Location Tracking via Proximate Device Relay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computing devices face challenges in transmitting and storing location data to a server when they cannot generate accurate location data or establish a connection to the server.
Innovation Solution
The method involves a user device identifying proximate devices within a wireless personal area network, requesting and receiving location data from them, and then transmitting this data to the server, even if the user device cannot generate accurate location data or connect directly to the server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the user device attempts to transmit location data to the server when it cannot generate accurate location data or establish a connection, then the location tracking service continuity is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for proximate device interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses proximate devices as intermediaries to transfer location data when the user device cannot directly communicate with the server. The user device requests location data from proximate devices via wireless personal area network, and these proximate devices relay the data to the server, enabling indirect communication that maintains service continuity without requiring direct server connection from the user device
2Measurement precision
If the user device requests and uses location data from proximate devices, then the accuracy of location tracking is improved, but the loss of time increases due to the additional data request and reception steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing connections with proximate devices and caching their location data in advance. When the user device needs location data, it can retrieve pre-cached data from proximate devices rather than requiring real-time requests, thereby reducing the time loss while maintaining location accuracy
3Reliability
If the user device establishes connections with proximate devices over wireless personal area network, then the ability to transmit location data is improved, but the use of energy increases due to wireless communication and data processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by selectively establishing connections only with proximate devices that have the necessary location data and are within wireless range. Rather than continuously monitoring or connecting with all possible devices, the system initiates connections only when and where needed, reducing unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining transmission capability
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining location based on nearby devices includes receiving a broadcast message from a proximate device over a wireless personal area network, triggering an event that requires recording location data and time data, and establishing a connection over the wireless personal area network to the proximate device. The method further includes requesting proximate location data from the proximate device over the connection with a user device location request and receiving the proximate location data from the proximate device in a proximate device location response.