Mobile Device Location Tracking via Temporary ID Signal Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless location tracking systems require users to carry extraneous devices and suffer from battery drain due to continuous transmissions, and struggle with movable venue furniture, leading to inaccurate location determination and increased complexity for both users and vendors.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses a user's routinely carried mobile device, such as a smartphone, to automatically detect its presence and transmit a temporary identification sequence (TID) via Bluetooth, allowing scanners to determine the device's location within a predetermined spatial resolution without the need for extraneous devices, and automatically disconnects after the transaction is complete.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If extraneous locator devices are carried by users for location tracking, then location determination capability is improved, but device complexity and user burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by utilizing the mobile device that users already carry for its location tracking capability. Instead of requiring separate extraneous locator devices, the system leverages the existing mobile device's Bluetooth and scanner components to perform location determination, thereby eliminating the need for additional hardware while maintaining tracking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by having the mobile device automatically perform location tracking without requiring user intervention or additional devices. The mobile device autonomously transmits identification signals and location data, and the system automatically processes this information to determine user location, eliminating the need for users to manually configure or carry separate tracking devices.
2Reliability
If continuous transmissions are performed by extraneous locator devices, then location tracking reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by having the mobile device transmit identification signals at intervals rather than continuously. The system transmits signals periodically to maintain location tracking reliability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous transmission. This periodic transmission approach allows the battery-powered mobile device to conserve energy while still providing reliable location data.
3Measurement precision
If radio tags are embedded in movable furniture for location tracking, then location determination capability is improved, but tracking accuracy deteriorates when furniture is moved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing the location tracking dependency from movable furniture and embedding it directly in the mobile device that accompanies the user. Instead of relying on fixed or movable furniture with embedded radio tags, the system extracts the tracking function to the mobile device itself, ensuring consistent and accurate location tracking regardless of furniture movement or reconfiguration.
4Measurement precision
If extraneous locator devices are used for fine resolution location determination, then location resolution is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically performing location determination using the mobile device without requiring user awareness or manual configuration. Users simply need to carry their mobile device normally, and the system autonomously transmits signals, processes location data, and provides fine resolution location information, thereby maintaining high measurement precision while significantly improving ease of operation.
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
This approach enhances user convenience and vendor efficiency by eliminating the need for additional devices, reducing battery consumption, and improving location accuracy while maintaining user privacy by limiting tracking to within the venue and deleting the temporary tracking components post-delivery.
Implementation Method 1
using the obtained current hardware address code to repeatedly attempt to dynamically connect to a predetermined background peripheral service (BPS) installed in the detected mobile device, where the BPS is configured to output a wireless signal including a temporary identification sequence (TID)
Implementation Method 2
determining the strength of the received wireless signal and acquiring the TID provided within the received wireless signal
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to technology for determining a location of a user in a physical venue without need for the user to carry extraneous devices. The method includes installing a background peripheral service (BPS) in a personal mobile device routinely carried by the user where the BPS outputs a temporary ID sequence (TID) when activated. The signal strength of the TID is measured at scanner locations each time the BPS is activated and the measured strengths are used to determine the location of the user. The TID is used to identify an order placed by the user for goods and/or services. This allows a human server to locate the user and deliver the goods and/or services to that user.