Dynamic Location Sharing Time Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Users of data sharing group applications face challenges in controlling when location data is shared, leading to privacy concerns and unnecessary power consumption due to continuous GPS usage.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a user device with a user interface that allows users to set a limited time period for location data sharing, which includes receiving an instruction to enable location data sharing for a specified time and automatically disabling it afterwards, along with options for selecting specific times or recurring schedules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If location data sharing is enabled continuously for group members, then real-time location sharing capability is improved, but user privacy control deteriorates and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic location sharing by allowing users to set specific time periods, duration limits, and recurring schedules for location data sharing. The system automatically adjusts the sharing state based on these parameters, transitioning from static continuous sharing to dynamic conditional sharing that adapts to user needs while maintaining privacy control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces periodic action through recurring schedule options (daily, weekly, monthly patterns) and time-based automatic enabling/disabling of location sharing. This allows location data to be shared only during specific periodic intervals rather than continuously, reducing privacy risks and power consumption while maintaining necessary sharing capabilities.
2Productivity
If location data sharing is enabled continuously for group members, then real-time location sharing capability is improved, but power consumption deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic location sharing through time period settings and duration limits, automatically enabling GPS only when needed and disabling it after the specified duration or time period expires. This periodic activation pattern significantly reduces GPS power consumption compared to continuous operation while maintaining location sharing capability during necessary intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic time-based control system adjusts GPS usage dynamically based on user-defined parameters such as time periods, duration limits, and recurring schedules. The GPS receiver is activated only during these dynamically determined intervals rather than continuously, optimizing power consumption while preserving location sharing functionality when required.
3Ease of operation
If users can set custom time periods for location sharing, then user control over privacy is improved, but system complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional time management system that handles multiple types of time-based controls through a unified interface: time period settings, duration limits, and recurring schedules with various patterns (daily, weekly, monthly). This universal system manages diverse time-based requirements through consistent user interactions and automated processing, reducing the perceived complexity for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service automation by automatically enabling and disabling location sharing based on user-defined time parameters without requiring manual intervention. Once users configure their preferred time periods, durations, and recurring schedules, the system autonomously manages the location sharing state, eliminating the need for users to continuously monitor and adjust settings, thereby simplifying operation despite the underlying complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and user device for limiting a time for which location data sharing is enabled for a user device of a data sharing group, the data sharing group comprising at least two user devices inclusive of the user device, each user device of the data sharing group configured to store data shared by user devices of the data sharing group on the respective user device and to maintain a list of the user devices in the data sharing group. The method comprises receiving an instruction through a user interface on the user device indicating that location data sharing is to be enabled for a limited time period after which location sharing is to be disabled, obtaining location data for the user device during the limited time period; and sending the location data to at least one other user device of the sharing group during the limited time period.