(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2012/0008526 A1
`Borghei
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Jan. 12, 2012
`
`US 2012O008526A1
`
`(54) AD HOC FORMATION ANDTRACKING OF
`LOCATION-SHARING GROUPS
`
`(76)
`
`Inventor:
`
`Hooman Borghei, San Jose, CA
`(US)
`
`(21)
`
`Appl. No.:
`
`12/831,956
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Jul. 7, 2010
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. C.
`H04L 2/28
`
`(2006.01)
`
`(52) U.S. Cl. ........................................................ 370/254
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for forming
`and tracking a location-sharing group are disclosed. The loca
`tion-sharing group can be performed adhoc without the assis
`tance of a central server. A geofence can be defined that
`encloses the current locations of the participating devices in
`the location-sharing group. The geographic location of the
`location-sharing group as a whole can be tracked and pro
`vided to the participating devices in the location-sharing
`group. Group-level location-sharing can be enabled. Depar
`ture of a participating device from the location-sharing group
`can be detected based on the current location and the coverage
`radius of each device in the location-sharing group. Entry of
`points of interest into the geofence of the location-sharing
`group can be detected and notified to the participating devices
`in the location-sharing group.
`
`100
`
`
`
`104
`
`102
`
`Device 1
`
`(4) Confirmation
`(1) Request
`
`LOCation-
`Information
`Server
`
`3) Consent
`(3)
`(2) Request-o-
`
`Device 2
`
`WhatsApp LLC
`Exhibit 1027
`Page 001
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 12, 2012 Sheet 1 of 15
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`US 2012/0008526 A1
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`100
`
`102
`
`4) COnfirmation
`(4)
`(1) Request
`
`LOCation-
`Information
`Server
`
`3) Consent
`(3)
`(2) Request-D-
`
`Device 2
`
`100
`
`
`
`(3) Notification
`
`Device 1
`
`104
`
`Location
`Information
`Server
`
`era.
`- a
`r--
`S.
`s.
`Ha
`CA
`O
`s
`
`---
`No
`we
`C.
`C
`s
`d
`d
`s
`
`Device 2
`
`102
`
`F G 1 B
`
`
`
`10 0
`
`(2) Notification
`
`104
`
`LOCation
`Information
`Server
`
`
`
`
`
`102
`
`FIG. 1C
`
`WhatsApp LLC
`Exhibit 1027
`Page 002
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 12, 2012 Sheet 2 of 15
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`US 2012/0008526 A1
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`
`
`200
`
`--a
`
`Clarion Alley
`
`f
`
`FIG. 2A
`
`WhatsApp LLC
`Exhibit 1027
`Page 003
`
`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 12, 2012 Sheet 3 of 15
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`WhatsApp LLC
`Exhibit 1027
`Page 004
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 12, 2012 Sheet 4 of 15
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`214
`
`
`
`222
`
`216
`
`212a
`218a
`
`218b.
`
`212b
`
`FIG. 2D
`
`2 (AS
`
`s5. 3.
`
`al
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`WhatsApp LLC
`Exhibit 1027
`Page 005
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 12, 2012 Sheet 5 of 15
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`US 2012/0008526 A1
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`S.
`
`
`
`S
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`WhatsApp LLC
`Exhibit 1027
`Page 006
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 12, 2012 Sheet 6 of 15
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`US 2012/0008526 A1
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`O
`V
`N
`
`
`
`&
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`WhatsApp LLC
`Exhibit 1027
`Page 007
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 12, 2012 Sheet 7 of 15
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`US 2012/0008526 A1
`
`300
`
`
`
`Detecting formation of a location-sharing group between two or more mobile
`302
`devices
`
`Defining a geofence around the location-sharing group, the geofence encloses
`respective current geographic locations of the two or more mobile devices
`304
`
`Tracking a geographic location of the location-sharing group and a geographic
`306
`coverage of the geofence around the location-sharing group
`
`Providing the geographic location of the location-sharing group to at least one
`of the two or more mobile devices in the location-sharing group
`
`308
`
`FIG. 3
`
`WhatsApp LLC
`Exhibit 1027
`Page 008
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 12, 2012 Sheet 8 of 15
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`
`
`400
`
`Receiving a group initiation request from a host device, the host device
`bcing one of the two or more mobile devices in the location-sharing group,
`and the group initiation request identifying the location-sharing group to be
`formed and one or more participating devices that have been invited to join
`402
`the location-sharing group
`
`Subsequent to receiving the group initiation request, receiving a
`notification from the host device indicating that the location-sharing group
`has been formed, wherein the notification includes respective consents
`from the one or more participating devices to join the location-sharing
`404
`group
`
`FIG. 4A
`
`4.
