Mobile Group Manager for Low-Connectivity Subgroup Regrouping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic communication methods for coordinating group locations, such as text messaging, are prone to inaccuracies, miscommunications, and connectivity issues, leading to user frustration and potential separation within groups.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device equipped with a group manager that tracks the location of devices and provides a regroup indicator to coordinate devices back to a designated meeting location, even in low network connectivity conditions, allowing for separate subgroup coordination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If text messaging is used for location coordination, then users can communicate location information remotely, but miscommunications and inaccuracies occur leading to user frustration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual text messaging with an automated electronic system that uses GPS location tracking and algorithmic message generation. The system automatically monitors device locations, determines when regrouping is needed, and sends coordinated messages without requiring manual user input, thereby eliminating human error in communication while maintaining ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically tracking locations, determining regrouping conditions, and initiating communication without user intervention. The electronic device autonomously monitors its own location and the locations of other devices, calculates when regrouping should occur, and sends appropriate notifications, freeing users from manual coordination tasks.
2Ease of operation
If manual text messaging is used for coordination, then users can communicate plans and locations, but connectivity loss results in users becoming lost or separated
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously tracking device locations and pre-calculating regrouping conditions before connectivity is needed. When devices are connected, the system monitors locations and prepares regrouping notifications in advance, so that when connectivity is restored after a loss, the system can immediately provide accurate regrouping instructions based on accumulated location data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring device locations and comparing them against the designated meeting location. This feedback loop allows the system to detect when devices are drifting apart and automatically initiate regrouping notifications, ensuring reliable coordination even when connectivity is intermittent, as the system constantly adjusts based on current location data.
3Extent of automation
If group coordination is implemented, then all devices can be managed centrally, but individual subgroup needs cannot be addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the group into subgroups based on location data and regrouping needs. The system identifies devices that are near each other and automatically creates subgroup notifications, allowing individual subgroups to regroup at different times or locations while still being part of the overall coordinated group. This enables both centralized management and flexible subgroup adaptation simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
In aspects of subgroup device location coordination, a mobile device implements a group manager that establishes the mobile device as an organizer of a subgroup of one or more additional devices included within a group coordinated by a managing device. The managing device designates a geographical meeting location and an associated meeting time for the mobile device and the one or more additional devices. The mobile device designates a secondary meeting location and an associated secondary meeting time for the one or more additional devices.