UV Sensor Pseudo Location Privacy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location tracking methods, such as GPS and wireless networks, compromise user privacy by providing precise location data and fail in indoor or areas with poor satellite coverage, making them unsuitable for applications requiring privacy preservation and accurate indoor/outdoor differentiation.
Innovation Solution
The use of ultraviolet (UV) sensor data from user devices to estimate a pseudo location by comparing UV readings with UV profiles, incorporating environmental parameters and additional sensor data, to provide a privacy-preserving and accurate indoor/outdoor classification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS or wireless network data is used to track user location, then precise location determination is achieved, but user privacy is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential location information (indoor vs. outdoor status and approximate area) from the complete precise location data, discarding unnecessary precise coordinates. This is achieved by comparing UV sensor readings against pre-stored UV profiles for different geographic areas, obtaining minimal sufficient location data that preserves privacy while meeting application requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using traditional location tracking methods (GPS, wireless networks) that directly reveal precise position, the patent inverts the approach by using UV sensor data to infer location status. The system determines whether a user is indoors or outdoors and identifies general geographic area through UV profile matching, rather than directly measuring position coordinates.
2Reliability
If GPS tracking is used, then accurate location data is obtained, but it fails in indoor or areas with poor satellite coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the UV sensor serve multiple functions: it not only detects UV intensity for health monitoring but also determines location status (indoor/outdoor) and identifies geographic area by comparing readings with UV profiles. This multi-functional use of the UV sensor provides reliable location information in both indoor and outdoor environments where GPS fails.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the GPS satellite-based electromagnetic signal system with a UV sensor-based optical measurement system. By substituting GPS technology with UV sensing and profile matching, the system achieves location determination functionality that works reliably indoors and in areas with poor satellite coverage.
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
This approach minimizes privacy risks by providing a user's estimated location, overcoming the limitations of GPS and wireless network tracking, especially in healthcare and legal applications where precision and privacy are concerns, and accurately differentiates between indoor and outdoor locations.
Implementation Method 1
collecting, by a processing device, ultraviolet (UV) sensor data from a UV sensor of a user device of the user
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention are directed to a method for determining a pseudo location of a user. The method includes collecting, by a processing device, ultraviolet (UV) sensor data from a UV sensor of a user device of the user. The method further includes analyzing, by the processing device, the UV sensor data by comparing the UV sensor data to a UV profile for a geographic area. The method further includes determining, by the processing device, the pseudo location of the user based at least in part on the UV sensor data and the UV profile.