Mobile Device Location Precision Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of mobile devices face challenges in controlling the precision of location information shared with contacts, as existing methods do not allow for flexible and context-based precision levels, potentially leading to unwanted exposure of precise location details.
Innovation Solution
A method where a mobile device assigns and manages precision levels for location information based on criteria such as contact groups, context, and proximity, ensuring that location details shared with contacts do not exceed the assigned precision level, and uses techniques like GPS, cellular, or WLAN to determine and obfuscate location data as necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mobile device shares precise location information with contacts, then the location accuracy is improved, but the user privacy is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing contact-specific precision levels. Different contacts are assigned different precision levels (e.g., family members receive precise location, acquaintances receive coarse location). The location information is dynamically adjusted based on the specific contact receiving it, allowing precise location sharing with trusted contacts while maintaining privacy with others.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the location precision adaptive and changeable. The precision level assigned to each contact can be modified by the user at any time, and the system dynamically adjusts the location information provided based on current context and user preferences, rather than using a static precision level for all contacts.
2Measurement precision
If a mobile device uses GPS to determine location, then the location precision is improved to a few meters, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively using GPS only when high precision is actually needed. The system first attempts to determine location using lower-power methods (cell tower triangulation, WLAN positioning), and only activates GPS when the required precision level exceeds what these methods can provide, thus avoiding unnecessary energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by adjusting the precision requirements based on the contact and context. Instead of always requiring maximum precision, the system changes the precision parameter according to the assigned precision level for each contact, allowing lower-precision (and lower-energy) methods to suffice for many situations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile device shares location information with all contacts, then the communication versatility is improved, but the risk of spam and unauthorized access increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring precision levels and expected location patterns for each contact before communication occurs. The system establishes a baseline of where a contact is expected to be based on their assigned precision level and historical data, enabling proactive filtering of suspicious messages before they reach the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring whether received messages originate from expected locations. When a message is received, the system checks if the sender's location matches the expected location for that contact. If there's a mismatch, the message is flagged or blocked, and the user can adjust their preferences based on this feedback.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mobile device (502) provides its location information to contacts of a user of the mobile device (502). A contact has a particular precision level (532) assigned thereto from a set of two or more dissimilar precision levels. The assignment of precision levels (532) to contacts is according to one or more criteria. The mobile device (502) ensures that any location information of the mobile device (502) provided to the contact is not more precise than the precision level (532) currently assigned to the contact.