Movement Tracking via Electronic Device Signal Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for tracking individual movement in transport networks and environments fail to account for routes taken and connections made, providing incomplete data on passenger itineraries and requiring expensive and time-consuming field surveys for accurate analysis.
Innovation Solution
A method using communicating electronic devices, such as smartphones, that emit signals detectable by terminals in the environment, allowing for the collection and analysis of movement data to track user routes, connections, and waiting times, with a remote server processing records to provide real-time and statistical insights into movement flows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If field surveys are used to precisely characterize customer mobility, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electronic device identifiers (digital copies) to represent and track individuals instead of conducting physical field surveys. Terminals collect signal emissions from smartphones and other electronic devices, creating digital traces of user movements that can be processed automatically, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual surveys while maintaining precise measurement of mobility patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical field survey system with an automated electronic detection system. Instead of manual data collection through surveys, the system uses terminals equipped with detection means to automatically capture signal emissions from electronic devices, transforming the data collection process from mechanical human observation to automated electronic sensing and processing
2Ease of operation
If ticketing systems are used to count validated tickets, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of information about routes and connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces electronic device signal emissions as an intermediary carrier of movement information. Instead of relying solely on ticket validation data, the system uses the continuous signal emissions from electronic devices as a mediator that preserves detailed information about user locations, routes taken, and connections made throughout their journey, while still building upon the existing ticketing infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension of data collection by capturing spatial and temporal information from electronic device signals alongside traditional ticketing data. This transforms the one-dimensional ticket validation record into a multi-dimensional movement profile that includes location, time, route, and connection information, enabling comprehensive analysis without sacrificing the operational simplicity of existing systems
3Productivity
If automatic counting systems in vehicles are deployed, then productivity is improved, but loss of information about passenger routes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous detection of electronic device signals throughout the user's journey rather than only at discrete points like vehicle entry/exit. Terminals continuously capture signal emissions as users move through the environment, maintaining an unbroken chain of location data that reveals complete routes, intermediate stops, and connection points, thereby preserving full journey information while enabling high-speed automated processing
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for analysing the movement made by an individual carrying an electronic device communicating in an environment comprising a plurality of terminals connected to a server, each terminal being capable of collecting the signals transmitted within the range of said terminal, the method comprising the following steps: a) collecting, each time the individual passes within the range of a terminal, at least one signal transmitted by the electronic device carried by the individual, said terminal recording each of said signals in a log comprising the identification of the electronic device, the instantaneous power of each signal transmitted during logging, the position of the terminal and the time-stamp of each signal; b) analysing, by the server, the movement made by the individual, by processing the logs. The method can further advantageously comprise a step of sorting data before step b). The invention also relates to a method for analysing movements made by a population of individuals in an environment.