Third-Party Device Tracking Standby Modes for Low-Power Location

The patent introduces a cloud server as an intermediary between tracking devices and user mobile devices. The cloud server receives location data from tracking devices and relays it to users, enabling tracking beyond the direct communication range of the user's mobile device. This mediator approach expands the tracking range without requiring complex changes to the tracking device itself.

The patent enables any electronic device with internet connectivity to function as a tracking device by integrating tracking functionality into the device's existing hardware (GPS, processor, transceiver). This universal approach allows diverse devices to perform tracking functions, expanding the effective tracking range across different device types and networks.

The patent implements periodic location reporting where tracking devices transmit location data at scheduled intervals rather than continuously. The device can be configured to report location periodically (e.g., every few minutes or hours) or event-driven (e.g., when moving between geographic fences). This periodic action significantly reduces power consumption compared to continuous transmission while maintaining effective tracking capability.

The patent allows dynamic adjustment of tracking parameters such as reporting interval, transmission power, and GPS update frequency. These parameters can be changed based on battery status, user needs, and environmental conditions, optimizing the balance between tracking accuracy and power consumption for integrated tracking devices.

The system implements periodic location updates where the tracking device determines its location at scheduled intervals and transmits updates only when location changes occur or at predetermined time intervals. This approach maintains location accuracy by regularly updating the cloud server while minimizing energy consumption by keeping the device in low-power states between updates and only activating GPS and transmitters when needed.

The patent employs selective location reporting where the device performs full GPS location determination periodically but only transmits updates to the cloud server when location changes exceed a threshold or when specifically requested. This partial action approach maintains measurement precision for tracking purposes while reducing network traffic and energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary transmissions.