`
`Receiving a group invitation request from a host device, the host device
`being one of the two or more mobile devices in the location-sharing group,
`and the group initiation request identifying the location-sharing group to be
`formed and one or more participating devices that have been invited to join
`412
`the location-sharing group
`
`Subsequent to receiving the group initiation request, receiving from each of
`the participating devices a respective consent to join the location-sharing
`group
`
`14
`
`FIG. 4B
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`WhatsApp LLC
`Exhibit 1027
`Page 009
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 12, 2012 Sheet 9 of 15
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`so
`
`
`
`Determining the respective current geographic locations of the two or more
`502
`mobile devices
`
`Determining a respective coverage radius for each of the two or more mobile
`devices
`
`504
`
`Determining a boundary of a combined coverage area that encloses the current
`geographic location of each mobile device by a distance equal to the coverage
`506
`radius for the mobile device
`
`Using the boundary of the combined coverage area as the geofence around the
`location-sharing group
`
`508
`
`FIG. 5
`
`WhatsApp LLC
`Exhibit 1027
`Page 010
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 12, 2012 Sheet 10 of 15
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`600 &
`
`
`
`Monitoring the current geographic locations of the two or more mobile devices
`602
`
`Determining a current boundary of the combined coverage area that encloses
`the current geographic location of each mobile device by at least the coverage
`604
`radius of the mobile device
`
`Updating the geofence around the location-sharing group based on the current
`boundary of the combined coverage area
`
`606
`
`Determining an updated geographic location for the location-sharing group
`based on the updated geofence around the location-sharing group
`
`608
`
`F.G. 6
`
`WhatsApp LLC
`Exhibit 1027
`Page 011
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 12, 2012 Sheet 11 of 15
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`
`
`Determining the current geographic locations of the two or more mobile
`devices
`
`702
`
`Determining a respective coverage radius for each of the two or more mobile
`devices
`
`704
`
`Detecting that at least one of the two or more mobile devices is outside of the
`coverage radius of all other mobile devices in the location-sharing group
`06
`
`Notifying the two or more mobile devices in the ad hoc network about the
`departure of the at least one mobile device from the location-sharing group
`708
`
`FIG. 7
`
`WhatsApp LLC
`Exhibit 1027
`Page 012
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 12, 2012 Sheet 12 of 15
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`US 2012/0008526 A1
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`so
`
`Storing a plurality of candidate locations of interest
`
`Monitoring the relative positions between each candidate location of interest
`and the geofence that encloses the current geographic locations of the two or
`804
`more mobile devices
`
`Determining that at least one of the candidate locations of interest has crossed
`and cntered the geofence based on the relative positions between the candidate
`806
`location of interest and the geofence
`
`
`
`FIG. 8
`
`Detecting a candidate device of interest, the candidate device of interest having
`902
`an associated location
`
`Monitoring the relative positions between the candidate device of interest and
`the geofence that encloses the current geographic locations of the two or more
`904
`mobile devices
`
`Determining that the candidate device of interest has crossed and entered the
`geofence based on the relative positions between the candidate device of
`O6
`interest and the geofence
`
`FIG. 9
`
`WhatsApp LLC
`Exhibit 1027
`Page 013
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 12, 2012 Sheet 13 of 15
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`US 2012/0008526 A1
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`
`
`1086
`
`PhotoS
`1032
`
`Camera
`1034 1036
`
`1084
`
`1038
`
`1046
`
`1048
`
`1004
`
`WhatsApp LLC
`Exhibit 1027
`Page 014
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 12, 2012 Sheet 14 of 15
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`US 2012/0008526 A1
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`
`
`
`
`
`
`8 | | |
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`WhatsApp LLC
`Exhibit 1027
`Page 015
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 12, 2012 Sheet 15 of 15
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`US 2012/0008526 A1
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`1200
`
`Other Sensor(s)
`
`Light Sensor
`
`Proximity Sensor
`
`Camera
`Subsystem
`
`1216
`
`1210
`
`1212
`
`1214
`
`1220
`
`Operating System Instructions
`COmmunication Instructions
`GUI Instructions
`Sensor Processing Instructions
`PhOne Instructions
`Electronic Messaging Instructions
`Web Browsing Instructions
`Media Processing Instructions
`GPS/Navigation Instructions
`Camera Instructions
`ocation Sharing Instructions
`Other Software instructions
`
`w
`
`P
`
`A
`
`A.
