Device-to-Device Location Awareness During Calls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile devices lack efficient methods for device-to-device location awareness during telephone calls, requiring infrastructure modifications and compromising user privacy.
Innovation Solution
A method enabling device-to-device location awareness through SMS or text messages during a call, where users can request and share location information with permission, using built-in GPS and RF-based locating methodologies, without modifying cellular network infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If infrastructure modifications are made to enable location awareness during calls, then location sharing capability is improved, but device complexity and deployment cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables mobile devices to independently perform location awareness functions during calls using built-in GPS receivers and processing capabilities. Each device autonomously determines its own location and exchanges this information with the other party through existing call infrastructure, eliminating the need for external location servers or network modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the location determination function from the network infrastructure and places it directly within mobile devices. By using built-in GPS receivers and local processing, the system removes the dependency on network-based location services, simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Productivity
If location information is shared during calls, then meeting coordination is improved, but user privacy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary privacy protection by requiring user authorization before location information is shared. The system prompts users to confirm whether they want to share their location during the call, and only proceeds with location exchange after explicit user consent is obtained, thereby preventing unauthorized privacy violations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If SMS-based location requests are used, then device compatibility is improved, but communication speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous location awareness throughout the call by periodically updating location information via SMS messages. Rather than requiring a separate location sharing session, the system continuously exchanges location updates during the ongoing call, keeping the location information current without interrupting the primary communication.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables users to share location information securely and privately between devices during calls, enhancing meeting coordination without requiring network infrastructure changes.
Implementation Method 1
devices such as the IPHONE multifunction device by Apple Inc., include additional functionality such as a built-in digital camera, digital music and movie file playback, and self-location capability. Multifunction devices now have built-in global positioning system (GPS) receivers that can compute the current geographic location of the device.
Implementation Method 2
An RF-based locating methodology that determines location information of the second device is then performed. This determined location information is then sent to the first device and can be automatically displayed to its user.
Data Source
AI summary
During an ongoing wireless telephone call communication session between a pair of mobile devices, a local device responds to its user's activation of a virtual or actual button or key, or its user's verbal command, by automatically sending an over the air message (e.g., a SMS or text message or other network communication message) to the remote device. The message requests location information of the remote device. Upon obtaining location information from the remote device, a location of the remote device is automatically displayed on the local device. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.