Interactive Map Module for Dating Candidate Search
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Solution Overview
Problem
Online dating platforms face challenges in balancing user privacy and safety concerns, particularly in displaying location-based search results without revealing sensitive information.
Innovation Solution
An interactive electronic map module that filters online dating candidates based on selected zip code regions or drawn areas, displaying real-life likenesses of candidates within these regions while removing location identifying labels to protect user privacy and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If location-based search results are displayed on a map with zip code regions, then users can quickly find and assess potential matches by location, but sensitive location information may be revealed compromising user privacy and safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes location-identifying labels (such as zip code region labels) from the map display. The system allows users to search and view candidate profiles based on location filtering, but the specific geographic identifiers that could reveal precise locations are taken out and not displayed, thus maintaining search functionality while protecting privacy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the user and the location information. Instead of directly displaying zip code labels that identify specific regions, the system uses an intermediate representation where location filtering occurs behind the scenes without exposing the actual geographic identifiers to users, thus mediating between location-based search and privacy protection
2Ease of operation
If zip code region labels are displayed on the map, then users can identify search areas, but privacy is compromised by revealing exact location information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the harmful element (location-identifying labels) from the display while preserving the useful function (location-based filtering). Users can still select and search within zip code regions, but the labels that would reveal exact geographic information are taken out and not displayed on the map interface
3Loss of time
If facial images of candidates are displayed at their locations, then users can assess potential matches quickly, but safety concerns increase by revealing candidate locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes location-identifying information from the display while maintaining the display of facial images. Candidates' photos are shown at generic map positions without accompanying zip code labels or other geographic identifiers that would reveal their actual locations, thus allowing quick visual assessment while protecting safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different quality treatments to different elements on the map. Facial images are displayed with full visual quality for assessment purposes, while location identifiers are either removed or displayed with reduced quality (without specific labels), creating local differentiation in information disclosure to balance assessment needs with safety protection
Data Source
AI summary
In an aspect, an interactive electronic map module displays, from a screen, a geographical layout that includes land area divided into zip code regions defined by respective zip codes. Responsive to user selection in the land area, the selected zip code region is highlighted. Online dating candidates are filtered based on location within the selected zip code region. In another aspect, the module is configured for: a) interactively with the user, drawing for display a continuous line by, starting from a starting point, advancing to a current ending point; b) in real time, detecting user disengagement from the drawing; and c) responsive to detecting disengagement, highlighting display of the at least one enclosed area that was formed if the starting and current ending points are already connected or, if the starting and current ending points are not already connected, would be formed by connecting the points with a straight line. Filtering is based on location within an enclosed area. A surviving candidate's real-life likeness is displayed at his/her map location. Location identifying labels are removed/withheld from display by area/region or based on proximity to a surviving candidate.