Location Context Notification for Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Location-based services that rely on latitude and longitude information from mobile devices are not intuitive for users without visual mapping, making it difficult for them to understand their location effectively.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method within mobile devices and servers to determine a point of interest near the device's location and generate location context information, which is then used to provide meaningful location notifications, eliminating the need for visual maps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If location information is provided as latitude and longitude coordinates, then the location data is accurate and precise, but the user cannot understand the geographical location without visual mapping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary translation layer that converts GPS coordinates into contextual location descriptions. The system acts as a mediator between the raw location data and the user, providing meaningful context (e.g., 'at home', 'arriving at office') without requiring visual maps or complex interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the representation parameters of location information from numerical coordinates (latitude/longitude) to contextual descriptors (location names, activity states). This parameter transformation makes the data more intuitive while preserving its precision through background context information.
2Reliability
If location tracking is implemented continuously to provide up-to-date location information, then the location data remains current and accurate, but the energy consumption and data transmission increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic location updates triggered by contextual events rather than continuous tracking. The system periodically notifies users of location changes only when significant contextual events occur (e.g., arriving at a destination, leaving a location), reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliability for relevant updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and transmits only the essential contextual information needed for user understanding, rather than continuously transmitting all location data. By sending only meaningful location context updates (e.g., 'arriving at office') rather than continuous coordinate streams, the system reduces data transmission and energy usage.
3Ease of operation
If detailed location context information is provided to improve user understanding, then the usability of location tracking is enhanced, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the mobile device automatically determines its own location context and generates appropriate notifications without requiring external server processing or complex user configuration. The device autonomously interprets its location data and communicates meaningful context to the user, reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method and apparatus for location notification using location context information. In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, a mobile device automatically generates location context information that indicates a point of interest in a vicinity of the mobile device. For example, if the user of the mobile device is at home, then the location context information indicates that the user is at home instead of merely indicating latitude/longitude information corresponding to the location of the home. The mobile device displays the location context information in order to convey the location of the mobile device in a manner that is meaningful without the need for a map. Alternatively, or additionally, the mobile device provides the location context information to at least one other device. This serves to inform other users of the location of the mobile device in a manner that is meaningful without the need for a map.