Tracking Device Geofencing for Automatic User-Presence Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tracking devices require proactive user action to configure electronic devices based on location, which may be inadvertently forgotten, leading to inefficiencies in automating device configurations.
Innovation Solution
A tracking system that configures electronic devices based on the presence or absence of a user or tracking device within a geographic boundary, leveraging a community of users and mobile devices to locate lost tracking devices using a cloud server and beacon signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tracking device requires proactive user action to configure electronic devices based on location, then the user has control over the configuration process, but the user may inadvertently forget to perform the configuration action
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking device automatically detects its location using GPS and communicates with the cloud server to trigger configuration of electronic devices without requiring user intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously performing the configuration task that previously required manual user action, thereby eliminating the risk of user forgetfulness while maintaining configuration reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The user pre-configures geographic boundaries and associated device settings in advance through the mobile device application. When the tracking device reaches these pre-defined locations, the system automatically executes the predetermined configuration actions. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for real-time user decision-making while ensuring reliable configuration execution.
2Productivity
If the tracking device automatically configures electronic devices based on location, then the automation improves efficiency, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cloud server acts as an intermediary between the tracking device and the electronic devices. The tracking device simply sends its location data to the cloud server, which then processes the configuration logic and communicates with the target electronic devices. This intermediary approach maintains relative simplicity in the tracking device while achieving automated configuration through the cloud-based mediation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device application serves multiple functions: it allows users to define geographic boundaries, stores configuration settings, communicates with the cloud server, and executes configuration commands. By consolidating these functions into a single universal application, the system achieves automation without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If the tracking device uses GPS and cloud communication to locate and configure devices, then the location accuracy improves, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking device periodically checks its location and communicates with the cloud server at predetermined intervals rather than continuously. This periodic operation maintains sufficient location accuracy for configuration purposes while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring and transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary location checks and configuration setup in advance. Users pre-define geographic boundaries and configuration actions, so when the tracking device reaches these locations, the configuration can be executed efficiently without requiring continuous high-energy operations. The preliminary planning optimizes the energy required for actual configuration execution.
Data Source
AI summary
A tracking system can provide configuration instructions to an electronic device based on user presence. The tracking system can determine a user's location relative to a geographic boundary surrounding a geographic area associated with the user. Depending on the user's location, the tracking system may send instructions to configure an electronic device to send a notification or change the operating mode of the electronic device in response to the user's presence. The electronic device may be a scanning device that is configured to have a higher or lower scanning frequency, depending on the presence or absence of the user relative to the scanning device.