User localization using friend location information
View Patent ↗A method, system, and medium are provided for refining an estimated location of a user using an accurate location associated with a friend of the user. A location of the user is estimated with a first level of accuracy, and the friend of the user is identified. A location of the friend is determined with a level of accuracy greater than that of the user's location. A probability that the user is near the friend is determined, and when the probability exceeds a predetermined threshold, the friend's location is used to refine the user's location.
1. Computer-storage media having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon that, when executed, enable a computing device to perform a method of refining an estimated location for a user using an accurate location associated with a friend of the user, the method comprising:
estimating a location of the user, wherein the location of the user has a first level of accuracy;
identifying the friend of the user;
determining a location of the friend, wherein the location of the friend has a level of accuracy greater than that of the location of the user;
determining a probability that the user is near the friend; and
when the probability exceeds a predetermined threshold, utilizing the location of the friend to refine the location of the user.
2. The media of claim 1 , wherein the location of the user is used to accept or reject the location of the friend.
3. The media of claim 1 , wherein the probability is time dependent.
4. The media of claim 1 , wherein the location of the friend is used to refine the location of the user when the probability that the user is near the friend is high.
5. A computerized method carried out by at least one server having at least one processor for refining an estimated location for a user using an accurate location associated with a friend of the user, the method comprising:
estimating a location of the user, wherein the location of the user has a first level of accuracy;
identifying the friend of the user;
determining a location of the friend, wherein the location of the friend has a level of accuracy greater than that of the location of the user;
determining, using that at least one processor, a probability that the user is near the friend; and
when the probability exceeds a predetermined threshold, utilizing the location of the friend to refine the location of the user.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the location of the user is used to accept or reject the location of the friend.
7. The method of claim 5 , wherein the probability is time dependent.
8. The method of claim 5 , wherein the location of the friend is used to refine the location of the user when the probability that the user is near the friend is high.
9. A system for refining an estimated location for a user using an accurate location associated with a friend of the user, the system comprising:
a computing device having one or more processors and one or more computer-readable media; and
a data store coupled with the computing device,
wherein the computing device:
estimates a location of the user, wherein the location of the user has a first level of accuracy;
identifies the friend of the user;
determines a location of the friend, wherein the location of the friend has a level of accuracy greater than that of the location of the user;
determines a probability that the user is near the friend; and
when the probability exceeds a predetermined threshold, utilizes the location of the friend to refine the location of the user.
10. The system of claim 9 , wherein the location of the user is used to accept or reject the location of the friend.
11. The system of claim 9 , wherein the probability is time dependent.
12. The system of claim 9 , wherein the location of the friend is used to refine the location of the user when the probability that the user is near the friend is high.