Virtual ID Mapping for Privacy-Preserving Location Services
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for providing real-time road traffic data based on mobile device locations face challenges in anonymizing user device information, making it difficult to balance user privacy with the need for location-based services without revealing individual device identities.
Innovation Solution
A system that anonymizes user device location data by mapping unique device IDs to virtual IDs, storing this information in anonymized storage, and allowing authorized parties to access location information for providing location-based services while maintaining user privacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If user device location data is stored with unique device IDs for providing location-based services, then service functionality is improved, but user privacy is compromised due to ability to identify individual devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces virtual IDs as an intermediary between user device IDs and location data. The virtual ID acts as a mediator that allows location-based services to function while preventing direct identification of users. The mapping between device IDs and virtual IDs is stored securely, and services interact through virtual IDs rather than direct device IDs, thus preserving privacy while maintaining service functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the device ID system through virtual IDs. Instead of using real device IDs directly, the system uses virtualized identifiers that replicate the functionality needed for services (tracking, location-based operations) without exposing actual user identities. This copying approach allows services to operate on anonymized data.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If user device IDs are anonymized to protect privacy, then user privacy is improved, but ability to provide personalized location-based services deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual ID system serves as an intermediary that preserves service capabilities while protecting privacy. Authorized services can query location data using virtual IDs and receive personalized results without needing access to actual device IDs. The system maintains the ability to provide personalized services through the virtual identification layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the identifying characteristics from device IDs and separates them into a secure mapping system. The virtual ID system takes out the privacy-sensitive device ID information and stores it separately, while maintaining the functional aspects needed for services through the virtual identifier system.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a mapping system between device IDs and virtual IDs is implemented, then privacy protection is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mapping system is designed to be self-managing through automated processes. The correlation between device IDs and virtual IDs is established and maintained automatically by the system without requiring complex manual management. This reduces the operational complexity despite the added structural elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A first server may: receive, from a second server, a request for location information associated with a first user device having a first identifier and a second identifier, or a request for information to identify one or more second user devices located in a particular geographic area; determine the second identifier based on information stored by the first server mapping the second identifier to the first identifier; provide, to the third server, the second identifier to request the location information associated with the second identifier; receive the location information associated with the second identifier; and provide, to the second server, the location information associated with the user device based on receiving the location information. The first server may provide information regarding the geographic area to the third server to receive the information identifying the one or more user devices in the geographic area.