Location-Based User Display Filtering for Real-Time Social Interaction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing social networking sites fail to incorporate real-time location-based interactions among users, limiting the ability to facilitate location-dependent relationships and information sharing.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for providing location-based displays and interactions, including location-based photograph displays and online chatting, using a host server system and client devices to identify and filter users within a range of a user's location, allowing for dynamic updates and personalized user interfaces based on user interests, favorites, and recent interactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If location-based features are added to social networking sites, then user engagement and interaction are improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser engagementVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a location-based service as an intermediary layer between users and the social networking site. This intermediary provides location-aware filtering and matching functions, enabling location-based social interaction without requiring fundamental changes to the core social networking infrastructure. The intermediary handles location data processing, proximity calculations, and user matching, thereby improving engagement while managing system complexity through modular integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If real-time location tracking is implemented, then location-based interaction accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic location updates rather than continuous real-time tracking. Users can configure update intervals based on their needs, and the system periodically queries location information from users and nearby devices. This periodic approach maintains sufficient location accuracy for social interaction purposes while dramatically reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring. The system balances measurement precision with energy efficiency by allowing flexible update frequencies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If location-based filtering and matching algorithms are added, then user interaction relevance is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinteraction relevanceVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and storing user profile information, interests, and preferences before location-based matching is needed. The system maintains pre-indexed data structures that include user profiles, favorite locations, and interaction histories. When location data becomes available, the system can quickly query and match users based on pre-organized criteria rather than performing complex real-time calculations. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces processing time while maintaining high interaction relevance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12537882B2Systems and methods for providing location-based cascading displays
Publication Date: 2026.01.27 GRINDR LLC
  • US12537882B2 patent drawing
  • US12537882B2 patent drawing
  • US12537882B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods for facilitating user interaction such as within a social network are described. In one implementation, location-based display of images and/or other information associated with other users or entities may be provided. The information may be provided in association with mapping or other positional data or information such as personal interests.