GPS Vehicle Course Tracking and Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current GPS processing systems are cumbersome for tracking and comparing lap times on closed courses, prone to inaccuracies due to course cutting, and lack the ability to authenticate users' adherence to the course, making it difficult to compare times among users.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize geolocation data to track and authenticate users' movements against a set of predetermined GPS locations, storing and presenting timing information on a client terminal, with features like aggregating consolidated timing information and providing a graphical user interface for user interaction, allowing users to compare their lap times and view others' times on a closed course.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a stopwatch is used to track lap times, then it is simple to use, but it is cumbersome, difficult to compare times quickly, and subject to course cutting inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical stopwatch system with an electronic GPS-based tracking system. The system automatically records the vehicle's position and calculates lap times using GPS coordinates, eliminating the need for manual stopwatch operation and providing objective, accurate timing data that cannot be manipulated by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the physical course using GPS coordinates. By storing the precise geographic coordinates of the course boundaries and comparing the vehicle's GPS track against these stored coordinates, the system automatically detects course cutting and validates that the vehicle followed the intended route, ensuring accurate lap time measurement.
2Measurement precision
If current GPS processing systems are used, then geolocation tracking is available, but they require a separate GPS unit and do not provide authentication of course adherence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the GPS tracking functionality with the existing mobile computing device that users already possess. By integrating the GPS receiver, course authentication logic, and lap time calculation into a single application on the user's smartphone or tablet, the system eliminates the need for separate GPS units while maintaining precise geolocation tracking capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the mobile computing device perform multiple functions: it serves as the GPS receiver, the course map display, the lap time calculator, and the course adherence authenticator. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for dedicated specialized equipment and leverages the universal capabilities of modern smartphones and tablets.
3Measurement precision
If GPS data is collected continuously, then accurate location tracking is achieved, but data processing and comparison become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the continuous GPS data stream into discrete, meaningful units by comparing the vehicle's position against pre-defined GPS coordinates of the course. Instead of processing every continuous data point, the system identifies key moments when the vehicle passes specific course markers or boundaries, simplifying the data processing while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-storing the exact GPS coordinates of the course boundaries and checkpoints before the racing event. This allows the system to quickly compare real-time vehicle position data against these pre-established reference points, significantly reducing the computational complexity of real-time data processing during the actual lap timing.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method and system for tracking a vehicle's course using geolocation data is provided. The method comprises obtaining a set of predetermined GPS locations representing a closed course; tracking movements of a user using a GPS controller; authenticating the movements of the user against the set of predetermined GPS locations while the client terminal is within a predetermined distance of at least one of the set of predetermined GPS locations; and presenting consolidated timing information about the user's movements along the set of predetermined GPS locations. The system comprises a central processing server in communication with a computer network and configured to obtain information from a central database; and one or more client terminals in communication with the central processing server via the computer network, and configured to provide a graphical user interface for user interaction with the central processing server.