Staged Location Determination for Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location determination methods on mobile devices consume significant battery power, bandwidth, and incur costs, making it inefficient to continuously use GPS or other location measurement systems, especially when devices are far apart.
Innovation Solution
A staged approach where a first location measurement is obtained using cell-tower information or manual input, and once devices are within a predetermined proximity, a more accurate location measurement using GPS or WiFi is initiated, reducing the frequency and duration of location system usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS or other location measurement systems are continuously used, then location accuracy is improved, but battery power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the location determination process into two distinct stages: a first stage using coarse location measurement systems (cell tower triangulation, WiFi positioning) for initial location acquisition, and a second stage using GPS or other accurate location measurement systems only when the first location determination indicates the device is within a predetermined proximity of the destination. This segmentation allows the system to maintain location accuracy when needed while minimizing energy consumption during transit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary location determination using low-power coarse measurement systems before activating the high-power GPS system. By first obtaining an approximate location and determining whether the device is within a predetermined proximity of the destination, the system avoids unnecessary activation of energy-intensive location measurement systems, thereby reducing overall power consumption while ensuring accuracy is achieved when required.
2Measurement precision
If GPS or other location measurement systems are continuously used, then location accuracy is improved, but bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides bandwidth usage into two segments: initial bandwidth consumption for coarse location determination using cell tower and WiFi data, and conditional bandwidth consumption for GPS data transmission only when proximity to destination is confirmed. This segmentation reduces overall bandwidth consumption by eliminating continuous GPS data transmission while maintaining the ability to provide accurate location information when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary location assessment using bandwidth-efficient coarse measurement methods before initiating bandwidth-intensive GPS data collection. By first determining approximate location and proximity status using minimal bandwidth, the system avoids unnecessary GPS data transmission, thereby reducing overall bandwidth consumption while preserving location accuracy capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If GPS or other location measurement systems are continuously used, then location accuracy is improved, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the location measurement process into an initial phase using cost-effective coarse measurement systems (cell tower triangulation, WiFi positioning) and a secondary phase using expensive GPS systems only when proximity to destination is determined. This segmentation minimizes reliance on costly GPS services while maintaining location accuracy when required, thereby reducing operational costs associated with premium location services.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary location determination using low-cost coarse measurement methods before activating expensive GPS-based location services. By first assessing approximate location and proximity status using minimal-cost methods, the system avoids unnecessary consumption of expensive GPS services, thereby reducing operational costs while preserving the option to use accurate location measurement when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for activating a GPS receiver or a WiFi receiver on a mobile device may be provided, which comprises determining an approximate location of the mobile device. The approximate location of the mobile device may be determined using cell tower location information. If the approximate location of the mobile device is within a predetermined distance from a desired location, or is “close enough”, then the GPS receiver or the WiFi receiver is activated. The GPS receiver or the WiFi receiver is activated to determine a more accurate location of the mobile device. The approximate and the more accurate location information may be exchanged with another mobile device to allow the user to find one another.