Time-Limited Location Sharing via Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location sharing technologies require long-term relationships, security credentials, or complex configurations, making it difficult to share location information temporarily and securely among multiple parties without forcing a long-term commitment.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows users to share their location data through a server, enabling access only during a designated time interval without the need for account creation or authentication, using a simple and efficient method that validates users via existing email or mobile numbers, allowing real-time location updates without requiring specific applications on receiving devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If location sharing is enabled continuously, then location information is always available to contacts, but privacy is compromised and users cannot control when their location is shared
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static continuous location sharing to dynamic time-limited sharing. Location data is shared only within specific time intervals defined by start and end timestamps, allowing users to control precisely when their location is accessible to others, thus balancing availability with privacy protection
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces time parameters (start time, end time, duration) to control location sharing. By changing the temporal parameters of data transmission, the system enables location information to be shared only during designated periods rather than continuously, resolving the contradiction between constant availability and privacy preservation
2Reliability
If existing location sharing systems are used, then location information can be shared, but complex configurations and authentication are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and removes the complex authentication and configuration requirements from the location sharing process. Users can share their location simply by providing their email address and selecting a time interval, without needing to create accounts, undergo security credential verification, or configure complex settings, thus dramatically simplifying the operation while maintaining functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses email address as an intermediary identifier that bridges the user and the location sharing service without requiring full authentication. The email serves as a sufficient key to enable location sharing during the specified time period, eliminating the need for complex user registration and authentication processes
3Stability of the object's composition
If long-term location sharing relationships are established, then consistent location tracking is achieved, but users are forced into long-term commitments
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces static long-term relationships with dynamic short-term time intervals. Each location sharing session is defined by specific start and end times, allowing users to adapt the sharing duration to their immediate needs without committing to long-term arrangements, thus providing both stability during the active interval and flexibility in choosing the interval length
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic or temporary location sharing instead of continuous long-term sharing. Users can designate specific time periods for location sharing, enabling them to maintain stable tracking during those periods while retaining the flexibility to start and stop sharing as needed, avoiding forced long-term commitments
Data Source
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AI summary
A system includes a server and a source client executable on a first electronic device in communication with the server The server is configured to provide to a second electronic device in communication with the server access to location data implementable by a user interface associated with the second electronic device The location data enables the user interface to display the geographical location of the first electronic device The access to the location data is accessible to the second electronic device only during a time interval designated by a user of the first electronic device.