Dynamic Telephone Number Allocation for Mobile Device Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tracking systems for electronic devices are inefficient in utilizing telecommunications channels, leading to increased costs when multiple devices share the same Electronic Serial Number (ESN) and Mobile Identification Number (MIN), and there is a need for dynamic management of telephone numbers based on device location and communication requirements.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows multiple protected electronic devices to time-share telephone numbers while communicating with a monitoring center, using a dynamic schedule to free up reserved call slots for devices that do not need them, and assigning different numbers based on location and time, with calls only made when necessary, such as upon device loss or theft, and incorporating location information and proprietary data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If multiple devices share the same ESN and MIN to reduce cost, then tracking cost is reduced, but telecommunications channel efficiency deteriorates due to conflicts and resource contention
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically assigns telephone numbers to devices based on their current location and communication needs. Instead of static number assignment, the monitoring center determines which devices need to communicate and assigns appropriate numbers from an available pool, optimizing both cost efficiency and channel utilization in real-time
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of telephone number assignment from fixed to variable. Devices can be assigned different telephone numbers depending on location, time, and communication requirements. This parameter change allows the system to balance between cost savings from number sharing and efficiency from dedicated channels
2Reliability
If telephone numbers are reserved for multiple devices, then communication reliability is improved, but network resource utilization deteriorates due to idle reserved numbers
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic telephone number allocation where reserved numbers are automatically reassigned to devices that need communication. The monitoring center monitors which devices require communication and dynamically allocates numbers from the reserved pool, ensuring both reliability for active devices and optimal resource utilization
Solution Approach 2:
Reserved telephone numbers serve multiple functions and multiple devices over time. A single reserved number can be assigned to different devices at different times based on communication needs, making the number pool universally applicable across the device fleet rather than dedicated to individual devices
3Measurement precision
If devices communicate frequently via telephone to report location, then tracking accuracy is improved, but network resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous telephone communication, the system implements periodic communication based on triggering events. Devices communicate via telephone only when specific conditions are met (location changes, loss/theft events), rather than continuously reporting, thereby maintaining tracking accuracy while minimizing network resource consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary communication method (internet communication) between devices and the monitoring center. Devices can communicate location and status information via internet channels, reserving telephone communication for critical situations, thus reducing overall network resource consumption while maintaining tracking capability
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and associated methods are disclosed for tracking mobile electronic devices while conserving cellular network resources used for such tracking. The tracking may be performed for purposes of facilitating recovery of lost or stolen devices. To conserve network resources, different telephone numbers may be assigned depending upon the location of each device and the time of each call, and individual calls may be made only after a determination has been made that a telephone call is required. A determination that a telephone call is required may be made depending upon whether a protected electronic device had been reported lost or stolen, and/or whether an internet communication between the protected electronic device and a monitoring center has been made within a selected previous period of time. A dynamic schedule permits reserved telephone call slots to be freed up if not needed so that they can be used for devices that need the communication time.