Location-Aware Search System Using GPS Descriptor Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location-aware search technologies are inefficient for users on the go, as they require explicit address entry or map navigation, which is inconvenient and resource-intensive, and often yield irrelevant results due to imprecise location-based queries.
Innovation Solution
A system that intercepts network requests to search engines, using a location database to determine a location descriptor from GPS or mobile device data, replacing generic location terms with precise descriptors to refine search results based on the user's current location or navigational route.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a city name is used to specify the search area, then the search area is broad and easy to define, but the search results include a large amount of irrelevant content requiring extensive user filtering
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary location detection using GPS or mobile device location data before executing the search. This preliminary action automatically determines the user's precise location and uses it to define the search area, eliminating the need for users to manually specify locations while ensuring search results are relevant to the user's actual position.
2Loss of information
If a specific address or postal code is used to define the area, then the search results are limited and ranked based on distance, but the user must be aware of and manually enter the address which is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the mobile device's built-in location capabilities (GPS, cellular triangulation, Wi-Fi positioning) to automatically determine and provide location data without user intervention. The device serves itself by leveraging its inherent positioning functionality, eliminating the need for users to manually enter addresses or postal codes while maintaining precise location-based search results.
3Ease of operation
If map browsing and zooming is used to restrict the search area, then the amount of typing is minimized, but the swapping in and out of map images consumes significant network and processing bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts location data directly from the mobile device's positioning system and uses it to define the search area without requiring map browsing or image swapping. By taking the location information from the device's native capabilities and using it to set search parameters, the system eliminates the need for visual map interaction while minimizing network bandwidth consumption to only the necessary location data transfer.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables users to perform location-based searches with minimal effort, reducing irrelevant results and conserving network bandwidth by automatically determining and using precise location data, thus enhancing the accuracy and relevance of search results.
Implementation Method 1
The location database may include a global positioning satellite sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Performing location-aware search involves intercepting a network request targeted for an Internet-based search engine. The network request includes a location-dependent query containing a location term, and the location term cannot be used by the search engine to positively determine a target location. A location descriptor that can be used by the search engine to positively determine a target location is determined via a location database. The location database may include a location sensor such as GPS. The network request is modified to replace the location term with the location descriptor, and the modified network request is sent to the search engine.