Geographic Location Extraction in Messaging Applications

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face inefficiencies in determining accurate geographic locations within messages due to typographical errors or unfamiliarity, leading to time-consuming manual searches that disrupt communication and require switching between applications.

Innovation Solution

A system and process that extracts geographic location information from messages and determines additional relevant information, such as maps or links, using recognition techniques and databases, allowing simultaneous display with the original message without requiring users to manually search.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the message receiving user performs an Internet search to ascertain the geographic location, then the user can obtain accurate location information, but the communication between users is disrupted and time is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation information accuracyVSAvoidtime for manual search
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically extracting geographic location information from the message content and pre-fetching relevant map data and location details before the user even requests them. This eliminates the need for users to manually search after receiving the message.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal equipment acts as an intermediary between the message and the user by automatically processing the geographic location information, retrieving map data, and presenting the results. This intermediary function spares the user from having to perform the search themselves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If the message receiving user switches between messaging application and Internet search application, then the user can access additional information, but the user experience is degraded and communication is stalled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to location informationVSAvoiduser operation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the geographic location information retrieval function with the messaging application by integrating map data access and location display capabilities directly into the message receiving interface. Users can view location information without leaving the messaging app.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The messaging application is enhanced with multi-functionality, serving both as a communication tool and as a geographic information display tool. The terminal equipment performs multiple functions including message reception, geographic extraction, map data retrieval, and integrated display within a single application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the terminal equipment switches between different applications, then the user can access different functions, but the switching time is long and communication efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication functionalityVSAvoidapplication switching speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system combines multiple functions (messaging, geographic location extraction, map display) into a single integrated application environment, eliminating the need for application switching entirely. The terminal equipment processes and displays geographic information within the same interface where messages are received.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Loss of information

If the message includes geographic location with typographical errors or unfamiliar names, then the sender can convey location intent, but the receiver cannot recognize the location without additional searching

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation information transmissionVSAvoidlocation recognition accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal equipment serves as an intermediary that automatically processes the potentially erroneous or unfamiliar geographic location names by extracting them from the message, searching for matching location data, and resolving ambiguities. This intermediary processing ensures accurate location identification even when the original text contains errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where the extracted geographic location information is verified against available map data and location databases. If the initial extraction is ambiguous or contains errors, the system can refine the identification by comparing with known location patterns and providing corrected information to the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2896162B1Determining additional information associated with geographic location information
Publication Date: 2019.08.21 ALIBABA GROUP HOLDING LTD
  • EP2896162B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2896162B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2896162B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Determining additional information associated with geographic location information included in a message is disclosed, including: receiving a message including geographic location information from a first device; extracting the geographic location information from the message; determining additional information associated with the geographic location information; and sending the message and the additional information to a second device.