Virtual Boundary System Using Satellite and Terrestrial Signal Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional physical boundaries for confining subjects within specific geographic areas are often unsightly, expensive, inconvenient, and difficult to move or modify, lacking the flexibility and accuracy needed for dynamic control.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic virtual boundary system that uses real-time tracking devices and satellite-based positioning systems enhanced by terrestrial correction signals to define and enforce user-specified geographic boundaries, allowing for precise tracking and alerting of subjects within or outside these boundaries, which can be dynamically changed and customized.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical boundaries (fences, markers) are used to confine subjects, then the subject is effectively confined to a particular geographical area, but the boundaries become unsightly, expensive, and difficult to move or modify
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical mechanical boundaries (fences, markers) with a virtual boundary system using satellite positioning and electronic alerts. The system uses GPS coordinates to define boundary zones and provides electronic warnings to subjects, eliminating the need for physical infrastructure while maintaining confinement effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical boundary concept through digital mapping and coordinate-based zones. Instead of building actual fences, the system creates a digital representation of the boundary using GPS coordinates that can be easily modified and adjusted without physical construction.
2Reliability
If physical boundaries are installed to confine subjects, then confinement is achieved, but the cost and complexity of installation and modification increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex physical infrastructure (fences, markers, installation equipment) with a simple electronic system consisting of satellite receivers, coordinate databases, and alert mechanisms. This substitution dramatically reduces both installation complexity and ongoing maintenance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual boundary system serves multiple functions: it defines confinement zones, provides real-time location tracking, issues electronic alerts, and allows dynamic boundary adjustment. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate systems for each function, reducing overall complexity.
3Reliability
If physical boundaries are used to confine subjects, then the subject is restricted to a specific area, but the boundaries are difficult to move or modify
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic boundaries that can be easily adjusted by modifying GPS coordinates in the system database. The virtual boundary zones can be expanded, contracted, or relocated without physical construction, allowing rapid adaptation to changing requirements through simple data updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows boundary modification through parameter changes in the coordinate data. By adjusting the GPS coordinates defining the boundary zone, the confinement area can be easily reconfigured to accommodate different needs, eliminating the need for physical reconstruction.
4Productivity
If conventional positioning systems are used for boundary tracking, then location is determined, but the accuracy is insufficient for precise boundary enforcement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces correction signals as an intermediary between the satellite positioning system and the boundary determination process. These correction signals compensate for atmospheric and other errors in satellite positioning, significantly improving the accuracy of location determination for boundary enforcement.
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
The system provides a more effective, customizable, and convenient means of confining subjects with centimeter-level accuracy, enabling flexible and automatic boundary adjustments, reducing the need for physical infrastructure and enhancing user control over subject movement.
Implementation Method 1
access a positioning signal from which a geolocation accurate within a first margin of error is derivable for a real-time tracking device
Implementation Method 2
access a correction signal corresponding to the positioning signal generated by the satellite and accessed above. The correction signal may be generated by a terrestrial positioning enhancement system
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary virtual boundary system determines a refined geolocation of a tracking device based on a positioning signal and a correction signal that are accessed from distinct signal sources. The virtual boundary system compares the refined geolocation of the tracking device and a geographic boundary. Then, based on the comparing of the refined geolocation and the geographic boundary, the virtual boundary system provides an alert indicative of the refined geolocation with respect to the geographic boundary. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.