`
`1252
`1254
`1256
`1258
`
`1260
`1262
`1264
`1266
`1268 S1272
`1270
`
`1272
`1274
`
`Memory Interface
`
`
`
`1 2 O 6
`
`Processor(s)
`
`1204
`
`1202
`
`
`
`1224
`
`WireleSS
`Peripherals
`E. > Communication
`Subsystem(s)
`Audio Subsystem H
`1226
`O
`
`1222
`
`1228
`
`1230
`
`1242
`
`I/O Subsystem
`
`1240
`
`TOUCh-SCreen Controller
`
`Other input Controller(s)
`
`1246
`
`Devices
`
`1248
`
`FIG. 12
`
`WhatsApp LLC
`Exhibit 1027
`Page 016
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`

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`US 2012/0008526 A1
`
`Jan. 12, 2012
`
`AD HOC FORMATION AND TRACKING OF
`LOCATION-SHARING GROUPS
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`0001. This subject matter is generally related to location
`sharing for mobile devices.
`
`BACKGROUND
`0002 Some mobile devices include a positioning system,
`such as a Global Positioning System (GPS), to determine a
`user's current geographic location and display a map showing
`a marker for the user's current geographical location. As the
`user moves to a different location, the positioning system
`recalculates the current location of the user, and refreshes a
`displayed map to reflect the updated location of the user.
`0003. Some mobile devices also allow location-sharing
`among users who have agreed to become "location-sharing
`friends' with one another. For example, two users can register
`with a location information server and agree to share their
`geographical locations with each other. The location infor
`mation server maintains a database of location information
`submitted by the respective mobile devices associated with
`the two users. The location information server will forward
`the location information of one user to the other user either
`upon request, on a schedule, or upon receiving a Submission
`of a location update. Each user can view the location-sharing
`friend's location on a map displayed on the user's own mobile
`device.
`
`SUMMARY
`0004 Systems, methods, and computer-readable media
`for collecting location information update are disclosed.
`0005. In one aspect, a method includes: detecting forma
`tion of a location-sharing group between two or more mobile
`devices; defining a geofence around the location-sharing
`group, the geofence encloses respective current geographic
`locations of the two or more mobile devices; tracking a geo
`graphic location of the location-sharing group and a geo
`graphic coverage of the geofence around the location-sharing
`group; and providing the geographic location of the location
`sharing group to at least one of the two or more mobile
`devices in the location-sharing group.
`0006. Other embodiments of this aspect include corre
`sponding Systems, apparatus, and computer programs, con
`figured to perform the actions of the methods, encoded on
`computer storage devices.
`0007. These and other embodiments can optionally
`include one or more of the following features.
