Multi-Carrier Wireless Device Tracking in Dead Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face limitations in tracking users' geographic coordinates in areas with gaps or 'dead zones' in network coverage, particularly in rural regions where a user's communications carrier may not have coverage.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that notifies multiple communications carriers to track a wireless communications device by collecting and communicating its geographic coordinates, even when the device roams across different networks, ensuring coverage in areas where a single carrier's network is unavailable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single communications carrier's network is used for tracking, then the tracking system is simple to operate, but the coverage area is limited and tracking fails in dead zones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple communications carriers' networks into a unified tracking system. When a wireless device enters a dead zone of one carrier, the system automatically switches to another carrier's network that provides coverage in that area, thereby expanding the overall coverage area while maintaining continuous tracking capability
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking system is designed to work across multiple communications carriers' networks simultaneously. The system can track wireless devices on any carrier's network that provides coverage, making the tracking system universal and not limited to a single carrier's geographic constraints
2Reliability
If multiple communications carriers are notified to track the device, then the coverage area is expanded, but the system complexity and coordination requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary entity (such as a central coordinating server or the wireless device itself) that manages communication between multiple carriers. This intermediary handles the coordination of tracking requests, shares location data, and ensures seamless handoff between carriers, thereby improving tracking reliability while managing system complexity through centralized control
3Measurement precision
If GPS is enabled on the wireless device, then location accuracy is improved, but the device requires additional hardware and may not be available in all emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the wireless device to actively participate in its own tracking by using its existing GPS capabilities when available. The device can autonomously determine its location and communicate this information to the tracking system, improving location accuracy while maintaining versatility since the device uses its own resources rather than requiring external infrastructure
4Adaptability or versatility
If base station pings are used for tracking, then no additional device hardware is needed, but tracking is limited to areas with network coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines base station ping methods with GPS capabilities and multi-carrier network access. When a device is in a coverage area, base station pings provide location data; when in a dead zone, GPS provides location data independently of network coverage. This hybrid approach maintains device compatibility while expanding coverage area
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for tracking a wireless communications device of a user may include, in response to receiving a request to track the wireless communications device, notifying a plurality of wireless networks of different communications carriers to collect geographic coordinates at which a wireless communications device is located. Geographic coordinates of the wireless communications device may be collected from at least one of the wireless networks and communicated to a requestor for tracking the wireless communications device.