Location-Based Search Using Local Intranet Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing search systems compromise user privacy by requiring the transmission of location data to remote servers for location-based search results, which may not be desirable for preserving anonymity.
Innovation Solution
The system determines the user's location and provides query completion suggestions and search results locally or through trusted intermediary servers, without transmitting identifying information to remote servers, using intranet data and pre-stored information associated with the user's location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If location data is transmitted to remote servers for location-based search results, then search results relevance to user location is improved, but user privacy and anonymity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces local servers as intermediary components between mobile devices and remote servers. These local servers receive and process location-based search requests, enabling the system to provide location-relevant search results while preventing direct transmission of identifying information to remote servers. The local server acts as a mediator that satisfies the need for location-based personalization without compromising user anonymity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If identifying information is transmitted to remote servers, then location-based search functionality is improved, but user anonymity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the search system into multiple components: mobile devices, local servers, and remote servers. By dividing the system architecture, location-based search functionality can be implemented at the local server level without requiring identifying information to be transmitted to remote servers. This segmentation allows the system to maintain anonymity while still providing location-based search capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
Local servers serve as intermediaries that handle location-based search processing. They receive search requests from mobile devices, determine location relevance, and return results without needing to transmit identifying information to remote servers. This intermediary layer enables location-based functionality while preserving user anonymity.
3Device complexity
If location data is processed centrally on remote servers, then search system simplicity is improved, but user privacy protection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized server structure into distributed local servers and remote servers. Local servers are deployed at strategic locations to process search requests locally, reducing the need for complex data transmission and centralized processing. This segmentation simplifies the overall system architecture while enhancing privacy protection through distributed processing.
Solution Approach 2:
Local servers are pre-positioned at various geographic locations before users need search services. This preliminary deployment allows the system to immediately provide location-based search results without requiring complex real-time data transmission to remote servers, thereby simplifying the system structure while protecting user privacy.
Data Source
AI summary
A device implementing a system for providing location based search results includes at least one processor configured to detect that a location of a device is within a location of a store or within a threshold distance of the location, and establish a connection with a wireless network of the store. The at least one processor is configured to access an intranet associated with the store, the intranet being accessed via a network identifier previously stored on the device in association with the store, and receive user input for a search. The at least one processor is configured to obtain, via the intranet, at least one of a query completion suggestion or search result having been targeted to the location of the store or the threshold distance of the location, and display the at least one of the query completion suggestion or the search result in association with the search.