GPS Receiver Geographic Restriction System
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to prevent unauthorized use of GPS receivers in regions where their use is not allowed, particularly addressing the issue of grey market imports and ensuring compliance with geographic restrictions on technical data exports.
Innovation Solution
A position determining system that includes a GPS receiver, a memory for storing geographic information, a comparator to verify the receiver's location, and a controller to manage the functionality or data flow, which can deactivate the system or limit accuracy if it is used outside permitted areas, incorporating features like encryption and wireless communication for remote processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If GPS receivers are made available in multiple regions with different pricing, then market accessibility and sales volume improve, but the risk of grey market imports increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-configuring GPS receivers with geographic location parameters and restriction data before they are deployed. The system proactively prevents grey market imports by detecting unauthorized geographic locations and automatically deactivating the receiver or limiting its functionality, rather than reacting after unauthorized use occurs. This preemptive approach blocks harmful grey market activities before they can undermine the pricing strategy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control system that acts as a mediator between the GPS receiver and unauthorized use. The geographic location parameter comparison mechanism serves as an intermediary layer that verifies whether the receiver is being used in an authorized region. When unauthorized use is detected, this intermediary system intervenes by deactivating the receiver or limiting its output, thereby preventing grey market exploitation without requiring physical barriers or complex authentication protocols.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If geographic restriction systems are implemented in GPS receivers, then control over regional usage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-loading GPS receivers with geographic location parameters and usage restriction data during manufacturing or activation. The system prepares all necessary control mechanisms in advance, including the comparison logic and deactivation protocols, so that geographic restriction enforcement requires minimal additional processing during operation. This approach reduces runtime complexity while maintaining strong control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the operational state of the GPS receiver based on geographic location parameters. Instead of implementing complex continuous control mechanisms, the system changes discrete parameters such as activation status, output accuracy, or functional limitations based on whether the receiver is in an authorized or unauthorized region. This binary or stepped parameter approach simplifies the control logic while effectively preventing unauthorized use.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If GPS receivers deactivate or limit functionality outside restricted regions, then enforcement of export controls is improved, but usability and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing differentiated functionality based on geographic location. GPS receivers operate with full functionality and high precision in authorized regions, while automatically transitioning to limited or deactivated states in unauthorized regions. This spatially varying quality ensures that export control compliance is enforced only where necessary, without impacting productivity or usability in permitted areas. The system adapts its characteristics locally according to the geographic context.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the operational state of the GPS receiver adaptable and changeable based on real-time geographic location. The receiver dynamically transitions between authorized and unauthorized states as it moves across geographic boundaries, adjusting its functionality, output accuracy, or activation status accordingly. This dynamic behavior allows the system to maintain high productivity in permitted regions while automatically enforcing export controls when entering restricted areas, without requiring manual intervention or permanent deactivation.
Data Source
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AI summary
In a position determining system that includes a position determining component such as a GPS receiver, and a controller, the system is made geographically dependent by providing a memory with geographic information to which position information from the position determining component is compared to determine whether the system is being used outside the permissible geographic region.