Geolocation Engine for Network Gaming Services
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a secure method to geo-locate end users for network gaming services, as existing technologies lack the necessary accuracy and reliability to comply with legislative and commercial requirements.
Innovation Solution
A geolocation engine that collects data from multiple sources, including devices and programs, and processes it using an algorithm within a secure wrapper to determine user location with high accuracy, preventing location spoofing and unauthorized access by using a client application, browser plug-in, or mobile app, and integrating with a location processing server to provide reliable geo-location results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional geolocation methods are used, then the system is simple to implement, but the geolocation accuracy and security are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple geolocation data sources (GPS coordinates, IP address, device information, network data) into a unified geolocation determination system. This merging of multiple independent data streams enables cross-validation and significantly improves geolocation accuracy while maintaining a manageable system architecture through modular integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a geolocation service as an intermediary component between the gaming system and external data sources. This service acts as a mediator that collects, validates, and processes geolocation data from multiple sources, thereby improving accuracy without requiring direct complex integrations between all system components.
2Reliability
If multiple data sources are collected and processed, then the geolocation reliability is improved, but the processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-collecting and caching geolocation data from multiple sources before it is needed for validation. The system proactively gathers GPS data, IP address information, and device characteristics in advance, storing them for rapid retrieval and comparison during geolocation verification, thereby reducing real-time processing delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by selectively processing only the most critical and reliable data sources based on the specific geolocation context. Rather than always processing all available data sources equally, the system intelligently selects and processes only the necessary subset of data sources, reducing computational overhead while maintaining high reliability.
3Reliability
If a secure wrapper algorithm is used to prevent spoofing, then the security is enhanced, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated geolocation validation that performs security checks without requiring user intervention. The system automatically collects data from multiple sources, cross-validates it using the secure wrapper algorithm, and determines geolocation authenticity without the user needing to understand or configure security parameters, thereby maintaining ease of operation while enhancing security.
4Measurement precision
If geolocation data is collected from multiple sources including device programs, then the accuracy is improved, but the privacy concerns and security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor and evaluate the trustworthiness of data sources. The system collects geolocation data from multiple sources including device programs, but uses feedback from cross-validation to assess data reliability. This feedback loop enables the system to dynamically adjust which data sources are trusted, improving accuracy while mitigating privacy concerns by only utilizing verified reliable sources.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention for determining a geo-location for a device in communication with a network service provider begin with installing a mechanism for collecting geolocation data at a client device. The mechanism may be implemented as a mobile app, client application, browser plug-in, or other mechanism. The mechanism may collect geolocation data from multiple sources, including the device itself and other devices within the vicinity. The mechanism may also collect data regarding selected programs that may be installed on the client device. The geolocation data and program data may be transmitted back to a server for processing. The server may determine whether a geolocation is acceptable by determining a geolocation from the geolocation data, a likelihood of accuracy and/or trust score, as well as determining if any undesirable programs are stored on the client device. A determination regarding the geolocation of the client device if made, a white list of devices may be updated, and the geolocation results are provided the network service provider, either directly by the server or through the mechanism on the client device.