Tracking Module With User-Defined Private ID for Privacy Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
GPS tracking of consumer goods is limited by high costs and significant privacy concerns, including the risk of data compromise and misuse by third parties, advertisers, and government agencies.
Innovation Solution
A location tracking system with a user-defined private ID stored in a local memory, allowing users to send tracking data anonymously to a server without a public ID until an initial service request, providing enhanced privacy protection and reducing costs through on-demand tracking services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS tracking tags are used to track consumer goods, then location tracking accuracy is improved, but privacy protection deteriorates due to exposure of personal information and tracking data to third parties
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking system segments the identification process into two distinct parts: a private ID that remains anonymous and is stored locally in the tracking tag, and a public ID that is only provided voluntarily by the user when needed. This segmentation allows the system to maintain accurate tracking while protecting user privacy, as the anonymous private ID cannot be used to identify the user without the additional public ID information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the anonymous private ID) that mediates between the tracking system and the user's personal information. The private ID acts as a buffer that allows tracking data to be collected and stored without directly exposing the user's identity, thus protecting privacy while enabling functional tracking.
2Reliability
If GPS tracking tags are deployed for consumer goods, then tracking functionality is improved, but cost increases due to the expense of tracking tags and associated services
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking tag is designed to be self-sufficient with local memory storage capability, allowing it to store tracking data and the private ID locally without requiring constant communication with remote servers. This self-service approach reduces the need for expensive continuous cloud connectivity and server infrastructure, thereby reducing overall system costs while maintaining reliable tracking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic or on-demand data transmission rather than continuous monitoring. Tracking data is stored locally and only transmitted to the server when triggered by specific events or user requests, reducing the frequency of expensive communications and lowering operational costs while maintaining tracking reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A location tracking service includes a location tracking server and individual tracking modules. An individual tracking module can be attached or embedded in a consumer product. Each tracking module is programmable by an end-user to include a private ID that is sent along with tracking data to the location tracking server. The end-user can define and edit the private ID in the tracking module independent of the location tracking service to improve privacy protection. The tracking data may include raw (unprocessed) location data to reduce processing requirements at the tracking module.