`0008. In some implementations, the action of detecting
`formation of the location-sharing group further includes:
`receiving a group initiation request from a host device, the
`host device being one of the two or more mobile devices in the
`location-sharing group, and the group initiation request iden
`tifying the location-sharing group to be formed and one or
`more participating devices that have been invited to join the
`location-sharing group; and Subsequent to receiving the
`group initiation request, receiving a notification from the host
`device indicating that the location-sharing group has been
`formed, wherein the notification includes respective consents
`from the one or more participating devices to join the loca
`tion-sharing group.
`0009. In some implementations, the action of detecting
`formation of the location-sharing group further includes:
`
`receiving a group invitation request from a host device, the
`host device being one of the two or more mobile devices in the
`location-sharing group, and the group initiation request iden
`tifying the location-sharing group to be formed and one or
`more participating devices that have been invited to join the
`location-sharing group; and Subsequent to receiving the
`group initiation request, receiving from each of the partici
`pating devices a respective consent to join the location-shar
`ing group.
`0010. In some implementations, the location-sharing
`group is Supported by one or more active network connec
`tions between the two or more mobile devices. In some imple
`mentations, the one or more network connections include one
`or more of a Bluetooth network connection or a WiFi network
`connection.
`0011. In some implementations, the action of defining a
`geofence around the location-sharing group further includes:
`determining the respective current geographic locations of
`the two or more mobile devices; determining a respective
`coverage radius for each of the two or more mobile devices:
`determining a boundary of a combined coverage area that
`encloses the current geographic location of each mobile
`device by a distance equal to the coverage radius for the
`mobile device; and using the boundary of the combined cov
`erage area as the geofence around the location-sharing group.
`0012. In some implementations, the action of determining
`the respective coverage radius for each of the two or more
`mobile devices further includes: determining a connection
`type for a network connection presently established between
`the mobile device and another mobile device in the location
`sharing group; and using a known connectivity range for the
`connection type as the coverage radius for the mobile device.
`0013. In some implementations, the action of determining
`the coverage radius for each of the two or more mobile
`devices further includes: receiving the coverage radius from
`the mobile device, the coverage radius being a user-specified
`distance.
`0014. In some implementations, the action of tracking the
`geographic location of the location-sharing group and a geo
`graphic coverage of the geofence around the location-sharing
`group further includes: monitoring the current geographic
`locations of the two or more mobile devices; determining a
`current boundary of the combined coverage area that encloses
`the current geographic location of each mobile device by at
`least the coverage radius of the mobile device; updating the
`geofence around the location-sharing group based on the
`current boundary of the combined coverage area; and deter
`mining an updated geographic location for the location-shar
`ing group based on the updated geofence around the location
`sharing group.
`0015. In some implementations, the geographic location
`of the location-sharing group is based on a geometric center
`of the geofence around the location-sharing group.
`0016. In some implementations, the method further
`includes: determining the current geographic locations of the
`two or more mobile devices; determining a respective cover
`age radius for each of the two or more mobile devices; detect
`ing that at least one of the two or more mobile devices is
`outside of the coverage radius of all other mobile devices in
`the location-sharing group; and notifying the two or more
`mobile devices in the ad hoc network about the departure of
`the at least one mobile device from the location-sharing
`group.
`
`WhatsApp LLC
`Exhibit 1027
`Page 017
`
`

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`US 2012/0008526 A1
`
`Jan. 12, 2012
`
`In some implementations, the geographic location
`0.017.
`and geofence of the location-sharing group are based on the
`mobile devices that are currently participating in the location
`sharing group.
`0018. In some implementations, the method further
`includes: providing a suggested route for the departed mobile
`device to rejoin the location-sharing group.
`0019. In some implementations, the method further
`includes: providing a suggested route to at least one of the
`mobile devices currently participating in the location-sharing
`group to recapture the departed mobile device.
`0020. In some implementations, the method further
`includes: detecting that a point of interest has crossed and
`entered the geofence of the location-sharing group; and pro
`viding a notification to at least one of the two or more devices
`about the point of interest.
