Mobile Tour Guide Database Local Caching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location-based wireless communication systems rely on a server at the destination location to transmit tour information, making them vulnerable to interference and requiring proximity, which limits their effectiveness in providing real-time information to travelers.
Innovation Solution
A method using a GPS-enabled mobile device to receive location data, query a database for nearby points-of-interest, and communicate preprogrammed tour information based on user characteristics, mode of transportation, and speed, without relying on a location-based server, allowing for real-time notifications and updates via internet access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a location-based server is used to transmit tour information wirelessly, then tour information can be communicated to mobile devices, but the system becomes vulnerable to wireless communication interference and requires the mobile device to be within close proximity to the server
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tour information data from the location-based server and stores it locally in the mobile device's database. The mobile device then queries its own database using GPS coordinates to retrieve tour information, eliminating the need for continuous wireless communication with a server and thereby removing the system's vulnerability to wireless interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a local copy of the tour information database within the mobile device. Instead of relying on the server to transmit information wirelessly, the mobile device accesses a pre-loaded copy of the tour data stored in its own database, ensuring reliable access regardless of wireless communication conditions.
2Ease of operation
If a location-based server is used to transmit tour information, then tour data can be communicated to users, but the mobile device must be within close proximity to the server which limits effectiveness for travelers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the mobile device universally capable of accessing tour information at any location by storing the complete tour database locally. The system adapts to different travel scenarios (driving, walking, different destinations) by querying the local database with current GPS coordinates and providing relevant tour information regardless of proximity to any server.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device serves itself by querying its own local database for tour information based on its GPS location. The system is self-sufficient and does not require external server assistance to provide tour information, enabling it to serve travelers at any location without proximity constraints.
3Adaptability or versatility
If tour information is provided based on user characteristics and mode of transportation, then the tour experience is optimized for the user, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic tour selection that adapts to the user's current mode of transportation (driving, walking, etc.) and characteristics. The system automatically adjusts which tours are presented and how they are delivered based on real-time input data, providing customization without requiring complex manual configuration by the user.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables real-time communication of tour information to travelers regardless of their destination or route, providing optimized and variable tour lengths based on user interaction and location, reducing reliance on proximity to a server and minimizing interference.
Implementation Method 1
receiving by a mobile electronic device, location data from a global positioning satellite (GPS) system where such location data may be used to calculate the geographic coordinates of the mobile electronic device
Data Source
AI summary
A method for communicating tour information to a user of a mobile electronic device is disclosed. The mobile device receives from a global positioning satellite (GPS) system geographic coordinates of the mobile device, compares them with coordinates stored in a database having associated with them a point-of-interest. Once coordinates of a point-of-interest are located and determined to be within a predetermined distance from the mobile device, the system will select from the plurality of tour data, a preprogrammed tour corresponding to that POI. The internet may be accessed through the device's wireless transceiver in order to download internet material associated with the point-of-interest. The tour and internet material information is then communicated to the user through a user interface.