Vehicle Communication Device On-Demand Tracking Without External Hardware
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vehicle tracking methods require users to subscribe to a service and install external devices, and do not offer on-demand tracking capabilities, limiting user control and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle communication device capable of wireless communication via cellular networks, which allows users to perform actions such as tracking the vehicle's location on-demand without the need for additional subscriptions or external devices, by detecting triggers and alerting registered user devices via cellular networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional vehicle tracking methods are used, then vehicle tracking capability is provided, but user control and flexibility are limited due to mandatory subscriptions and external device installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tracking functionality directly into the vehicle's existing communication device, eliminating the need for separate external tracking devices. The communication device integrates both communication and tracking capabilities, allowing users to control tracking through the same device used for cellular communication, thereby reducing system complexity and eliminating mandatory subscription requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication device is designed to perform multiple functions including both cellular communication and vehicle tracking. By making the tracking capability universal to the existing communication infrastructure, the system eliminates the need for dedicated tracking hardware and optional subscriptions, giving users direct control over tracking functionality through their existing device.
2Loss of information
If continuous vehicle tracking is implemented, then real-time location information is available, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic tracking instead of continuous tracking, where the communication device determines location information at scheduled intervals. The device can operate in a low-power state between tracking cycles and only activate when it's time to determine and transmit location data, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while still providing timely location information when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking system dynamically adjusts its operation based on user needs and vehicle state. Users can enable or disable tracking on-demand, and the system can adjust tracking frequency and activation based on triggers such as vehicle ignition or user requests, optimizing energy consumption according to actual information needs rather than operating continuously.
3Ease of operation
If on-demand tracking is enabled without subscriptions, then user control and cost are improved, but reliability of service may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to self-manage their tracking service by controlling it through their existing communication device without requiring external subscription management. Users can independently enable, disable, and control tracking functionality, eliminating the need for subscription services while maintaining full control over when tracking is active, thereby improving both ease of operation and cost-effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A device may detect a trigger associated with a vehicle. The device may determine registration information, associated with the vehicle, based on detecting the trigger. The registration information may include information associated with a user device associated with the vehicle. The device may determine that the user device is not within a particular distance of the vehicle. The device may provide, to the user device and based on determining that the user device is not within the particular distance of the vehicle, an alert associated with the vehicle. The alert may be provided via a communications network. The device may determine, after providing the alert to the user device, that an action, associated with the vehicle, is to be performed. The device may cause the action, associated with the vehicle, to be performed.