Mobile Tracking System for Real-Time Location Sharing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile tracking technologies face challenges in providing real-time location updates, especially at high speeds, due to time lags in data generation, transmission, and processing, which can lead to inaccuracies in navigation, particularly in densely populated areas, and frequent updates burden device processors and bandwidth.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for tracking a lead mobile device that enables real-time sharing of location, speed, heading, and path data with multiple following devices, allowing for graphical representation on screens, with options to initiate tracking from communication applications, and the ability to initiate conference calls, using a combination of GPS, RF transceivers, and user input to manage data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If more frequent position updates are transmitted to reduce time lag, then tracking accuracy is improved, but device processor burden and wireless bandwidth consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetracking accuracyVSAvoidprocessor burden
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the tracking data transmission by identifying and separating the lead mobile device's position data from other data streams. The lead device's location information is extracted and transmitted independently to multiple follower devices, reducing the processing burden on each individual device while maintaining high tracking accuracy through dedicated data streams.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary communication application that acts as a mediator between the lead device and follower devices. This intermediary manages the collection, processing, and distribution of tracking data, offloading the computational burden from individual mobile devices while enabling efficient real-time data sharing across the network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If more frequent position updates are transmitted to reduce time lag, then tracking accuracy is improved, but wireless bandwidth consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetracking accuracyVSAvoidbandwidth consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges multiple tracking data streams into a single efficient communication channel. By combining the position data from the lead device with follower device requests in a unified data transmission protocol, the system reduces redundant transmissions and optimizes wireless bandwidth utilization while maintaining real-time tracking accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action through event-driven data transmission, where position updates are transmitted only when changes occur or at optimized intervals based on movement detection. This approach maintains high tracking accuracy for moving devices while reducing unnecessary transmissions during stationary periods, thereby conserving wireless bandwidth.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Productivity

If static location updates are transmitted periodically, then device resources are conserved, but tracking real-time position accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource efficiencyVSAvoidposition accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the tracking update frequency based on the movement state of the lead device. When the device is stationary or moving slowly, updates occur periodically to conserve resources. When rapid movement is detected, the system automatically increases update frequency to maintain position accuracy, creating a dynamic balance between resource efficiency and tracking precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where follower devices receive confirmation of received position data and can request additional updates if needed. The system uses this feedback to optimize transmission frequency, maintaining high position accuracy when required while conserving device resources during periods of stable conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3614361B1Mobile tracking
Publication Date: 2024.02.14 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP3614361B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3614361B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3614361B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of tracking a lead mobile device entails receiving tracking data that includes a current location for both the lead mobile device and at least one other mobile device that is also tracking the lead device. The method also entails displaying the current locations of the lead device and of the at least one other mobile device that is also receiving the tracking data. A related method shares tracking data with other mobile devices by activating a communication application, communicating with a plurality of other mobile devices via the communication application, and receiving user input to cause the mobile device to transmit tracking data to the plurality of other mobile devices.