Amorphous Dynamic Display Icons for Geolocation Obfuscation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for obfuscating geolocation data on graphical mapping interfaces fail to visually communicate that the location is being cloaked, leading to potential safety risks and misinterpretation, as they often use randomization algorithms that result in unclear or misleading icons.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for generating dynamic display icons that utilize amorphous and asymmetrical shapes, sizes, positions, colors, opacities, and transformation rates to clearly indicate that a geolocation is being obfuscated, using a software application to overlay a continuously generated icon on a graphical mapping interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If randomization algorithms are used to obfuscate geolocation data, then location privacy is protected, but visual clarity and intuitive communication of obfuscation status deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by using a semi-transparent overlay with a specific color (e.g., red or orange tint) applied to the icon. This color modification immediately signals to users that the location data is obfuscated, while maintaining the underlying icon's recognizability. The color change is a visual cue that communicates privacy protection status without obscuring the location marker itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by introducing motion or transformation to the icon when obfuscation is active. This could include animated effects, pulsing, or continuous transformation of the icon's appearance. The dynamic behavior clearly indicates to users that something unusual is happening with the location data, distinguishing it from normal static icon display and communicating the obfuscation state intuitively.
2Measurement precision
If blurring is applied to obfuscate location, then location precision is reduced, but eye strain and user discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the obfuscation effect from the location icon itself. Instead of blurring the entire icon (which causes eye strain), the patent uses a semi-transparent overlay that segments the visual information into two layers: the clear icon layer and the translucent overlay layer. This segmentation maintains icon clarity for user comfort while still communicating obfuscation through the overlay's presence and color.
3Measurement precision
If off-set or oversized icons are used for obfuscation, then location accuracy is compromised, but users cannot distinguish false locations from real locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - a semi-transparent colored overlay - that mediates between the accurate location icon and the need to indicate falsification. The overlay acts as a visual mediator that modifies the icon's appearance to signal obfuscation without moving or resizing the icon itself, thereby maintaining location accuracy while clearly indicating that the displayed location is obfuscated.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for generating amorphous randomized and/or fuzzy logic dynamic display icons that visually communicate to its users and/or entities that a subject's geographic location is being obfuscated on a graphical mapping interface of the user's computing device by way of continuously generating a dynamic location display icon having amorphous and/or asymmetrical shape, size, position, color, opacity, outline, movement, and/or transformation rate, and displaying the generated dynamic display icon on the graphical mapping interface.