Geo-Aware Incident Reporting Channels for Location-Based Targeting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing incident reporting systems do not effectively target users based on their location, leading to irrelevant information being displayed on their devices, and lack geo-aware channels that are configurable for specific areas.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that uses geo-aware channels configurable as publicly or privately available, visible only to users within defined locations such as zip codes, cities, or specific geo-coordinates, allowing users to receive and report incident information relevant to their proximity, utilizing a cloud-based server platform with components like web application, database, map, and device servers to manage user interactions and location data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If incident reporting systems display information to all users regardless of location, then system coverage and accessibility are improved, but information relevance and user experience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements geo-aware channels that provide different incident information to users based on their specific geographic location. The system divides the service area into different regions (e.g., zip codes, cities, or custom geographic boundaries) and assigns different channel sets to each region, ensuring users receive locally relevant incident information rather than generic global feeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the user base by geographic location and segments the incident information into location-specific channels. The server platform divides incident data into multiple geo-aware channels, each associated with specific geographic boundaries, allowing the system to deliver targeted information to appropriate user groups based on their location.
2Loss of information
If geo-aware channels are configured for specific locations, then information relevance is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server platform as an intermediary between incident sources and users. This platform automatically performs geolocation matching, channel assignment, and information routing based on user location and incident data. The server platform handles the complexity of geo-aware channel management, keeping the user interface simple while maintaining high information relevance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the server platform to perform multiple functions: receiving incident information, determining geographic boundaries, creating geo-aware channels, user authentication, location tracking, and information delivery. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity into a single platform rather than requiring separate systems for each function.
3Productivity
If the system tracks and monitors user location data, then geo-aware channel delivery is improved, but privacy concerns and data security requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements user authentication and authorization before delivering incident information. The server platform verifies user identities and permissions in advance, ensuring that only authenticated users receive incident data. This preliminary authentication step establishes a trusted relationship before location data is processed or used.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different privacy and security policies to different geographic regions and user types. The system can configure varying levels of data protection, location tracking granularity, and information accessibility based on local regulations, organizational policies, or user preferences for different geographic areas.
Data Source
AI summary
The method and system described herein is directed to a method and system that provides users with channels or categories to report information or incidents that are only visible to them on their device when they are proximate to the organization requesting such information from a user.