Location Sharing During Communication Sessions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems lack an efficient method for users to share their location during a communication session across different communication mediums, requiring manual and often imprecise location updates, which can be limiting especially when users are in motion.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows a user's mobile device to automatically share its location with other participants in a communication session, displaying it on a graphical user interface, and updating it periodically, enabling accurate location tracking across various communication types such as text messages, voice calls, and instant messages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual location sharing is used during communication sessions, then users can provide location information, but the location accuracy and continuity deteriorate when users are in motion
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically shares location information without requiring manual user intervention. The mobile device's location is obtained automatically through GPS or other location services, and updates are transmitted continuously or periodically to other participants in the communication session, eliminating the need for users to manually type or verbally describe their location.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous location tracking with automatic updates sent to communication participants. When the user's location changes, the system detects this change and automatically transmits updated location data, providing real-time feedback to other participants about the user's current position without requiring user action.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication mediums are used, then users can communicate across different platforms, but location sharing becomes fragmented and less effective
Solution Approach 1:
The location sharing system is designed to work across multiple communication platforms and mediums simultaneously. A single location update from the mobile device is automatically distributed to all communication participants regardless of which platform they are using, making the location sharing feature universal and platform-agnostic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary server or communication platform to aggregate and distribute location information to multiple communication channels. This intermediary receives location data from the user's device and automatically forwards it to all participants across different communication mediums, simplifying the integration complexity by centralizing the location distribution function.
3Speed
If location updates are continuous, then real-time tracking is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous location updates, the system implements periodic location sharing where the mobile device's location is obtained and transmitted at regular intervals or when location changes exceed a threshold. This periodic approach maintains real-time tracking effectiveness while significantly reducing the energy consumption associated with continuous GPS sampling and data transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving user input on a graphical user interface of a first computing device to provide location information associated with the first computing device to a second computing device. The current location of the first computing device is accessed, and the current location is sent to one or more second computing devices, the current location being displayed in a graphical user interface of the second computing devices.