Interactive Tracking Virtual World System Using Geofencing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing virtual space systems do not effectively incentivize or engage users by reflecting their real-world activities, and monitoring systems lack incentives for individuals being tracked, leading to limited interaction and engagement.

Innovation Solution

The Interactive Tracking Virtual World (ITVW) system overlays a virtual environment onto a real-world map, using location information from tracking devices to create a customizable and dynamic gaming experience, where users can interact with their real-world activities, set geofences, and receive rewards or notifications, while also providing businesses with marketing opportunities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a virtual space system is created without integrating real-world activities, then the system structure remains simple, but user engagement and interaction are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser engagementVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the virtual space system with real-world location tracking by integrating GPS data and geofencing capabilities into the virtual environment. This merging allows users to interact with virtual elements based on their physical location, thereby enhancing user engagement while managing system complexity through unified architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates multiple functions including location tracking, geofence monitoring, virtual reward distribution, and social interaction features within a single platform. This multi-functionality approach enhances adaptability and user engagement by providing diverse interactions without requiring separate systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If real-world location monitoring is implemented without incentives, then monitoring accuracy is maintained, but user participation and engagement are low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser participationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where users receive virtual rewards, notifications, and recognition when they reach specific locations or complete designated activities. This positive feedback loop incentivizes continued participation and engagement, transforming passive monitoring into an active, rewarding experience that enhances user participation while maintaining monitoring accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts user experiences by providing real-time updates, location-based events, and adaptive reward structures that respond to user behavior patterns. This dynamic approach keeps the system engaging and adaptable to individual user preferences, thereby enhancing participation without requiring overly complex predetermined structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a comprehensive virtual world system with real-world integration is created, then user engagement and functionality are enhanced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into distinct functional modules including location tracking services, geofence management, virtual reward distribution, and user interface components. This segmentation allows each module to be developed, maintained, and scaled independently, thereby enhancing overall system functionality while managing complexity through modular architecture that prevents overwhelming system-wide complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Measurement precision

If tracking devices are made mandatory for monitoring purposes, then location accuracy is ensured, but user convenience and ease of use are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation accuracyVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system leverages existing mobile devices that users already carry for daily purposes, transforming these devices into tracking instruments through software integration. This self-service approach allows users to benefit from accurate location tracking without requiring specialized equipment, thereby maintaining location accuracy while preserving user convenience and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10681181B2Interactive tracking virtual world system
Publication Date: 2020.06.09 HAMILL KRISTAN LISA
  • US10681181B2 patent drawing
  • US10681181B2 patent drawing
  • US10681181B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An Interactive Tracking Virtual World (ITVW) system, may be utilized with other systems accessible through the Internet and/or a communications network. The ITVW system may be operable as an online game and/or to provide a virtual environment. ITVW system users (i.e., ITVW users) may be individuals or groups, such as parents and/or their children, which utilize the ITVW system for tracking an identity within the ITVW system. The ITVW system may also include ITVW system participants (i.e., ITVW participants), such as commercial business establishments, individuals and/or other entities associated with the ITVW system. The ITVW system collects an ITVW user's location information and location history.