excessive electrical power due to reliance on GPS positioning, which is power-intensive.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that uses low-power network-based positioning to determine device location and define geofences, allowing for location-based alerts to be generated without GPS data, thereby reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS positioning is used to determine device location for geofencing, then location accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the geofencing system into two parts: a server-side component that performs computationally intensive GPS coordinate calculations and geofence boundary determinations, and a client-side component that only receives and processes location alerts. This segmentation allows the mobile device to avoid continuous GPS usage while still providing accurate location-based services through server-assisted positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the GPS satellite system and the mobile device. The server receives GPS data, processes location information, determines geofence boundaries, and sends alerts to the device. This intermediary approach allows the device to benefit from accurate GPS positioning without directly consuming the high power required for continuous GPS operation.
2Reliability
If continuous location monitoring is implemented for geofence breach detection, then service reliability is improved, but battery life deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic location monitoring where the server checks device location at predetermined time intervals rather than continuously. The system receives location information from the device periodically, determines if the device has breached geofence boundaries, and sends alerts only when necessary. This periodic approach maintains service reliability by detecting geofence breaches while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
3Use of energy by moving object
If server-assisted positioning is used instead of device-based GPS, then power consumption is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex GPS processing and geofence calculation functions from the mobile device and places them on the server. The device's role is simplified to sending periodic location updates and receiving alerts, while the server handles all computationally intensive tasks including coordinate calculations, boundary determinations, and alert generation. This extraction reduces device complexity and power consumption while maintaining service functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
Location-based services using geofencing are described. An electronic device includes a processing device that determines that the electronic device is to alert that the electronic device is near a target. The processing device determines a device location of the electronic device based on one or more network access points in communication range of the electronic device and determines a geofence encompassing the device location, wherein the geofence is located at a first distance from the target that exceeds a second distance that is between the device location and a target location of the target by an amount associated with a margin of error value in determining the device location using the one or more network access points. In response, the processing device generates an alert that the geofence has been breached.