Location Information Privacy Control via Rule-Based Interception
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Users of location applications on mobile devices face challenges in maintaining privacy of their geographical location, as existing technologies do not provide a reliable method to control and hide their location information from third parties while still allowing the use of location application functionalities.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that intercepts location information destined for location applications, applies user-defined or predetermined rules to modify this information, and sends the amended data to the application, allowing users to control what location information is shared, including options to replace, suppress, or vary location data, and alerting users of location requests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If location information is made available to third parties through location applications, then location sharing functionality is improved, but user privacy is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a privacy control mechanism as an intermediary between the location application and third parties. This intermediary intercepts location information before it reaches third parties and applies user-defined rules to filter, modify, or block the information, thereby enabling selective location sharing while protecting user privacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different quality levels of location information to different recipients or purposes. Instead of always providing full precision location data, the system can provide localized or filtered location information based on user preferences, such as providing only approximate location to certain third parties while maintaining privacy.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If location information is filtered or modified to protect privacy, then user privacy is improved, but location accuracy is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic location information filtering where the degree of filtering can change based on user preferences, context, and relationships with third parties. The system can switch between providing accurate location data and filtered data dynamically, allowing users to balance privacy and accuracy needs in different situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters of location information such as precision, granularity, and detail level based on user-defined rules. Instead of always providing maximum accuracy, the system can modify parameters like location precision or temporal resolution to protect privacy while maintaining sufficient accuracy for legitimate purposes.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a privacy mode is implemented to control location information, then user privacy is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the privacy control mechanism to serve multiple functions: it can filter location information based on user preferences, detect privacy violations, provide user education, and work with different location applications. This multi-functionality consolidates several needs into a single system, reducing overall complexity despite the added privacy protection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service features where users can define their own privacy rules and preferences without requiring complex technical knowledge. The system automatically applies user-defined rules and provides intuitive interfaces for managing privacy settings, reducing the operational complexity for users while maintaining strong privacy protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for controlling location information at a computer device such as a mobile telephone. Location information is intercepted and obtained by, for example, intercepting it from an Application Programming Interface destined for a location application. The location application is identified, and a rule is determined for applying to the location information on the basis of the identified location application. The rule is applied to the location information to give amended location information, and the amended location information is then sent to the location application.