GPS Data Management Module for Location-Based Services
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art Location-Based Services (LBS) systems face challenges with inconsistent positioning coverage as users move between different network areas, leading to loss of accuracy and efficiency, particularly when equipped with single GPS input devices that are not compatible with multiple communication networks or legacy systems.
Innovation Solution
A GPS data management module that enables a mobile client to determine if a GPS device can provide position access through a wireless communication protocol, and if not, communicates the position to the server using a mobile communication device, allowing for plural radio and GPS sources to be combined within a single client for increased coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single GPS device is used in a mobile client, then the device complexity is reduced, but the positioning coverage and reliability are worsened when moving between different network areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple GPS devices with different communication protocols (GPS, A-GPS, multi-protocol GPS) within a single mobile client. The GPS data management module integrates data from these multiple sources, allowing the system to switch between them based on network availability and compatibility, thereby maintaining continuous positioning coverage without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile client is designed to support multiple GPS device types and communication protocols within a single device. The system can universally handle GPS, A-GPS, and other protocol-compatible GPS devices, making the client adaptable to various network environments and legacy systems while maintaining a single device form factor.
2Reliability
If GPS devices compatible with multiple communication networks are used, then the positioning coverage is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The GPS data management module acts as an intermediary between multiple GPS devices with different protocols and the application layer. It abstracts the complexity of multiple protocols by providing a unified interface for position access, allowing the system to utilize multiple GPS sources without requiring the application to understand each protocol's intricacies.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the GPS functionality into separate devices with specialized protocols (GPS, A-GPS, multi-protocol devices) and manages them independently through a central management module. This segmentation allows each GPS device to be optimized for specific protocols while the management module handles the integration, reducing the complexity burden on individual devices.
3Measurement precision
If the system switches between different GPS sources automatically, then the positioning accuracy is maintained across network conditions, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The GPS data management module implements dynamic switching between different GPS sources based on real-time network conditions and device availability. The system can adaptively change which GPS device is active, switching between GPS, A-GPS, and other sources as network conditions change, thereby maintaining positioning accuracy without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the GPS data management module continuously monitors the availability and performance of multiple GPS sources. Based on this feedback, it automatically selects and switches between appropriate GPS devices to maintain optimal positioning accuracy, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are presented to provide radio and GPS coverage versatility in a location-based service (LBS) system, such as an automatic vehicle location (AVL) system. A mobile client in communication with one or more servers of an LBS system includes one or more mobile communication devices and one or more GPS devices for establishing a position of the client. The client is configured to determine whether none of the one or more GPS devices provide the server access to the position through a wireless protocol implemented therewith, or whether the position should be communicated to the server using the one or more communication devices.