Authenticated Position Reporting for Wireless Service Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication devices (WCDs) can report forged position information, leading to manipulation and abuse of services, as they lack authentication mechanisms for position data.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method where WCDs and network nodes provide position information with an authenticity indication, using cryptographic methods such as digital signatures or symmetric encryption, allowing verification by service-providing nodes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If WCDs report position information from sensors or GPS, then position information is obtained for service provision, but the position information can be forged and manipulated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthenticity of position informationVSAvoidauthentication mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a network node as an intermediary that generates and provides authenticity indications for position information. Instead of relying solely on the WCD's own sensor data, the network node acts as a trusted mediator that verifies and authenticates the position information before it is used for service provision, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary authentication by having the network node generate authenticity indications in advance before the position information is used. The network node pre-verbifies the position information and provides authentication data that can be verified later, preventing forgery before it occurs rather than detecting it after the fact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If WCDs use GPS or sensor data for positioning, then position estimation is achieved, but the system is vulnerable to malicious manipulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrustworthiness of position dataVSAvoiddetection of forged position information

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent metaphorically applies the principle of 'color changes' by introducing visual or cryptographic markers (authenticity indications) that change or appear only on genuine position information. The network node provides authentication data that acts as a distinctive marker, making it easy to distinguish authentic position information from forged data, thereby solving the detection difficulty.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If position information is used for service customization, then service quality is improved, but fraudulent position reporting can abuse the system

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice tailoring capabilityVSAvoidservice abuse from forged position data

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The network node serves as a trusted intermediary between the WCD and the service provider. It authenticates position information before it reaches the service provider, preventing fraudulent position data from abusing services while still allowing legitimate service customization based on accurate location information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12568371B2Verified position information

Publication Date: 2026.03.03 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A method of a wireless communication device of acquiring position information. The method comprises transmitting, to a service-providing node, a request for service, receiving, from the service-providing node, a request for information indicating the position of the wireless communication device, receiving, from a network node, information indicating a position of the wireless communication device, the information having been provided with an indication of authenticity by the network node, and transmitting, to the service-providing node, the position information having been provided with an indication of authenticity.