Wireless Device Location Recovery via GPS Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for locating lost or stolen cellular phones are inefficient, as they require the user to be nearby to hear the ringtone, are limited by battery life, and do not account for silent modes or theft prevention systems, making it difficult to quickly and effectively find the device.
Innovation Solution
A wireless device system that includes a client location application, GPS receiver, personal GPS directory, and power management application, allowing users to determine and store their location, which can be accessed through a location server, even when the device is lost or stolen, and automatically transmit the location before battery exhaustion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the user calls the cellular phone to locate it by hearing the ringtone, then the phone can be located, but the user must be in the vicinity of the phone and the ringer must be set at adequate volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a location server as an intermediary system that mediates between the user and the lost phone. Instead of directly calling the phone and hearing the ringtone, the user queries the location server, which then provides the phone's location information. This intermediary system eliminates the need for the user to be physically nearby or adjust ringer settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the acoustic/mechanical system of hearing ringtones with an electronic/digital system. Instead of relying on sound waves traveling through air to the user's ear, the system uses electronic signals transmitted through a network to the location server, which then provides location data digitally. This substitution eliminates physical proximity requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cellular phone is set to silent mode or vibrate mode, then the phone can be located by calling, but the ringtone cannot be heard and location becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The location server acts as an intermediary that bypasses the phone's local audio output systems (ringer, silent mode, vibrate mode). Instead of relying on the phone to produce audible signals, the server independently determines and provides location information through network queries, making the location process independent of the phone's operational audio settings.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the battery on the cellular phone runs down while the phone is lost, then the phone cannot receive calls, but the user needs to locate the phone quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the phone automatically transmit its location to the location server before the battery completely drains. The system performs this location determination and transmission action in advance, ensuring that location information is preserved even if the battery fails during the phone's loss period.
Solution Approach 2:
The location server serves as an intermediary that receives and stores location information independently of the phone's power state. Once the phone transmits its location (even with low battery), the server maintains this information, ensuring continuity of location services regardless of subsequent battery failures.
4Reliability
If a beacon system is activated when equipment is stolen, then location can be determined, but the system is not practical for use in cellular phones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential location determination functionality from complex beacon systems and implements it using simpler, phone-native components. Instead of requiring external beacon infrastructure, the system extracts location capability through the phone's existing GPS receiver and network communication interfaces, making the system practical for mobile devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the location system universal by utilizing multi-functional components already present in smartphones. The GPS receiver serves both navigation and location-tracking functions; the network interface serves both communication and location-data transmission functions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated beacon hardware.
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 users to accurately locate their device from anywhere, conserve battery life, and prevent unauthorized use by automatically reporting the device's last known position, enhancing security and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
A GPS receiver adapted to receive and decode GPS signals
Data Source
AI summary
A user may locate a missing wireless device through a location server storing user-associated location information. A wireless device includes a client location application adapted to determine a current geographic location and transmit location data to a location server, a power source, and a power management application adapted to detect a low power level and instruct the client location application to determine the current geographic location. The wireless device further includes a GPS receiver adapted to receive and decode GPS signals and a personal GPS directory storing location information associated with the subscriber unit.