Geofence Management for Overlapping Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing geofence systems cannot precisely set areas smaller than the minimum size and do not allow for shapes other than designated shapes, leading to inconveniences when multiple geofences overlap, resulting in imprecise services and user confusion.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device equipped with a wireless communication circuit, positioning circuit, and processor that receives geofence information, determines the position within overlapping geofences, selects a representative geofence based on set rules, and transmits this information, allowing for the generation of new shapes and precise geofence settings, as well as adjusting position measurement intervals according to geofence attributes and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a geofence is set in a designated shape (circular or rectangular) with minimum size, then the geofence can be established with standardized parameters, but the desired area cannot be exactly designated and areas smaller than minimum size cannot be set
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments a complex geofence area into multiple simpler geometric shapes (circles, rectangles, polygons). Each shape can be independently defined with standard parameters, and their combination allows precise designation of arbitrary areas while maintaining ease of implementation for each individual shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite geofence structures by combining multiple basic geometric shapes (circles, rectangles, polygons) to form complex geofence areas. This composite approach enables both precision in area designation and flexibility in shape adaptation, resolving the contradiction between standardized parameters and arbitrary shape requirements.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple geofences are set to cover different areas, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but overlapping geofences cause user confusion and imprecise service
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors device position relative to multiple geofences and provides real-time information about which geofence is currently active. This feedback resolves user confusion by clearly indicating the relevant geofence context even when multiple geofences overlap or are in proximity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that manages multiple geofence definitions and determines which geofence should be active based on device position, geofence priorities, and overlap resolution rules. This intermediary layer prevents direct conflict between overlapping geofences and maintains clear service delivery.
3Measurement precision
If position measurement is performed continuously to ensure precise geofence detection, then accurate position tracking is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic position measurement instead of continuous measurement, adjusting the measurement interval based on device movement state. When the device is stationary or moving slowly, measurements are performed less frequently. When movement is detected or the device approaches geofence boundaries, measurement frequency increases. This periodic approach maintains measurement precision while significantly reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the position measurement system dynamic by adjusting measurement parameters (frequency, precision level) based on device state, geofence proximity, and movement speed. This dynamic adaptation ensures accurate geofence detection when needed while conserving energy during periods of low activity or when the device is far from geofence boundaries.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present invention relate to an electronic device and a geofence management method thereof, the electronic device comprising: a wireless communication circuit for providing wireless communication by means of a low power wide area network (LPWAN); a location measuring circuit for detecting the location of the electronic device; a processor electrically connected to the wireless communication circuit and the location measuring circuit; and a memory electrically connected to the processor, wherein the memory may store instructions enabling, during execution, the processor to receive information on a plurality of geofences from an external server via the wireless communication circuit, determine whether the detected location is within two or more geofences, select one of the two or more geofences on the basis of at least a portion of the information, and transmit a message including the location and the selected geofence to the external server via the wireless communication circuit. Other various embodiments are possible.