Hybrid Location Detection System for Geofencing Accuracy and Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current location detection technologies for mobile devices, such as cell towers, Wi-Fi access points, and GPS, suffer from inaccuracies, high power consumption, and slow acquisition times, making them inefficient for reliable geofencing applications.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid location detection system that categorizes sensors based on characteristics, uses a combination of cell, Wi-Fi, and GPS technologies, and employs a progressive deepening algorithm to optimize accuracy and battery life by selectively activating sensors based on the geofence size and available location technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS technology is used for location detection, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the location detection process into multiple stages with different sensor combinations. Initially, lower-power sensors (cell towers, Wi-Fi) are used for coarse location estimation. When higher precision is needed or available, GPS is activated. This segmentation allows the system to achieve accurate location detection when necessary while minimizing overall energy consumption by using power-efficient sensors for routine updates.
2Measurement precision
If multiple location sensors are used simultaneously, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic sensor selection and combination strategies. The system adapts which sensors are active based on current location requirements, geofence characteristics, and available technologies. This dynamic approach allows multiple sensors to be used when needed for high precision while reducing operational complexity by deactivating unnecessary sensors during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (sensor fusion algorithm) that manages multiple location sensors. This intermediary processes data from various sensors (GPS, cell towers, Wi-Fi) and produces a unified location estimate, simplifying the complexity of managing multiple sensors by providing a single integrated output to the geofencing application.
3Reliability
If continuous location monitoring is performed, then reliability of geofence detection is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic location monitoring instead of continuous monitoring. The system checks location at intervals appropriate to the geofence size and application requirements. For large geofences, less frequent checks are sufficient, reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliable detection. The monitoring frequency is dynamically adjusted based on factors like geofence dimensions, device movement patterns, and battery status.
4Measurement precision
If high-precision location detection is used, then measurement precision is improved, but acquisition time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary action by first obtaining a coarse location estimate using fast, low-precision sensors (cell towers, Wi-Fi). This preliminary location information is then used to determine whether high-precision GPS detection is necessary. By performing this preliminary assessment first, the system avoids the time cost of activating GPS when lower-precision sensors are sufficient, thus reducing overall acquisition time while maintaining accuracy when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a plurality of methods for location detection are disclosed. In some cases, the user's present location is represented by a circle, having a center and a radius, where the radius is indicative of the accuracy of the present location. The desired destination location, or geofence, is also defined as a circle, having a center and a radius. The various methods disclosed are used to determine when a user has entered or exited the geofence. In some embodiments, these methods attempt to minimize power consumption or another parameter. In another embodiment, the methods attempt to achieve the highest degree of accuracy possible or required for the task.