Device Location Tracking Technology - Find Your Devices Instantly

As the use of digital devices continues to increase in our daily lives, the importance of effective device location-tracking solutions has become more pronounced. In today's world, device location tracking has become essential in various industries, from transportation to e-commerce. The growing need for location-based services has prompted companies to protect their intellectual property (IP) through proficient patent management techniques. In this regard, patent mining facilitates the identification of valuable patents related to device location-tracking technology. This blog will explore different device location-tracking technologies and their IP landscape.

As the use of digital devices continues to increase in our daily lives, the importance of effective device location-tracking solutions has become more pronounced. In today's world, device location tracking has become essential in various industries, from transportation to e-commerce. The growing need for location-based services has prompted companies to protect their intellectual property (IP) through proficient patent management techniques. In this regard, patent mining facilitates the identification of valuable patents related to device location-tracking technology. This blog will explore different device location-tracking technologies and their IP landscape.

Device location tracking technologies are methods used to determine the physical location of a device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or GPS tracker. Location tracking is typically accomplished using GPS, Wi-Fi, cell tower triangulation, and other positioning systems. The data gathered from these systems can be used to determine the exact location of a device, allowing for real-time tracking and analysis. Device location tracking technologies have become an integral part of our daily lives, offering a wide range of benefits such as improved navigation, enhanced security, and improved delivery of goods and services.

Companies invest significant time and resources in developing innovative location-tracking technologies. These technologies provide a wealth of benefits, such as enhanced security, improved logistics, and personalized marketing. However, with the increasing importance of these technologies, the protection of intellectual property (IP) has become a critical issue for businesses in this domain. Thus, protecting their IP rights is crucial to ensure a competitive advantage in the market. However, navigating the complex world of IP can be challenging, and businesses must ensure that they adhere to all relevant IP laws and regulations to avoid potential infringement issues.

Several technologies can be utilized to determine the physical location of a device, including but not limited to the following:

  • Global Positioning System (GPS): A satellite navigation system that provides precise location information to devices equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) technology anywhere on the terrestrial sphere.

  • Near Field Communication (NFC): A short-range wireless technology that allows for communication between two devices, including tracking devices equipped with NFC chips.

  • Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Beacons: Small devices that send signals to your phone or other devices. They help with things like finding your way in a building or getting information about a product in a store.

  • Wi-Fi Positioning System (WPS): A location tracking technique that leverages the position of nearby Wi-Fi access points to estimate a device’s location.

 The Remarkable Technology of GPS and How It Guides Your Journey

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system that provides location and time information anywhere on the Earth's surface. GPS technology has been the subject of significant patenting activity due to its innovative and ground-breaking nature. Patent protection can be particularly critical for GPS technology businesses seeking to commercialize their products or services, as it can help establish a competitive advantage in the market and enhance the value of the business. In the context of GPS technology, monetization services, and patent management have become increasingly important. Monetization services can help businesses generate revenue from their IP portfolio by licensing or selling their patents to third parties.

It works by having a satellite network that emits signals containing information about their position and time. A GPS receiver on the ground picks up these signals and calculates its position using trilateration, which involves measuring the distance between the receiver and several satellites. The receiver must receive signals from at least three satellites to calculate its location accurately, and it uses the information from the satellites to calculate its latitude, longitude, and altitude. GPS is a very accurate system, providing location information within a few meters. Still, it can be affected by various factors, such as interference from buildings, trees, and other obstacles or the degradation of signals in densely populated areas.

Global positioning system (GPS) (Source: Lumenci)

Get Up Close And Personal With NFC

Near Field Communication (NFC) is a short-range wireless technology that allows two devices to communicate when they are close together, typically within a few centimeters. NFC operates at a frequency of 13.56 MHz and uses magnetic field induction to transfer data between devices. NFC technology is protected by various patents owned by companies that have invested heavily in developing this technology. These companies generate revenue by licensing their patents to other companies that wish to use NFC technology in their products. The patent licensing process involves negotiating an agreement between the patent owner and the licensee, which includes terms such as royalties, payment schedules, and licensing fees. The revenue generated from patent licensing can be a significant source of income for companies that own NFC patents.

When two NFC-enabled devices are brought close together, the NFC reader in one device sends out a radio frequency signal picked up by the NFC tag or chip in the other device. The tag then sends its stored information, such as a URL or payment information, back to the reader. This exchange of information happens quickly and securely, allowing for seamless and convenient interactions between devices.

