Tracker Network Expansion via Connectivity Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional location tracking technologies face limitations due to high costs and inaccuracies in cellular network-based solutions and restricted coverage in short-range network-based solutions, such as WiFi, which are expensive and unreliable outside their designated range.
Innovation Solution
A decision intelligence (DI)-based computerized framework dynamically compiles connectivity nodes from disparate networks to provide continuous network coverage, leveraging Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity, enabling trackers to automatically adapt and maintain connectivity across various networks, including cellular and WiFi, and triggering alerts for safety and security features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If cellular network-based tracking is used, then location tracking coverage is improved, but cost and resource usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the network coverage area into multiple zones, each served by different network types (cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth). The tracker divides its operation into mode segments (cellular mode, WiFi mode, Bluetooth mode) and switches between them based on location and availability, allowing comprehensive coverage without requiring expensive cellular operation everywhere.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracker is designed with multi-functionality to operate across multiple network types (cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth Low Energy). This universal capability allows the device to adapt to different network environments, using appropriate network types based on coverage and cost considerations, thereby achieving broad coverage without relying exclusively on expensive cellular networks.
2Ease of manufacture
If short-range network-based tracking is used, then device cost is reduced, but network coverage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple network technologies (cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth) into a unified tracking framework. By combining the wide coverage of cellular networks with the cost-effectiveness of short-range networks, the system achieves both extensive coverage and low cost. The tracker integrates capabilities to switch between these merged network types seamlessly.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracker dynamically adapts its operation based on real-time conditions. It continuously monitors network availability, signal strength, and cost parameters, then dynamically switches between different network types and operational modes. This dynamic behavior allows the system to maintain coverage across varying environments while optimizing cost by using short-range networks when available and cellular networks only when necessary.
3Area of stationary object
If cellular network tracking is used, then network coverage is improved, but measurement accuracy decreases due to bandwidth constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by using different network types for different locations and purposes. In areas with good WiFi or Bluetooth coverage, it uses these networks for high-precision local tracking. In areas where only cellular is available, it accepts lower precision but maintains coverage. This localized approach optimizes accuracy where possible while ensuring coverage everywhere.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces intermediary network types (WiFi, Bluetooth) that act as mediators between the tracker and the cellular network. These intermediaries provide higher bandwidth and better accuracy for local positioning, reducing the reliance on bandwidth-constrained cellular networks for precision measurements while maintaining their value for broad coverage and connectivity.
4Ease of manufacture
If WiFi network tracking is used, then device cost is reduced, but reliability decreases outside network range
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-establishing a hierarchy of network preferences and fallback mechanisms. It prioritizes WiFi and Bluetooth for cost-effective operation but pre-configures cellular network capabilities as backup. When WiFi/Bluetooth coverage is lost, the system seamlessly transitions to cellular mode, ensuring continuous operation and reliability without manual intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems and methods that provide a computerized framework that provides functionality for an expanded node-based network that can dynamically adapt to the location/position of a location tracker, while enabling the tracker to automatically trigger security and/or safety features for its associated user/item. The disclosed framework can dynamically and automatically compile connectivity nodes of disparate networks to provide (both low-cost and high-end) trackers continuous network coverage. Effectively, the disclosed framework can provide trackers with an adaptive Internet of Things (IoT)-type network that leverages connectivity nodes of specific networks to provide and maintain connectivity the tracker as the tracker traverses the real-world. Moreover, the tracker can provide capabilities that automatically can detect specific types of events, which can trigger notifications, alerts and/or remedial measures that are all enabled via the novel network connectivity provided via the disclosed framework.