A smart low-consumption IoT framework for location tracking and its real application

Location-based services are increasingly popular. Smart devices embedded with GPS receiver are widely used in vehicle tracking, law enforcement and person monitoring. To provide real-time data collecting and analyzing, a backend server is necessary. A mobile app can work as a user client for accessing location data and remote control. In this paper, we describe the design and implementation of a system providing real-time positioning and tracking service. Our system consists of three parts: tracking device, backend server and mobile app. Our tracking device integrates GPS module, GSM/GPRS module and TCP/IP stack, capable of generating location data, establishing TCP connection and receiving SMS. Location data are transmitted over TCP connection from device to our backend server. The server is responsible for collecting and storing data. The server also provides an HTTP-based RESTful API for mobile app and web service. A mobile app is built for displaying data and controlling device remotely. Data accessing is via calling REST API and remote control is sent to device by SMS. Our device is compact in volume, accurate in positioning, and long in battery life. Our device has been integrated in a walking stick as a real-world product.