Variable Precision Location Sharing with Encryption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location sharing systems lack user control over location information precision, expose shared location data to network providers, and do not allow temporary privilege escalation for recipients.
Innovation Solution
A secure location sharing system using public-key cryptography allows publishers to encrypt and share location information with specified precision, enabling control over spatial and temporal accuracy, and temporary access grants to subscribers, while keeping the data encrypted until decryption on the subscriber's device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If location information is shared with high precision, then the location accuracy for subscribers is improved, but the privacy security and control over location data is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different precision levels for different subscribers. The publisher can specify that certain subscribers receive high-precision location data while others receive lower-precision data, thus tailoring the information quality to each recipient's needs and relationship with the publisher. This resolves the contradiction by enabling high precision for trusted subscribers while maintaining privacy security through reduced precision for others.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing dynamic adjustment of location precision parameters. The publisher can change the precision level at any time, upgrading or downgrading the accuracy of location information shared with subscribers. This provides control over the trade-off between precision and privacy, as the publisher can adjust the parameter based on current trust levels and privacy concerns.
2Productivity
If the distribution service has access to location information for distribution, then the distribution capability is improved, but the security against unauthorized access is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing the sensitive location information from the distribution service's accessible data. The distribution service only receives encrypted location data that it cannot decrypt or access. The actual location information remains exclusively with the publisher and is only made accessible to subscribers through secure cryptographic mechanisms, thus maintaining distribution capability while eliminating unauthorized access risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses cryptographic encryption as an intermediary mechanism. The distribution service acts as a mediator that distributes encrypted location data without being able to access the plaintext information. This intermediary layer of encryption protects against unauthorized access while still enabling the distribution service to perform its distribution function.
3Speed
If location information is shared continuously with high precision, then the real-time tracking capability is improved, but the energy consumption and data transmission overhead is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the location sharing parameters adjustable and adaptable. Instead of continuous high-precision sharing, the system allows dynamic adjustment of precision levels and update frequencies based on the publisher's current needs and energy constraints. The publisher can switch between high-precision real-time sharing and lower-precision periodic sharing, optimizing the balance between tracking capability and energy consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A secure location sharing system is disclosed that allows publishers to share their locations with subscribers. Each publishing device generates, encrypts and publishes its location information with a specified precision to a distribution service for distribution to one or more subscribing devices. The distribution service provides secure distribution of the location information to the distribution list but cannot access the publisher's precise location information, which remains encrypted until decrypted at the subscribing devices. Publishers can share their location information with varying levels of precision for different subscribers. Publishers can select at least two dimensions of location information precision: spatial and temporal. For less precise location sharing, the publishing device can randomize or otherwise obscure the precise location of the publishing device. The publisher can move a subscriber or a group of subscribers to a lower or higher level of location precision by generating new key pairs at the publishing device.