Mobile App Location Check-In Using Sensor Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for mobile computing device apps that provide users with location-based information about businesses and other venues, as existing apps do not adequately offer this service, despite the increasing demand for such services.
Innovation Solution
A mobile app system that uses a combination of GPS, compass, gyroscope, and network triangulation to determine the user's location and provide location-based venue information, allowing users to search for nearby businesses and venues, with features like trending venues and automatic check-in functionality through integration with social networking services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple location determination methods (GPS, compass, gyroscope, network triangulation) are integrated, then location accuracy and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple location determination methods (GPS, compass, gyroscope, network triangulation) into a unified location determination system. The system merges these different technologies to provide redundant location services, improving reliability by cross-validating position data from multiple sources while managing complexity through integrated architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile computing device is designed with multi-functionality to perform various location-based operations including determining location, calculating distance to venues, determining travel time, and providing location-based information services. This universal device can handle multiple functions through a single integrated platform.
2Adaptability or versatility
If location-based services and automatic check-in functionality are added, then user experience and service versatility are improved, but device complexity and programming requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile computing device is designed with multi-functionality to perform various location-based operations including determining location, calculating distance to venues, determining travel time, and providing location-based information services. This universal device can handle multiple functions through a single integrated platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic check-in functionality where the mobile device autonomously determines when a user has arrived at a venue based on location data, calculates travel time, and initiates check-in procedures without requiring manual user intervention. The device serves itself by automatically performing location-based tasks.
3Productivity
If real-time location tracking and automatic check-in are implemented, then productivity and time efficiency are improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic location updates rather than continuous tracking. The mobile device determines location at specific intervals or when triggered by user actions, such as when approaching a venue for check-in. This periodic action reduces energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring while maintaining time efficiency for location-based services.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables users to receive tailored location-based information and services, enhancing the user experience by providing relevant venue information and social interaction, while improving the efficiency of finding nearby businesses and venues.
Implementation Method 1
The mobile computing device may determine its location using a Global Positioning System (GPS) of the device
Implementation Method 2
a compass and/or gyroscope of the device
Implementation Method 3
a triangulated position received from a mobile telecommunications network provider
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments are directed to systems and methods for checking in at a business with a mobile computing device. For example, the mobile computing device may receive via a data network, location information for a venue. The mobile computing device may also determine whether a location of the mobile computing device is available. Conditioned upon the location of the mobile computing device being available, the mobile computing device may determine whether the location of the mobile computing device is within a threshold distance of the venue. Conditioned upon the location of the mobile computing device being within the threshold distance of the venue, the mobile computing device may send a check-in message to a server. The check-in message may indicate that the user of the mobile computing device is at the venue.