Location Accuracy Adjustment Based on Population Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing social networking and dating applications struggle to dynamically adjust search results based on population density, leading to potential user audits and privacy concerns when users in close proximity compare results, as current algorithms rely heavily on location-based rankings without considering population density variations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine population density at a selected location and adjust search result parameters, such as user location accuracy and information display, based on this density to dynamically modify search results, ensuring privacy and relevance in densely populated areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If location-based search results are displayed with high precision, then users can find nearby members accurately, but users in close proximity can audit and detect suppression or promotion of certain members
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing different location precision levels based on the local population density. In densely populated areas, location information is displayed with lower precision (e.g., generalized to neighborhood level), while in sparsely populated areas, higher precision (e.g., exact address) is provided. This resolves the contradiction by adapting the measurement precision to the local context, maintaining accuracy where needed while protecting privacy where population density makes auditing feasible.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the parameter of location precision based on population density thresholds. When population density exceeds a certain threshold, the location accuracy parameter is reduced (e.g., from exact coordinates to generalized area). This parameter adaptation allows the system to maintain useful location-based functionality while preventing the harmful effect of user auditing in dense areas where multiple users could compare results and detect manipulations.
2Quantity of substance
If all members within a search range are displayed, then users get comprehensive results, but the results list becomes too long and less manageable in densely populated areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by selectively displaying only a subset of members in densely populated areas rather than all members within the search range. When population density exceeds a threshold, the system applies filtering or limiting rules to show a manageable number of results (e.g., top N members by relevance score, or members from specific categories). This prevents the results list from becoming overwhelming while still providing sufficient variety and usefulness for the user.
3Adaptability or versatility
If search results are customized to promote certain users, then user experience is improved, but users in close proximity can detect the suppression or promotion through result comparison
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing different levels of result customization based on local population density. In sparsely populated areas, extensive customization and promotion of certain users is feasible and beneficial. In densely populated areas, where auditing risk is high, the system reduces the level of customization and applies more neutral, standardized ranking criteria. This contextual adaptation maintains the benefits of personalized results where safe while minimizing detectable manipulation in vulnerable contexts.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method for selective modification of location based search results that is undetectable or otherwise difficult for users of a system for providing the location based search results to detect. The method includes accessing from a processing element a results list responsive to inquiry, determining by the processing element a distance characteristic of the inquiry, determining by the processing element a density corresponding to a selected location, and based on the distance characteristic and the density modifying the results list, wherein the density is at least one of user profile density or population density.