Location-Based Automatic Dialing in Mobile Telephony
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of mobile telephone systems face the inconvenience of needing to manually dial numbers in specific situations, such as when arriving at a particular location, which requires remembering to make the call and retrieving the appropriate number.
Innovation Solution
A mobile telephone system apparatus and method that includes a location comparator and controller to automatically initiate a call to a predetermined number when the user's current location matches a stored location, optionally considering a predetermined time association, using GPS functionality and memory to store and retrieve location and number data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual dialing is used, then the user has control over the calling process, but the user must remember to make the call and manually retrieve the number
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing location data and associated telephone numbers in advance. When the mobile terminal reaches a predetermined location, the system automatically compares the current location with stored locations and initiates the call without requiring user intervention. This resolves the contradiction by automating the dialing process while the complexity is managed through pre-configured location-data pairs.
2Ease of operation
If automatic location-based dialing is implemented, then the dialing process is simplified, but additional components for location tracking and comparison are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality by integrating multiple functions into a unified location-based service framework. The same location comparison mechanism serves both for automatic dialing and can be extended to other location-based services. This multi-functionality approach simplifies the dialing process while managing complexity through a versatile core component that handles location matching for various purposes.
3Measurement precision
If location data is continuously monitored, then automatic dialing can be triggered accurately, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic action by monitoring location at intervals rather than continuously. The mobile terminal determines its location and compares it with predetermined locations at specific time intervals or when location changes are detected. This periodic monitoring approach maintains adequate location matching accuracy for triggering automatic dialing while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a method and apparatus for initiating a call in a mobile telephone system, comprising the steps of: comparing a current location of a mobile terminal to at least one predetermined location; and, responsive to a location match, initiating a call from the mobile terminal to a predetermined number associated with said at least one predetermined location.