Geofence Paging for Mobile Application Configuration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices can only monitor a limited number of geofences at a time, and existing systems require users to actively open applications to update monitored geofences, limiting contextual in-store experience modifications and location-based services.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of geofence paging, where a parent geofence encircles multiple child geofences, allowing for efficient monitoring of a larger number of locations and automatic configuration changes based on detected entry into specific geofences, enabling seamless contextual modifications in mobile applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mobile devices monitor more geofences to provide better location-based services, then the quality and coverage of location-based services improve, but memory consumption increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments geofences into two categories: active geofences (currently monitored) and inactive geofences (stored but not currently monitored). This segmentation allows the system to manage memory efficiently by only maintaining active geofences in memory while storing inactive ones in a database, thus providing comprehensive location-based service coverage without excessive memory consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a hierarchical structure where a parent geofence contains multiple child geofences. When the mobile device enters the parent geofence, the system dynamically loads and monitors the child geofences. This nested structure enables the system to monitor multiple geofences efficiently by only loading them into memory when needed, resolving the contradiction between service coverage and memory usage.
2Ease of operation
If users actively open applications to update monitored geofences, then application control and updates are maintained, but user convenience and seamless experience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the mobile device to automatically monitor and detect geofence entries without requiring user intervention. The system self-manages the monitoring process by detecting when the device enters a geofence and automatically triggering the associated application configuration changes, thereby providing seamless user experience while maintaining automatic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring geofence monitoring and application launch parameters before the user needs them. When a geofence entry is detected, the relevant application is automatically launched or configured in advance, eliminating the need for users to manually open applications and providing convenient automated service.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mobile devices provide contextual in-store experience modifications, then service quality and personalization improve, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic application configuration based on real-time location detection. When the mobile device enters a geofence, the system dynamically changes the application's configuration parameters, such as modifying the user interface, data displayed, or functional behavior. This dynamic adaptation provides contextualized services without requiring multiple separate applications, thereby managing complexity efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes application parameters based on geofence entry detection. Instead of creating complex new applications for each context, the system modifies existing application parameters (such as display content, service mode, or interaction behavior) according to the detected location, providing personalized contextual services while keeping the overall system structure manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
Various implementations monitor a parent geofence that geographically encompasses a plurality of child geofences, each respective child geofence of the child geofences associated with a respective physical location within the parent geofence. One or more implementations receive location data that indicates a current location of a mobile device. In turn, the current location can be used to determine that the mobile device has entered a particular child geofence of the plurality of child geofences. In response to determining that the mobile device has entered the particular child geofence, one or more implementations select an application configuration for a mobile application on the mobile device, where the application configuration corresponds to the particular child geofence. One or more implementations transmit the application configuration to the mobile device effective to alter a functionality of the mobile application at the mobile device based on the current location.