Method and apparatus for location notification using location context information

摘要

Provided is a method and apparatus for location notification using location context information. In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, a mobile device automatically generates location context information that indicates a point of interest in a vicinity of the mobile device. For example, if the user of the mobile device is at home, then the location context information indicates that the user is at home instead of merely indicating latitude/longitude information corresponding to the location of the home. The mobile device displays the location context information in order to convey the location of the mobile device in a manner that is meaningful without the need for a map. Alternatively, or additionally, the mobile device provides the location context information to at least one other device. This serves to inform other users of the location of the mobile device in a manner that is meaningful without the need for a map.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
determining a location of a mobile device; based on the location of the mobile device, determining a point of interest in a vicinity of the mobile device by selecting one of a plurality of points of interest according to at least one criterion; generating location context information indicating the point of interest; and executing a location notification using the location context information in order to convey the location of the mobile device; wherein: the plurality of points of interest comprise public points of interest; and determining a point of interest in a vicinity of the mobile device comprises at least one of:
querying a communal database for a public point of interest in the vicinity of the mobile device; ordetermining a public point of interest in the vicinity of the mobile device based on location information retrieved from a mobile code.