Communication Station Positioning Control for Confidential Location Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of positioning functions in communication stations, such as relay stations with GPS modules, poses a risk of exposing sensitive location information, which communication companies prefer to keep confidential.
Innovation Solution
A communication control apparatus that limits the use of positioning functions in communication stations by only providing positioning information when specific conditions are met, such as requests from authorized entities or emergency services, and utilizes alternative positioning methods when satellite positioning is unavailable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the positioning function of the communication station is actively used to provide position information, then the position information availability is improved, but the confidentiality of communication station location is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of position information provision from always available to conditionally available. The positioning function is activated only when specific conditions are met (emergency situations, authorized requests), transforming the system from a state of continuous information disclosure to a state of controlled information disclosure, thereby resolving the contradiction between availability and confidentiality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a condition evaluation mechanism as an intermediary between the positioning function and the position information output. This intermediary layer assesses whether specific conditions are satisfied before allowing position information to be provided, thus mediating between the need for information availability and the requirement for confidentiality protection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the positioning function is restricted to maintain confidentiality, then the confidentiality is preserved, but the position information accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the positioning function dynamic rather than static. The system adapts its behavior based on real-time condition evaluation, switching between restricted mode (normal operation) and permissive mode (when conditions are met). This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain confidentiality under normal circumstances while enabling information accessibility when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes predetermined conditions that must be satisfied before position information can be provided. By defining these conditions in advance (emergency situations, authorized entities), the system prepares a framework that automatically balances confidentiality and accessibility without requiring real-time decision-making, thus resolving the contradiction proactively.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication control apparatus includes at least one processor that executes: accepting, by a position information request acceptor, a request for position information concerning a communication device connected to a communication station; and providing, by a positioning information provider, positioning information acquired through a positioning function (that is, a positioning device) of the communication station as the position information concerning the communication device when the request satisfies a specific condition. When position information of the communication device itself can be acquired through a satellite positioning device included in the communication device, the positioning information provider does not provide positioning information acquired through the positioning function of the communication station.