Context-Aware Pictogram Sharing for Mobile Location Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Mobile Positional Social Media (MPSM) systems rely heavily on GPS, leading to high energy consumption and require active user input for location tracking and activity sharing, with limited modes of informational guidance, lacking proactive notification of relevant activities based on location and context.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that automatically determines and shares user locations and activities by learning user behavior over time, using context information to suggest activities and notify communities, reducing reliance on GPS and enhancing user interfaces with automated notifications and activity summarization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS is used for location tracking, then location accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments location tracking into multiple data sources: GPS data, WiFi data, cellular tower data, and sensor data. The system selectively uses different sources based on availability and energy constraints, rather than relying solely on GPS, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining acceptable location accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (the mobile device's operating system and application layer) that processes location requests without continuously activating GPS. The system mediates between location services and GPS hardware, using alternative methods (WiFi positioning, cellular triangulation) as intermediaries to obtain location data when GPS is not available or would consume excessive energy.
2Ease of operation
If active user input is required for location sharing, then user control is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automation where the system automatically detects user location, determines relevant social connections, and shares location information without requiring active user input. The system serves itself by autonomously managing the entire location sharing workflow, from data collection to social network dissemination, while still allowing users to opt-out if desired.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring location sharing settings, pre-identifying relevant social connections, and pre-establishing sharing rules before the user needs location sharing. The system proactively prepares all necessary components so that when location sharing is activated, it occurs automatically without requiring the user to manually configure each aspect.
3Productivity
If manual check-in is used for activity tracking, then user engagement is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors user location, activity data, and social network information, then automatically processes and shares this information. The feedback loop enables the system to learn from user behavior patterns and automatically adjust sharing frequency and targets, eliminating the need for manual check-ins while maintaining high tracking efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous automatic location and activity tracking without requiring intermittent manual user actions. The system maintains continuous operation by automatically collecting data from sensors, processing location information, and sharing updates with social networks, thereby eliminating the time loss associated with manual check-ins while sustaining productive tracking operations.
4Loss of information
If location information is shared immediately upon arrival, then information freshness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic location sharing where the system continuously monitors user location and automatically determines when arrival at a new location has occurred. The system dynamically adjusts sharing timing based on real-time location data, social network availability, and contextual factors, ensuring information is shared promptly upon meaningful arrival while managing system complexity through adaptive rather than rigid rules.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system, and/or apparatus for automatically tracking a mobile user using the user's mobile device. This invention is particularly useful in the field of social media, such as for detecting and tracking the location and activity of a user and her community. The method or implementing software application uses or relies upon location information available on the mobile device from any source, such as cell phone usage and/or other device applications. The social media system automatically determines a location type and/or user activity from context information. The context information can include current and past location and user and/or community information, time-dependent information, and third party information. The location activities can be presented to the community using pictograms selected to represent user activities.