Geofenced Fan Networking System with Dynamic Geolocation Modes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing social networking systems at events face challenges in providing location-based services to fans using portable smart devices, particularly in indoor venues where GPS is unavailable, and in conserving battery life while maintaining accurate geolocation tracking.

Innovation Solution

A system that employs geofenced zones and multiple geolocation modes (HIRES and LORES) on portable smart devices to track fans' locations, transitioning between modes based on their proximity to the event venue and their qualified status, thereby extending battery life and ensuring accurate tracking only when necessary.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If GPS location tracking is continuously enabled in HIRES mode, then location accuracy is improved, but battery consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation accuracyVSAvoidbattery consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically transitions between HIRES and LORES geolocation modes based on the fan's proximity to the venue and their qualified status. When a fan is far from the venue or not qualified, the system uses LORES mode to conserve battery. When a fan approaches the venue or becomes qualified, the system switches to HIRES mode for accurate tracking and service delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the geolocation resolution parameter from HIRES to LORES and vice versa based on specific conditions. This parameter switching allows the system to maintain location accuracy when needed while reducing power consumption during periods when precise tracking is not required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If HIRES geolocation mode is maintained for all fans, then location tracking accuracy is improved, but battery life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegeolocation tracking accuracyVSAvoidbattery life
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different geolocation tracking qualities to different fans based on their individual needs and status. Qualified fans who are near the venue receive HIRES tracking, while other fans receive LORES tracking. This localized quality adjustment optimizes both tracking accuracy and battery life across the entire user base.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies full HIRES tracking only partially - specifically to fans who are qualified and near the venue - rather than continuously to all fans. This partial application of high-resolution tracking maintains necessary accuracy while avoiding excessive battery consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If geolocation tracking is continuously monitored at high resolution, then service delivery accuracy is improved, but energy resources are depleted faster

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice delivery accuracyVSAvoidenergy resources
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts geolocation monitoring resolution based on whether fans meet specific criteria for service eligibility. By transitioning between LORES and HIRES modes according to real-time conditions, the system ensures reliable service delivery to qualified fans while minimizing energy loss across the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Use of energy by moving object

If multiple geolocation modes are implemented with conditional switching, then battery efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from geolocation data, fan proximity detection, and qualification status to automatically determine when to switch between LORES and HIRES modes. This feedback mechanism manages the complexity of multiple modes by using automated decision-making based on predefined conditions, reducing the need for manual configuration while maintaining battery efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3120315B1Geofenced event-based fan networking
Publication Date: 2019.04.03 BLEACHR LLC
  • EP3120315B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3120315B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3120315B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention is a fan networking system (FNS), available through a software application, executing on fans' portable smart devices for an event to be held in a venue. A FNS may offer event-customized services to fans, such as messaging, fan groups, mementos, coupons, "friends", and contests. The level of services might depend on whether a fan is attending; timing (pre-, during, post-performance); for a competitive event, whether the fan affiliates with the home or away team; and the category of fan (e.g., audience, management, performer). Determination of whether a fan is attending may be done with geolocation services, e.g., through GPS. A fan might need to remain within the venue for some period of time to qualify as attending. Services to attending fans may extend for a period beyond the event itself.