Location-Based Alarm Triggering via GPS Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communications devices rely on users setting alarms based on pre-selected times, which may not account for delays or changes in travel schedules, leading to inaccurate triggering of alarms in location-dependent scenarios, such as commuting.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communications device equipped with a GPS receiver and alarm application that allows users to set location-dependent alarms by specifying target locations, using longitude and latitude data or maps, and triggering alerts when the device reaches those locations, with options for distance tolerance and forewarning times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If alarm is set based on pre-selected time, then alarm triggers at fixed time, but alarm accuracy deteriorates when travel schedule changes or delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of setting alarm based on time and checking location, the patent inverts the approach by setting alarm based on location and checking time. The system determines current location first, then checks if it matches target location, and only then triggers alarm based on time conditions. This inversion makes the alarm adaptable to schedule changes while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic alarm triggering by continuously monitoring both location and time parameters. The alarm condition is not static but dynamically evaluated based on real-time location data from GPS and current time from the device clock, allowing the alarm to adapt to changing travel conditions while maintaining precise triggering.
2Adaptability or versatility
If alarm uses location matching, then alarm adapts to destination changes, but device complexity increases due to GPS and location tracking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the universal applicability of GPS technology already integrated in modern wireless devices. By using the existing GPS receiver for location-based alarm triggering, the patent adds alarm functionality without significantly increasing overall device complexity, as GPS is a multi-functional component used for various purposes including navigation and location tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the device's own built-in GPS receiver and clock to determine location and time for alarm triggering, eliminating the need for external specialized equipment. The wireless communications device serves itself by utilizing its existing hardware capabilities, thereby avoiding additional complexity from external components.
3Ease of operation
If alarm provides forewarning capability, then user convenience improves, but time precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements forewarning capability by calculating estimated time of arrival at target location in advance and triggering alarm before the actual arrival. The system performs preliminary time calculation based on current location, target location, and travel speed, then triggers alarm at a predetermined forewarning interval, providing user convenience while managing time precision requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communications device includes a location-dependent alarm which a user can set to be triggered at a target location. A GPS receiver embedded in the wireless device provides position data representative of the current location. When the current location matches the target location, the alarm is triggered. This enables the user to set the alarm to wake him upon arrival at a particular location, e.g. a specific station on a commuter train. In another example, the wireless device can wake the user at one time of morning if the user is sleeping in one location and at a second time if the user is sleeping in a second location.