Probabilistic Mobile Device Location Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location-based mobile applications face challenges in accurately determining user location due to the deterministic interpretation of location data, which is flawed as it does not account for the uncertainty and movement of users, leading to irrelevant advertisements and inefficient location-based services.
Innovation Solution
A probabilistic user location representation system that translates traditional location data into probabilistic representations using historical data, context analysis, and probability allocation procedures, enabling more accurate and relevant location-based information delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If deterministic interpretation of location data is used, then processing simplicity is maintained, but location accuracy deteriorates due to user movement and data uncertainty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms location data from deterministic fixed values into probabilistic distributions with multiple possible locations and associated probabilities. This parameter change allows the system to represent location uncertainty mathematically, improving accuracy by accounting for user movement while maintaining processing feasibility through standardized probability calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces probabilistic location representations as an intermediary between raw location data and ad serving decisions. This intermediary layer processes the uncertainty of location data through probability distributions, enabling more accurate ad delivery without requiring complex real-time tracking of user movement.
2Measurement precision
If probabilistic location representation is implemented, then location accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments location data into discrete probable locations with associated probabilities rather than treating it as a continuous deterministic value. This segmentation approach simplifies the mathematical operations required for probabilistic processing while maintaining accuracy by representing location uncertainty through a finite set of possible positions.
3Productivity
If traditional location data is used without probabilistic processing, then data processing speed is maintained, but ad relevance deteriorates due to location uncertainty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary probabilistic processing of location data before ad serving decisions are made. By pre-computing probability distributions and possible locations in advance, the system prepares location uncertainty information that can be quickly applied during ad delivery, maintaining processing speed while improving ad relevance through more accurate location representation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by one or more computer systems coupled to a packet-based network to determine the location of a mobile device comprises receiving a set of input signals associated with the mobile device from the packet-based network. The set of input signals include a plurality of location components and context information. The method further comprises determining whether the set of input signals include a pair of latitude/longitude coordinates, and determining whether the pair of latitude/longitude coordinates are valid using a set of criteria. The method further comprises defining at least some of the set of criteria using historical data associated with a plurality of mobile devices communicating with the packet-based network. The method further comprises deriving the location of the mobile device using one or more other location components of the plurality of location components and the context information, in response to the pair of latitude/longitude coordinates being marked as invalid.