Mobile Device Proximity Notification via Grouping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile device technologies lack effective methods for dynamically notifying users of proximity to other mobile devices outside of their usual associated groups, which can lead to missed opportunities for social interactions or awareness of acquaintances in different locations.
Innovation Solution
A system that periodically acquires location information from multiple mobile devices, groups them based on proximity, and generates notifications when devices from one group are found near each other outside of their usual associated areas, without requiring prior registration or using personal information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mobile devices continuously monitor and notify users of proximity to other devices, then social interaction opportunities are enhanced, but energy consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs proximity detection and group formation at periodic intervals rather than continuously. The server periodically acquires location information from mobile devices, updates group assignments, and determines proximity notifications. This periodic operation reduces energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring while still providing timely social interaction opportunities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages existing location services and operating system capabilities that are already running on mobile devices for other purposes. By reusing these existing services for proximity detection and group formation, the system avoids duplicating functionality and reduces additional energy overhead.
2Loss of information
If the system groups mobile devices based on location proximity and provides proximity notifications, then awareness of acquaintances is improved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a server as an intermediary that handles the complex tasks of acquiring location information, forming groups based on proximity, and determining notification conditions. This shifts the computational burden from individual mobile devices to the server, reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive awareness capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the proximity detection functionality into distinct modules: location information acquisition, group formation based on proximity, proximity determination logic, and notification generation. This modular approach organizes complexity into manageable segments that can be independently implemented and maintained.
3Reliability
If proximity notifications are provided for all mobile devices in a group, then notification completeness is improved, but false notifications in usual areas are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary group formation based on historical location data before issuing proximity notifications. By pre-establishing groups of devices that frequently co-occur in the same areas, the system can later determine whether proximity notifications should be issued based on whether devices are in their usual associated areas versus unexpected locations, reducing false notifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses historical location information and group formation patterns as feedback to refine proximity notification decisions. By analyzing where devices typically congregate and forming groups based on these patterns, the system learns to distinguish between expected proximity (no notification needed) and unexpected proximity (notification warranted), improving notification accuracy over time.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present invention disclose a method, computer program product, and system for mobile computing device proximity notification. The method includes one or more processors acquiring location information for a plurality of mobile computing devices. The method further includes one or more processors creating a first group of mobile computing devices based on location proximity in the acquired location information of the plurality of mobile computing devices, wherein the created first group includes a first mobile computing device and a second mobile computing device. The method further includes one or more processors determining whether the first mobile computing device is within a predetermined distance to the second mobile computing device, and the first mobile computing device and the second mobile computing device are outside of an area associated with the first group.