`0021. In some implementations, the point of interest is a
`location of interest, and the method further includes: storing
`a plurality of candidate locations of interest; monitoring the
`relative positions between each candidate location of interest
`and the geofence that encloses the current geographic loca
`tions of the two or more mobile devices; and determining that
`at least one of the candidate locations of interest has crossed
`and entered the geofence based on the relative positions
`between the candidate location of interest and the geofence.
`0022. In some implementations, the point of interest is a
`device of interest, and the method further includes: detecting
`a candidate device of interest, the candidate device of interest
`having an associated location; monitoring the relative posi
`tions between the candidate device of interest and the
`geofence that encloses the current geographic locations of the
`two or more mobile devices; and determining that the candi
`date device of interest has crossed and entered the geofence
`based on the relative positions between the candidate device
`of interest and the geofence.
`0023. In another aspect, a method includes: detecting for
`mation of an ad hoc network between two or more mobile
`devices; defining a geofence around the ad hoc network, the
`geofence encloses respective current geographic locations of
`the two or more mobile devices; tracking a geographic loca
`tion of the ad hoc network and a geographic coverage of the
`geofence around the ad hoc network, determining that a point
`of interest has entered the geofence; and notifying at least one
`mobile device in the ad hoc network about the point of inter
`eSt.
`0024. Other embodiments of this aspect include corre
`sponding Systems, apparatus, and computer programs, con
`figured to perform the actions of the methods, encoded on
`computer storage devices.
`0025. These and other embodiments can optionally
`include one or more of the following features.
`0026. In various implementations, the methods and sys
`tems disclosed in this specification may offer one or more of
`the following advantages.
`0027. For example, an ad hoc network can be formed
`between individual devices through various pairing mecha
`nisms, such as a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi pairing mechanism. The
`formation of the ad hoc network does not need to involve the
`cumbersome request, consent, and confirmation process
`facilitated by a central server. After the ad hoc network has
`been formed, a location information server can be notified of
`the existence of the ad hoc network and the identities of
`participating mobile devices of the ad hoc network. The loca
`tion information server can immediately start tracking the
`
`current location of each participating mobile device and the
`current location of the ad hoc network as a whole. The loca
`tion information server can also immediately supply the cur
`rent location of each participating mobile device and the
`current location of the entire ad hoc network to all participat
`ing mobile devices in the ad hoc network.
`0028. With such a light-weight setup process for location
`sharing among a group of users, each user can easily set up
`and terminate temporary and special purpose location-shar
`ing groups. The light-weight setup and termination processes
`can encourage users to utilize location-sharing more actively,
`while alleviating the users concerns that their locations are
`being tracked constantly for no particular compelling rea
`SOS.
`0029. In addition, when the location of an adhoc location
`sharing group is tracked as a whole, the location of the entire
`group can be shared with another device or another location
`sharing group in real-time. In some situations, only the cur
`rent location of the entire group is pertinent and the locations
`of individual participating devices within the group are not. In
`Such situations, presenting only the current location of the
`group as a whole in a map displayed on a device can help
`reduce the visual clutters on the map and conserve transmis
`sion bandwidth used for the location-sharing.
`0030. A geofence can be defined based on the respective
`current location and the respective coverage radius of each
`participating mobile device of the ad hoc location-sharing
`group. The location of the ad hoc group as a whole can be
`determined based on the geometric center of the geofence, for
`example. The location of the ad hoc group as a whole takes
`into account the current locations of all participating devices
`in the group. Therefore, the determined location of the group
`is not biased toward the location of any particular device.
`0031. The geofence of the entire group can also be used to
`determine whether a participating device of the group is
`departing from the group and generate an alert to the partici
`pating device and/or other devices in the ad hoc location
`sharing group. In some cases, routes can be provided for the
`departing device to rejoin the group or for the rest of the group
`to catch up with the departing device. This feature can be
`helpful in many situations to keep a group together, or to
`locate a lost user or device.
