Patent attributes
An apparatus for providing anonymity in geographic data for probes using a variable mix zone in a geographic region includes a geographic database, a mix zone generator, and a pseudonym generator. The geographic database is configured to store one or more map features in the geographic region. The mix zone generator is configured to define a mix zone boundary having a size based on the one or more map features and monitor probe data for at least one probe. The probe data including a location within a predetermined distance of the mix zone boundary. The pseudonym generator is configured to select a pseudonym for the at least one probe in response to the location of the probe data and apply the pseudonym for the at least one probe in the geographic data when the at least one probe exits the mix zone.
