Location Sharing Control System with Dynamic Privacy Constraints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies lack efficient methods for managing and sharing geographic information related to individuals or assets, particularly in mobile and dynamic environments, where users need to monitor and control the dissemination of location data effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system that utilizes various communication devices and networks to determine and manage geographic location information, allowing users to describe and control the sharing of this information through location detection modules, labeling, and friend list management, using techniques such as GPS, cell-ID, and network-centric positioning, enabling users to assign location labels and set sharing constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If location information is continuously monitored and shared in real-time, then users can effectively monitor the geographic location of related users and assets, but users' privacy and control over information dissemination are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic location sharing by allowing users to change sharing status between public and private modes, and to selectively share location with specific friends or groups. The system dynamically adjusts information dissemination based on user context, relationship type, and predefined rules rather than continuously sharing all location data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different sharing policies to different users and contexts. Location information is shared with varying levels of detail and accessibility depending on the specific friend, group, or organizational context. Each user can define custom rules for different circles of contacts, providing localized privacy control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If detailed geographic information is shared with multiple users, then social networking functionality is enhanced, but information security and user control are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments location information sharing into multiple hierarchical levels: public sharing, sharing with specific friends, sharing with friend groups, and organizational sharing. Each segment has its own control policies and accessibility rules, allowing users to granularly manage who accesses what level of location detail.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control layer between the user and location information dissemination. This intermediary system enforces sharing rules, filters information based on user relationships and contexts, and manages consent protocols, thereby maintaining user control while enabling versatile sharing.
3Productivity
If automatic location management is implemented across social networks, then efficiency of monitoring is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service location management where users automatically configure their own sharing preferences, friend lists, and organizational hierarchies. The system automatically applies these rules to manage location dissemination without requiring manual intervention for each sharing decision, reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal location management framework that handles multiple sharing contexts (personal friends, organizational groups, public locations) through a single integrated system. This multi-functional architecture manages diverse sharing scenarios using common protocols and data structures, reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, apparatus and software have been discovered for use by individual users to monitor the geographic location of other people or assets with some relationship to the user. Once some manner of location information is determined, users have the ability to describe that location in various ways and control how that information is shared with other users.