`0032. The geofence can also be used detect points of inter
`est that the group as a whole can conveniently travel to. This
`feature can allow impromptu visits to a location of interest
`based on the current location of the group as a whole. In some
`instances, the users of those devices closest to the point of
`interest can reach the point of interest first and inform the rest
`of the group whether the place is indeed worth visiting before
`the rest of the group spends the time and efforts to get there.
`0033. In some implementations, the geofence can be used
`to detect devices of interest that have come near the group as
`a whole. This feature can help improve security around the
`location-sharing group by detecting unauthorized users near
`the group. This feature can also help alert the users when
`certain people or vendors who are on the move come near the
`group.
`0034. The details of one or more embodiments of the
`subject matter described in the specification are set forth in
`the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other
`features, aspects, and advantages of the Subject matter will
`become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the
`claims.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
`0035 FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustrating an example
`process for setting up a location-sharing group through a
`central server.
`
`WhatsApp LLC
`Exhibit 1027
`Page 018
`
`

`

`US 2012/0008526 A1
`
`Jan. 12, 2012
`
`0036 FIGS. 1B and 1C are block diagrams illustrating the
`formation of an ad hoc location-sharing group.
`0037 FIG. 2A is an example user interface showing the
`locations of participating devices in an ad hoc location-shar
`ing group.
`0038 FIGS. 2B-2C are example user interface showing
`the geofence around the location-sharing group and the cur
`rent location of the location-sharing group.
`0039 FIGS. 2D-2E are example user interfaces showing
`location information on a group-level.
`0040 FIG. 2F is an example user interface showing a
`departed mobile device from a location-sharing group.
`0041
`FIG. 2G is an example user interface showing an
`alert for a point of interest near the location-sharing group.
`0042 FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of an example process for
`tracking and providing the location of an ad hoc location
`sharing group.
`0043 FIGS. 4A and 4B are each a flow diagram of an
`example process for detecting the formation of an ad hoc
`location-sharing group.
`0044 FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of an example process for
`defining a geofence around the adhoc location-sharing group.
`0045 FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of an example process for
`monitoring the location and the geofence of the location
`sharing group.
`0046 FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of an example process for
`detecting the departure of a participating device from the
`location-sharing group.
`0047 FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of an example process for
`detecting the entry of a location of interest into the geofence
`of the location-sharing group.
`0048 FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of an example process for
`detecting the entry of a device of interest into the geofence of
`the location-sharing group.
`0049 FIG. 10 is an example location-aware mobile
`device.
`0050 FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an example mobile
`device operating environment.
`0051
`FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an example imple
`mentation of the mobile device of FIG. 1.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`Location-Sharing Among Location-Aware Mobile
`Devices
`0052. The location of a user can be determined through a
`location-aware mobile device associated with the user. For
`example, the location-aware mobile device can be a mobile
`device that the user is carrying on his or her person. Each
`location-aware mobile device can be associated with a user
`through an identifier (e.g., a cellular phone number, an email
`address, a userID, etc.) that the user is using for logging onto
`a particular network or internet service through the location
`aware mobile device.
`0053 A location-aware mobile device includes circuitry
`and sensors for Supporting a positioning capability, such as
`that provided by the global positioning system (GPS). For
`example, a GPS module or an assisted GPS (A-GPS) module
`can provide a location of the mobile device interms of latitude
`and longitude coordinates.
`0054. In addition, a locator module running on the mobile
`device can utilize the GPS module and/or other components
`of the mobile device for positioning. For example, the locator
`module can invoke a cellular phone component, a WiFi com
`
`ponent, a television receiver component, or a radio receiver
`component on the mobile device to scan for nearby fixed
`transmitters or signal Sources. When signals are received by
`the mobile device from one or more signal Sources with
`known fixed locations, such as the cellular grids, wireless
`access points, and radio and TV broadcast towers, the loca
`tion of the mobile device can be determined to various
`degrees of precision based on various techniques (e.g., trian
`gulation).
