Dynamic Location Accuracy Based on Map Viewport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Geo-location based services face challenges in varying location accuracy when updating a device's location on a digital map, particularly due to the trade-offs between GPS and network-based location methods, which are either battery-intensive or less accurate.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines the current map view and geographic location of a user's device, adjusts the accuracy radius for location updates based on the map view and proximity, and initiates network requests to optimize location accuracy and battery usage by using a combination of GPS and network sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS is used to determine location, then location accuracy is improved, but battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the location determination method based on map viewport parameters (zoom level, center point). When zoom level is low or user is far from map center, it switches to network-based location determination. When zoom level is high and user is near map center, it uses GPS for higher accuracy, thus adapting parameters to resolve the contradiction between accuracy and energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching between GPS and network-based location determination based on real-time map viewport conditions. The system continuously monitors viewport parameters and adjusts location determination strategy accordingly, making the system flexible and adaptive to different usage scenarios
2Use of energy by moving object
If network-based location determination is used, then battery consumption is reduced, but location accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different location determination qualities to different spatial contexts. When the user is far from the map center or at low zoom levels, lower accuracy network-based determination is sufficient. When the user is near the map center or at high zoom levels, higher accuracy GPS determination is applied, thus matching quality to local needs
3Measurement precision
If high location accuracy is maintained continuously, then measurement precision is improved, but battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic evaluation of map viewport parameters to determine when to switch between GPS and network-based location determination. Instead of continuous high-accuracy GPS tracking, it periodically assesses whether the current viewport requires high accuracy, thus reducing overall battery consumption while maintaining precision when needed
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides for varying location accuracy based on a current view of a digital map displayed at a user's mobile device. The displayed digital map includes a visual representation indicating a geographic location of a second mobile device of a second user on the digital map. A network request for an updated geographic location of the second mobile device is initiated based on the determined current map view and the geographic location of the second mobile device relative to the user's device. The network request specifies a degree of location accuracy for the updated geographic location of the second mobile device. The displayed visual representation for the second mobile device in the map view can then be updated based on the updated geographic location of the second mobile device.