Multimodal Position Selection for Stable Tracking Reports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing asset tracking systems face challenges in providing accurate and stable position reporting due to fluctuations in position data from various tracking technologies, especially when tracking devices are stationary, leading to unstable position reports and erroneous geofence rule triggers.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for multimodal position selection based on an aggregated previous position of a tracking device, determining whether the device is stationary by comparing positions to a threshold distance from a previous position, and selecting the closest position to the aggregated previous position when stationary, while using the best reported accuracy when moving.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple positioning technologies are used to track device location, then position coverage and signal availability are improved, but position data stability and reporting reliability deteriorate due to fluctuations in position data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple positioning technologies (GNSS, cell-positioning, WLAN, Bluetooth) into a unified tracking system that aggregates position data from all available sources. The system merges these diverse position signals and applies a selection algorithm that chooses the most stable position reading, thereby maintaining broad position coverage while improving overall data stability through intelligent consolidation of multiple sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the selection parameter based on device motion state. When the device is stationary, it selects position data closest to the aggregated previous position to minimize fluctuations. When moving, it switches to selecting based on best reported accuracy. This parameter change adapts the selection criteria to the current operational context, resolving the contradiction between coverage and stability.
2Measurement precision
If position data is frequently updated to improve tracking accuracy, then position precision is improved, but position stability deteriorates due to natural fluctuations in positioning signals
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its position selection strategy based on the detected motion state of the tracking device. It transitions between two operational modes: stationary mode (selecting positions closest to aggregated previous position) and moving mode (selecting positions with best reported accuracy). This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize for either stability or precision depending on the current situation, resolving the contradiction between frequent updates and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from motion detection algorithms to continuously monitor whether the device is stationary or moving. This feedback loop informs the position selection algorithm, which then adjusts its behavior accordingly. When feedback indicates stationary state, the system prioritizes stability by selecting positions near the aggregated previous position, thereby reducing false updates while maintaining accuracy when movement is detected.
3Reliability
If position threshold comparisons are used to detect stationary devices, then false geofence triggers are reduced, but position detection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary aggregation of position data to establish a stable reference point (aggregated previous position) before conducting threshold comparisons. By pre-processing the position data into an aggregated representation, the system simplifies subsequent stationary detection operations and reduces the computational complexity of real-time geofence trigger decisions, while still maintaining high reliability in detecting true geofence events.
Data Source
AI summary
An approach is provided for multimodal position selection based on an aggregated previous position of a tracking device. The approach, for example, involves receiving a telemetry item from the tracking device. The tracking device is configured with a plurality of positioning technologies to generate position signals respectively. A plurality of positions of the tracking device are respectively determined using the position signals. The approach also involves based on determining that the tracking device is stationary by determining that at least one of the plurality of positions is less than a threshold distance from a previous position or an aggregated previous position of the tracking device, selecting a position from the plurality of positions that is closest to the aggregated previous position of the tracking device. The approach further involves assigning the selected position to the telemetry item. The approach further involves providing the telemetry item with the selected position as an output.