SMS Location Request Interception via Application Server
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for requesting and providing location information between individuals are often inconvenient, requiring the download of applications and adjustments to network settings, and lack security, especially when dealing with unknown contacts.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes text messaging to request and provide location information, leveraging SMS for ubiquity and security, without the need for additional software, using a communications network with an application server, database, and location authentication engine to analyze messages for location requests, obtain permissions, and transmit location data via GPS or triangulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional location sharing methods are used, then location information can be obtained, but additional software installation and network setting adjustments are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the location service functionality from dedicated applications and integrates it into the existing SMS messaging system. The application server intercepts and processes location requests within standard text messages, eliminating the need for separate location-sharing applications while maintaining the core location sharing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the SMS messaging system multi-functional by enabling it to handle both traditional text communication and location service requests through a unified interface. The application server analyzes SMS messages for location keywords and automatically processes them, allowing the existing messaging infrastructure to serve multiple purposes without requiring additional software
2Productivity
If location services are enabled through network settings adjustment, then location information can be shared, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary configuration by setting up the application server to automatically recognize and process location requests in SMS messages. The system pre-establishes the processing logic and keyword recognition capabilities, so when a user sends a location request, the server is already prepared to intercept and handle it immediately without requiring real-time configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service location sharing where users can initiate location requests through simple SMS commands without manual intervention for settings configuration. The application server automatically detects location keywords in messages, retrieves location data from the target device, and delivers it back to the requester, eliminating the need for users to manually adjust network settings or configure service parameters
3Reliability
If location information is shared without verification, then location can be obtained quickly, but security risks increase with unknown contacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the application server as an intermediary between the SMS message and the location information retrieval process. The server acts as a mediator that verifies the legitimacy of location requests, checks whether the target device consents to share location data, and only then retrieves and forwards the location information. This intermediary layer provides security verification while maintaining the simplicity of SMS-based requests
Data Source
AI summary
A method, computer-readable storage device and apparatus for processing a text message are disclosed. For example, the method receives the text message, analyzes the text message for an indication that a sender of the text message is requesting location information of an individual that the text message is addressed to, receives a permission to provide the location information of the individual receiving the text message, and transmits the location information of the individual to an endpoint device of the sender, wherein the location information of the individual is continually updated and sent to the endpoint device of the sender.