Home Zone Device for Accurate Call Location Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Home Zone services in UMTS networks face challenges in accuracy and cost-effectiveness due to unreliable indoor A-GPS and inadequate Cell ID-based solutions, necessitating a more feasible method to determine call initiation locations for charging purposes.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a Home Zone device that communicates with a Decision Server via DSL or wireless modems to identify call initiation within a user's home, using RF detectors or correlators to determine if a call is made at home, thereby enabling accurate charging of Home Zone tariffs without relying on UMTS radio network measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If A-GPS is used for location detection, then positioning capability is provided, but reliability deteriorates indoors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Home Zone Device as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between network infrastructure and indoor mobile devices. This device receives signals from the mobile terminal, determines whether the device is at home, and communicates this information to the network, enabling reliable indoor location detection without relying on A-GPS
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the GPS satellite-based electromagnetic positioning system with a local radio frequency detection system. Instead of using complex satellite signals that fail indoors, the system uses simple RF detection of network signals combined with local database matching to determine home zone status, substituting a mechanical/satellite-based system with a network-based detection approach
2Device complexity
If Cell ID based Home Zone service is implemented, then service deployment is simplified, but accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the home zone detection function into distinct components: a Home Zone Device for local signal reception and determination, a database for storing home zone information, and a network component for communication. This segmentation allows simplified deployment while improving accuracy through dedicated local intelligence
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the Home Zone Device with location information about the user's home in a local database before the user actually makes a call. This advance preparation enables immediate and accurate home zone determination without requiring complex real-time calculations, thereby simplifying deployment while maintaining high accuracy
3Measurement precision
If UMTS radio network measurements are used for Home Zone detection, then location information is obtained, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the home zone detection function from the complex UMTS radio network measurement system. Instead of relying on the mobile terminal to perform complex measurements and report them to the network, the system extracts this function to a simple local device that uses basic RF detection and local database matching, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining location detection capability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach simplifies the complexity of Home Zone service deployment by ensuring accurate and cost-effective tariff charging, minimizing fraud through Cell ID verification and reducing reliance on UMTS radio network measurements, while supporting legacy handsets and various network standards.
Implementation Method 1
The specific HZ device may be as simple as a Radio Frequency (RF) detector, which informs the Decision Server via DSL line if a call is initiated inside home
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and system for implementing a home zone application in a mobile communication network. A home zone device is installed in the vicinity of a home zone user's home and is configured for establishing communication between the home zone device and a decision server in the mobile communication network. A user initiated call is identified and reported. On comparing the information received from the home zone device with the user's call details provided by the user's network operator, it is determined if the call was initiated in the user's home. If so, the call is charged home zone tariff.