Proximity-Based Contact Data Provision for Mobile Device Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile tracking technologies, such as GPS, often fail to facilitate effective contact with a target person due to difficulties in locating nearby individuals who can assist in reaching the target, especially in noisy environments where audible signals are ineffective.
Innovation Solution
A system that identifies the location of a target person using GPS and provides contact data for nearby mobile devices, allowing the requestor to communicate with individuals proximate to the target through configured preferences and social media platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS tracking is used to identify the location of a target person, then the location can be accurately determined, but the ability to contact the target person remains ineffective when audible signals are unavailable or when nearby assistants are unknown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system that connects the requester to nearby individuals through a social network platform. The system acts as a mediator by receiving location data from GPS tracking, querying the social network for proximate users, and facilitating contact through provided contact information, thereby resolving the disconnect between location tracking and effective communication
Solution Approach 2:
The system integrates multiple functions into a single platform: GPS location tracking, social network querying, proximity calculation, and contact information delivery. This multi-functional approach allows the system to handle both location determination and contact facilitation through a unified mechanism, improving overall contact effectiveness
2Device complexity
If the audible ringer is used to signal the target person, then the signal is simple and direct, but it becomes ineffective in noisy environments or when the target cannot hear the signal
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary communication channel through nearby individuals identified via social network data. Instead of relying solely on direct audio signaling to the target, the system mediates communication by connecting requesters with proximate users who can then assist in reaching the target, thereby improving signal reliability in environments where direct audio communication fails
3Ease of operation
If contact information for nearby individuals is provided through a social network system, then the ability to reach the target person is improved, but the system complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing the social network database and pre-calculating proximity relationships. When a location query is made, the system can quickly retrieve pre-processed data about nearby users rather than performing complex real-time calculations, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining contact accessibility
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 efficient communication with individuals near the target person, overcoming the limitations of traditional tracking methods by providing a means to contact nearby users who can assist in reaching the target, enhancing location-based communication.
Implementation Method 1
A geographical location of the mobile device is determined by a GPS receiver
Data Source
AI summary
An approach is disclosed that identifies a location of mobile device associated with a target person, such as a spouse, child, or employee. The approach then identifies other mobile devices that have current locations that are near, or proximate to, the identified location. The requestor is then provided with contact data corresponding to one or more users of the other mobile devices.