Vehicle Location Monitoring via Cellular Radiolocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle location monitoring systems rely on GPS, which can be costly and invasive, especially for users with a small number of vehicles or short-term monitoring needs, and raise privacy concerns due to the potential misuse of location information.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method and system that uses radiolocation techniques like triangulation or multilateration to determine vehicle location without a GPS satellite receiver, incorporating user consent and notification mechanisms to protect privacy, allowing for per-load or per-time-based charging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If GPS receivers are installed in each vehicle for location monitoring, then location accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses mobile communication base stations as intermediaries to determine vehicle location. Instead of directly using GPS satellites, the system leverages existing cellular infrastructure where base stations measure signal parameters from mobile devices to calculate position through triangulation or multilateration methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the GPS satellite-based electromagnetic positioning system with a terrestrial mobile communication-based positioning system. This substitution uses existing cellular network infrastructure rather than dedicated GPS hardware in each vehicle

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of information

If GPS monitoring systems are deployed for fleet vehicles, then real-time location information is obtained, but cost increases substantially

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation information availabilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the mobile communication infrastructure serve multiple functions: it provides both voice/data communication services and location positioning services. The existing cellular network is utilized for dual purposes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated positioning systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system leverages the mobile communication network's own infrastructure (base stations and signaling systems) to provide positioning services. The network serves itself by using its existing resources for location determination without requiring external GPS satellite infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If location information is collected and monitored, then fleet management efficiency is improved, but user privacy is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefleet management efficiencyVSAvoidprivacy risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a carrier system as an intermediary between the driver's mobile device and the location monitoring function. The carrier system obtains location information through the mobile communication network infrastructure rather than directly accessing the device's GPS or personal data, providing a privacy buffer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables efficient and cost-effective vehicle location monitoring that respects user privacy and allows for flexible pricing models, reducing costs for users and providers alike.

Implementation Method 1

radiolocation techniques including triangulation or multilateration methods that are capable of locating devices in a network. These methods involve the measurement of radio signals between a device and radio towers in the network

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTriangulation:

Implementation Method 2

radiolocation techniques including triangulation or multilateration methods that are capable of locating devices in a network

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMultilateration:

Data Source

PatentUS11783277B1Machine or group of machines for monitoring location of a vehicle or freight carried by a vehicle

Publication Date: 2023.10.10 MACROPOINT LLC

AI summary

A machine or group of machines for monitoring location of at least one of a vehicle or freight carried by the vehicle includes a communications interface configured to communicate electronic signals including a location request signal including data representing a request for information regarding the location of the vehicle or the freight carried by the vehicle, and a correlation logic in the machine or group of machines configured to correlate, by a CPU, the vehicle or the freight carried by the vehicle to a communications device.