Path Determination Using Anonymous Application Usage Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location-based services lack the ability to determine the frequency of path usage and detect temporary closures using publicly available information, which is insufficient for providing users with accurate and timely data on popular routes and road conditions.
Innovation Solution
A path determination system that utilizes anonymous application usage data from devices to identify the location and geometrical shape of paths, determining usage frequency and detecting changes in path usage patterns, thereby providing users with information on popular routes and potential closures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If publicly available information is used to determine path characteristics, then basic path information can be obtained, but frequency of path usage and temporary closures cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses anonymous application usage data as an intermediary to indirectly measure path usage frequency. Instead of directly querying users or installing specialized sensors, the system leverages existing location data from navigation applications to infer path popularity and closure status, resolving the contradiction between information completeness and system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes data that applications and devices already collect for their own purposes (navigation, location tracking) and repurposes it for path usage analysis. This self-service approach allows the system to gain insights into path frequency and closures without adding separate data collection infrastructure
2Measurement precision
If detailed location data is collected to determine path usage patterns, then accurate path frequency and closure detection is achieved, but user privacy is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential information needed for path analysis (anonymous location data and application usage patterns) while leaving out all personally identifiable information. By taking out only what is necessary and removing identifiers, the system achieves precise path usage measurement without compromising user privacy
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of location data from identified to anonymous by removing user identifiers while preserving spatial and temporal patterns. This parameter transformation allows the same data to provide precise path usage information while eliminating privacy risks associated with tracking individual users
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques of determining a path using anonymous application usage data are described. A path determination system and method can determine a location and geometrical shape of a path based on anonymous application usage data received from one or more devices. The anonymous application usage data can include an identifier or a category of the application program executed by a device, and multiple locations of the device observed while the application program executes on the device. Based on the locations, the system and method can determine a path for associating with the application program. The system and method can use metadata of the application program for identifying the path in response to a query or a request. The system and method can provide the path to a device for display in an information layer on a virtual map.