Master Device Alert Messaging for Tracking Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication methods for personal tracking devices are costly and inefficient, particularly in remote or hazardous environments where miners, hikers, and others may be unable to communicate their location effectively during emergencies, leading to safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A system that pairs a master or monitoring device with tracking devices to initiate messages and request location information, allowing the master device to send alert messages with precise location data on behalf of the tracking device, reducing reliance on expensive communication methods and preserving battery life by limiting reporting to only when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If tracking devices continuously send status and location information to a monitoring control system, then location tracking capability is improved, but communication cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from continuous communication to periodic communication triggered by specific events. The tracking device only transmits location information when an alert condition is detected (such as SOS button press, fall detection, or health parameter threshold breach), rather than continuously sending updates. This event-driven periodic transmission significantly reduces airtime tariffs and energy consumption while maintaining effective location tracking capability when needed.
2Loss of time
If tracking devices send emergency messages directly, then response time is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a master device as an intermediary between the tracking device and the monitoring control system. The tracking device detects alert conditions and sends simplified signals to the master device (such as a smartphone or wearable), which then handles the complex tasks of determining precise location, formatting emergency messages, and transmitting them to emergency services or contacts. This intermediary approach maintains fast emergency response while reducing the complexity burden on the tracking device itself.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided in accordance with an example embodiment in order to initiate a message and communication on behalf of one or more tracking devices or initiate a request for location information associated with one or more tracking devices. In the context of a method, the method includes pairing at least a first device with at least one tracking device that is associated with a user; wherein the first device is configured to interact with the at least one tracking device. The method further includes detecting an alert condition with respect to the at least one tracking device and initiating a message request to the at least one tracking device. The method further includes causing an alert message comprising the location information associated with the at least one tracking device to be transmitted.