 

Modes of Near field Communication (Source: Lumenci)

 

Revolutionizing Device Connectivity: Workings Of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Beacons

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons are small, battery-powered devices that use Bluetooth technology to transmit data to nearby devices. They work by sending out a low-energy Bluetooth signal that can be picked up by compatible devices, such as smartphones and tablets, even when they are not actively connected to the beacon.

BLE beacons use a simple, standardized protocol called iBeacon or Eddystone to broadcast a unique identifier and other information, such as the beacon's location or battery level. The unique identifier allows a smartphone app to determine the proximity of the beacon and to trigger specific actions, such as showing a push notification, providing turn-by-turn directions, or collecting data for location-based analytics.

 
Working of BLE Beacon

Working of BLE Beacon (Source: Lumenci)

 

Unlocking Location Intelligence With Wi-Fi Positioning System (WPS)

A Wi-Fi Positioning System (WPS) is a technology that uses the strength of Wi-Fi signals from nearby access points to determine a device’s location. WPS technology is protected by various patents owned by companies that have invested in developing this technology. These companies generate revenue by licensing their patents to other companies that wish to use WPS technology in their products. The patent licensing process involves negotiating an agreement between the patent owner and the licensee, which includes terms such as royalties, payment schedules, and licensing fees.

Wi-Fi Positioning System (WPS) operates by scanning accessible Wi-Fi access points and evaluating the strength of the received signals. This information is then compared against a database of known Wi-Fi access points and their corresponding locations, enabling the determination of the device's position. The accuracy of WPS is contingent upon the number of available access points in the vicinity and the quality of the received Wi-Fi signals.

Impact Of Location Tracking Technology On Navigation And Delivery Services

Location tracking technology represents a significant advancement in navigation and delivery services. By leveraging real-time location information obtained from a combination of GPS, Wi-Fi, and cellular networks, organizations are equipped with the necessary data to make informed decisions and optimize their operations. For example, location tracking data can provide real-time, accurate information on traffic conditions, allowing for more efficient navigation. Delivery services can use the data to monitor the locations and movements of their vehicles, optimizing delivery routes and reducing delivery times. City planners and traffic management agencies can also use the data to analyze traffic patterns and reduce congestion, improving traffic flow. Fleet management can be improved by monitoring fleet vehicles' locations, movements, and fuel consumption, leading to greater efficiency and reduced costs. However, the use of location-tracking technology also raises a range of intellectual property (IP) issues that must be carefully considered. Patent protection is critical in this context, as companies that develop location-tracking technology may seek to patent their inventions to protect their intellectual property rights and prevent others from using or selling similar technology. Patents may cover various aspects of the technology, including the hardware, software, and algorithms used to track the location of assets.

The Future is Here: Advances and Possibilities

Device location tracking technologies are continuously evolving, and the future of these technologies holds exciting potential advancements. One significant expected development is increased accuracy as GPS, Wi-Fi, and cellular technologies continue to improve. This will result in more precise location data, leading to improved navigation and location-based services. Additionally, integrating location-tracking technologies with other technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), will likely result in new and innovative applications. The use of multiple methods of location tracking, such as GPS, Wi-Fi, and cellular, will become more widespread and provide a complete picture of a device's location, referred to as multi-modal tracking. The adoption of wearable devices, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, is also expected to increase, leading to the development of new and innovative location-tracking technologies for these devices. As device location tracking becomes more widespread, there will likely be a continued emphasis on privacy and security concerns, with an emphasis on protecting users’ location data. These advancements in device location-tracking technologies will likely lead to new and innovative applications in areas such as navigation, location-based services, and asset tracking, among others.

Conclusion

Device location-tracking technology has come a long way in recent years, offering a range of benefits to individuals and businesses. GPS navigation technology continues to evolve, offering more precise guidance and a wealth of features to help us easily reach our destinations. And tracking devices have also become increasingly sophisticated, providing us with real-time information about the whereabouts of our loved ones and valuable assets. These advancements have transformed how we navigate and manage our daily lives, providing greater peace of mind and efficiency.


Author

Dristi Handique

Associate Consultant at Lumenci

Dristi holds a bachelor's degree in Electronics and Communication from SRM University. Chennai. At Lumenci. she works on Infringement analysis, Claim matrix. Apportionment Analysis and Claim Chart. She is passionate about emerging new technology and is interested in fine arts, badminton, and lawn tennis.

Lumenci Team