Ad Hoc Location Sharing via Direct Device Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional location-sharing methods among mobile devices require a cumbersome central server-mediated request, consent, and confirmation process, making it time-consuming and unsuitable for ad hoc situations, and users may be reluctant to share locations due to constant tracking concerns.
Innovation Solution
An ad hoc location-sharing system that allows mobile devices to form groups without a central server, using direct consent gathering through methods like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connections, enabling faster and more flexible location-sharing with geofence-based tracking and notification of group members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a central server-mediated request, consent, and confirmation process is used for location-sharing, then location-sharing can be established between users, but the process becomes time-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the consent-gathering process from the central server and implements it locally on mobile devices using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi direct connections. This allows devices to form location-sharing groups directly without server mediation, significantly reducing setup time while maintaining reliable consent-based location sharing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces Bluetooth or Wi-Fi direct connections as intermediaries between mobile devices for establishing location-sharing groups. These wireless technologies enable rapid device discovery and pairing, serving as a faster mediator compared to traditional server-based communication protocols
2Speed
If continuous location tracking is implemented for all users, then location information can be shared in real-time, but users may be reluctant to share locations due to privacy concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements location tracking with different privacy levels for different user groups. Users can define geofences and set specific sharing permissions for different location-sharing groups, allowing real-time tracking within defined boundaries while maintaining privacy control. This local quality approach enables selective transparency where users share location information only when and where appropriate
Solution Approach 2:
The patent requires users to pre-define geofences and obtain consent before sharing location information. By establishing boundaries and permissions in advance, users maintain control over their location data, reducing privacy concerns while enabling real-time tracking within agreed-upon parameters
3Reliability
If geofence-based tracking is implemented for location-sharing groups, then group integrity and security can be monitored, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements geofence-based tracking where each mobile device independently monitors its own location relative to the group geofence and automatically reports boundary violations. This self-service approach distributes the monitoring complexity across multiple devices rather than concentrating it in a central system, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable group integrity monitoring
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for forming and tracking a location-sharing group are disclosed. The location-sharing group can be performed ad hoc without the assistance of a central server. A geofence can be defined that encloses the current locations of the participating devices in the location-sharing group. The geographic location of the location-sharing group as a whole can be tracked and provided to the participating devices in the location-sharing group. Group-level location-sharing can be enabled. Departure of a participating device from the location-sharing group can be detected based on the current location and the coverage radius of each device in the location-sharing group. Entry of points of interest into the geofence of the location-sharing group can be detected and notified to the participating devices in the location-sharing group.