Mobile Device Location Accuracy via GPS Instant Messaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile devices have low location accuracy due to the poor locating methods used, making it difficult to accurately locate lost devices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method in mobile devices that uses a built-in GPS location provider to retrieve and send location information to another device via an instant messaging application, allowing for increased accuracy and reduced error in location determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional mobile network locating method is used, then the system is simple and compatible, but the location accuracy is low with large error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (location service module) that receives requests from the mobile device, determines the appropriate positioning method based on capability information, and coordinates between the mobile device's GPS module and the mobile network's location service. This intermediary resolves the contradiction by managing the complexity internally while presenting a simple interface to users, enabling high accuracy through GPS without requiring users to directly handle the complexity of multiple positioning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the location determination system into independent components: the mobile device's GPS module, the location service module, and the mobile network's location service. Each component operates independently with defined interfaces, allowing the system to select and combine appropriate positioning methods (GPS alone, network alone, or combined) based on accuracy requirements and resource availability, thus achieving high accuracy without overwhelming system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If GPS location provider is used, then location accuracy is high, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic positioning method selection that adapts to current conditions. The location service module evaluates GPS signal availability, accuracy requirements, and energy status to dynamically choose between GPS-only mode (high accuracy, high energy), network-only mode (lower accuracy, low energy), or combined mode (balanced performance). This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by using GPS only when necessary for high accuracy, rather than continuously consuming high energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters based on conditions: it adjusts the positioning method (GPS vs. network vs. combined), updates capability information to reflect current GPS availability, and modifies accuracy thresholds. By changing these parameters dynamically, the system achieves high accuracy when GPS is available while conserving energy when GPS signal is weak or unnecessary, resolving the accuracy-energy consumption trade-off.
Data Source
AI summary
A first mobile device reports its current location in response to a message from a second computing device. The first mobile device extracts a source identifier and a location inquiry from the message and determines whether the source identifier and the location inquiry satisfy pre-determined conditions. If it is determined that the pre-determined conditions are satisfied, the first mobile device retrieves current location information from a location positioning module in the first mobile device and generates a message including the current location information. The first mobile device then sends the message to the second computing device. Upon receipt of the message, an instant messaging application of the second computing device is configured to visualize the first mobile device's location on a map application in accordance with the current location information extracted from the message.