Wearable Tracking Device Cellular Network Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing individual tracking systems are device-specific, require dedicated phone lines and obtrusive hardware, lack real-time communication capabilities, and have inadequate battery life and GPS accuracy, making them costly and inefficient for monitoring individuals.
Innovation Solution
A device-agnostic system utilizing GPS and cellular technologies for real-time tracking and communication, with a tamper-resistant wearable device that uses assisted GPS and cellular network location aggregation for accurate location data and two-way messaging, eliminating the need for dedicated lines and obtrusive hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated phone lines and obtrusive hardware are used for tracking, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces dedicated phone lines with cellular network infrastructure, eliminating the need for specialized communication hardware. The tracking device uses standard cellular modems to communicate through existing mobile networks, substituting a custom-built communication system with off-the-shelf cellular technology that achieves comparable reliability without dedicated infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking device is designed to operate on standard cellular networks that can be used by any mobile device, making the system universally compatible. The same cellular infrastructure used for mobile phones is leveraged for tracking purposes, eliminating the need for dedicated communication lines and reducing hardware complexity while maintaining reliable communication.
2Reliability
If custom tracking devices are used, then tracking functionality is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses commercially available GPS modules and cellular communication components that are already mass-produced for consumer electronics. By leveraging these universal, off-the-shelf components rather than custom-built tracking devices, the manufacturing cost is significantly reduced while maintaining adequate tracking functionality for the application.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking device is designed as a cost-effective, disposable unit that can be easily manufactured and deployed. Rather than investing in expensive, highly durable custom devices, the system uses affordable components that can be replaced if needed, reducing the per-unit manufacturing cost while meeting the functional requirements.
3Measurement precision
If GPS tracking is implemented, then location accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The GPS receiver operates periodically rather than continuously, taking location fixes at predetermined intervals. This periodic operation significantly reduces energy consumption compared to continuous tracking, while still providing adequate location accuracy for monitoring purposes. The system balances the need for location precision with battery life constraints by updating positions at appropriate intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses assisted GPS (A-GPS) technology that leverages cellular network infrastructure to supplement satellite-based positioning. By combining partial GPS data with cellular tower triangulation and network-based location services, the system achieves acceptable location accuracy with reduced GPS usage time, thereby lowering energy consumption while maintaining sufficient tracking precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A tamper resistant and easily adjustable mobile tracking device is provided, or alternatively may be created by adding appropriate programming to a GPS enabled cellular communications device, by which location data and other information is transmitted to an administrative hub for processing and distribution according to operator defined parameters. Confirmed two-way communications are possible with mobile devices having display screens.