`0055. Other positioning systems and technologies can be
`implemented on, or coupled to the mobile device to allow the
`mobile device to self-locate. In some implementations, pre
`cision of location determination can be improved to include
`altitude information. In some implementations, the precision
`of location determination can be improved. For example, a
`user's exact location may be determined within building
`structures using Sonar technologies. In such implementa
`tions, building structure information may be obtained through
`a server of Such information.
`0056. A user of a location-aware mobile device can share
`his or her location with users of other location-aware mobile
`devices through a location-information server. A group of
`users (e.g., at least a pair of users) can sign up for a location
`sharing service, and notify the location-information server of
`their willingness to share locations with one another. The
`group of users who have signed up to share locations with one
`another are deemed as a group of location-sharing “friends.”
`The personal relationship between location-sharing friends
`can encompass social, business, professional, temporary
`associations, familial, and so on. The respective location
`aware mobile devices associated with each of the location
`sharing friends are “location-sharing friend devices” or
`“friend devices of one another. Each user can set up multiple
`groups of location-sharing friends, and manage his or her
`location-sharing with each group individually.
`0057 The location-sharing mobile devices can determine
`their respective locations and Submit updates of their respec
`tive locations to the location-information server. The loca
`tion-information server can maintain a database of the Sub
`mitted location information and can provide the location
`information of a mobile device to the friend devices of the
`mobile device. In some implementations, the location-infor
`mation server can provide the location information upon
`request by the friend device(s), upon receiving an update of
`location information from the location-aware mobile device,
`and/or according to a predetermined schedule (e.g., every 5
`minutes).
`0058. The location information of location-sharing
`friends and their associated friend devices can be presented
`and utilized in various applications on a location-sharing
`mobile device. For example, icons of the location-sharing
`friend devices can be Superimposed on a map displayed on the
`location-sharing mobile device, indicating the current loca
`tions of the location-sharing friend devices. As the current
`locations of the friend devices are updated, the user of the
`location-sharing mobile device can see the icons move
`accordingly on the map. In some implementations, the user
`can also place its own icons on the same map. Sometimes, a
`dedicated location-sharing application can be implemented to
`manage location-sharing and review location information of
`the location-sharing friends.
`0059. In conventional location-sharing applications, set
`ting up location-sharing between two users or a group of users
`requires a request, acceptance, and confirmation process that
`
`WhatsApp LLC
`Exhibit 1027
`Page 019
`
`

`

`US 2012/0008526 A1
`
`Jan. 12, 2012
`
`is facilitated by a central server (e.g., the location-information
`server). For example, each user has to Submit a request to the
`central server identifying one or more other users that he or
`she wishes to share their locations with. The central server
`forwards the user's request to the other users and waits for a
`reply from each of the other users. When each of the other
`users has responded to the central server to accept the loca
`tion-sharing request, the central server then forwards a con
`firmation to the requesting user about the acceptance. After
`this process is completed, the central server can start tracking
`the location of each location-sharing device, and forward the
`location information of each device to the other location
`sharing devices in the group, either upon Subsequent request
`or periodically.
`0060. The conventional process for setting up a location
`sharing group is cumbersome and can take a long time. This
`convention process is not suitable for ad hoc purposes. For
`example, if several users run into one another at one location
`by chance and decide to travel together to another location in
`separate vehicles, it is desirable to form an ad hoc location
`sharing group among these users so that the users can travel in
`close proximity to one another toward their destination. If one
`of the users gets off-track, others in the group can alert and
`help that user get back on track. In Such a scenario, it is
`inconvenient and time consuming to set up the location-shar
`ing using the conventional request, acceptance, and confir
`mation process because each user would have to either send a
`request to or respond to requests from all other users in the
`group through the central server.
`0061. In addition, although it is possible to set up the
`location-sharing group beforehand for Some special events,
`Some users may be reluctant to do so, since they may not want
`to have their locations tracked during times before and after
`the special events. Even if a user were allowed to temporarily
`disable location-sharing with particular location-sharing
`friends, this would only prevent the user's location from being
`disclosed to those location-sharing friends, but not prevent
`the user's location being tracked by the location-information
`SeVe.
`0062. Theref