Mobile Location Sharing via Server-Side Format Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile communication technologies face challenges in sharing geographic location information across diverse hardware and software configurations without requiring common custom software, specific hardware, or subscription services.

Innovation Solution

A mobile location sharing system that enables a sender device to send a location descriptor and target identifiers to a group of targets, determining a preferred communication mode for each target and formatting the transmission accordingly, allowing for audio-visual output without the need for custom software or hardware.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If custom software is installed on mobile devices to enable rich information sharing, then information sharing capability is improved, but device complexity and requirement for common custom software increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation sharing capabilityVSAvoidcustom software requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the sender's mobile device and the receiver's mobile device. The server receives location data from the sender, determines appropriate transmission formats based on receiver capabilities, and forwards the data. This mediator eliminates the need for custom software on both devices while enabling cross-platform compatibility through standardized protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If hardware and software configurations are standardized for effective communication, then communication reliability is improved, but adaptability to diverse devices deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidhardware compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically changes transmission parameters (data format, encoding method, protocol type) based on the receiver's identified capabilities. The server adapts the location data representation to match the receiver's hardware and software characteristics, ensuring reliable communication while maintaining support for diverse device configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If subscription or enrollment services are required for location sharing, then service reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice reliabilityVSAvoidsharing process simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables self-service location sharing where the sender simply provides their location data and target identifiers. The server automatically handles format determination, transmission routing, and protocol selection without requiring the user to enroll in services or configure settings. This maintains service reliability through automated capability detection while dramatically simplifying user operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2232911B1Navigation system with mobile location sharing system and method of operation thereof
Publication Date: 2015.09.02 TELENAV INC
  • EP2232911B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2232911B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2232911B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method (300) of operation of a navigation system with mobile location sharing system (100) includes: enabling a sender wireless device (130) to send a payload (131) including a location descriptor (131) and a list of target identifiers (131) to a group of targets (140); identifying a preferred communication mode (104) for each in the group of targets (140); selecting a transmission format (106) for the preferred communication mode (104); and sending the location descriptor (131) in the transmission format (106) selected for each in the group of targets (140) for audio-visual output.