Instant Messaging Location Congregation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing instant messaging and location-based systems do not effectively facilitate ad-hoc congregation among wireless mobile device users at designated geographic locations, limiting spontaneous social interactions and physical meet-ups.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that enables wireless mobile devices to share meet-up location information within groups, using GPS and other location-determination technologies, allowing users to check-in and notify others of their presence at designated sites, with options for manual check-in and alerts, and integrating this functionality into instant messaging applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If location-based messaging is implemented in instant messaging applications, then users can share location information and facilitate ad-hoc congregation, but the system complexity and energy consumption increase due to continuous GPS monitoring and location updates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the location-based messaging functionality into distinct modules: a location determination module that uses GPS to obtain coordinates, a message composition module that formats location data, and a transmission module that sends updates through the instant messaging network. This modular segmentation reduces overall system complexity by making each component independent and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by enabling users to pre-configure location update parameters before actual congregation activities. Users can set threshold distances, update frequencies, and notification preferences in advance, so that when congregation events occur, the system immediately applies these pre-set parameters without requiring real-time configuration decisions.
2Measurement precision
If continuous location monitoring is performed to enable real-time congregation updates, then ad-hoc congregation accuracy improves, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing location monitoring at scheduled intervals rather than continuously. The system determines current location at specified time intervals or when movement thresholds are exceeded, and transmits updates periodically when congregation status changes. This periodic approach maintains measurement precision for congregation tracking while dramatically reducing GPS and processing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by implementing location monitoring selectively rather than universally. The system monitors location updates only when users are in congregation mode or when proximity to designated congregation points is detected, rather than continuously tracking all users at all times. This partial monitoring approach maintains accuracy when needed while conserving energy during non-congregation periods.
3Ease of operation
If manual check-in functionality is provided for meet-up locations, then user control and flexibility improve, but the time required for congregation coordination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling users to autonomously perform check-in and check-out operations at meet-up locations through the instant messaging interface. Users can independently confirm their presence, update their status, and notify the group without requiring administrative intervention or complex coordination protocols. This self-service capability maintains user control while minimizing coordination overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback by providing immediate confirmation and notification when users perform manual check-in or check-out operations. When a user checks in at a meet-up location, the system instantly updates their status and notifies relevant group members, providing real-time feedback that eliminates waiting and reduces coordination time. This immediate feedback loop allows users to quickly confirm presence without prolonged coordination delays.
Data Source
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AI summary
Facilitating ad-hoc congregation using an application on a wireless mobile device is provided. Geographic locations defined as meet-ups are shared with members of group. When a wireless mobile device of one of the members of the group enters the geographic location of the meet-up, the wireless mobile device sends a meet-up notification message via a wireless network to other members of the group to identify it's presence at the pre-defined location. Group members can then decide to proceed to the meet-up location based upon the received notification messages.