Location-Based Call Management via Intelligent Network Intermediary

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current solutions for managing mobile phone communication in restricted geographical areas, such as prisons or public spaces, are either unreliable, inflexible, or costly, as they either interfere with all mobile phone signals or completely block network access, failing to provide customizable and efficient control over call services.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize the GSM communication system's Intelligent Network (IN) capabilities to enforce call service policies based on geographical location by determining the cell ID of mobile devices and requesting additional location information when necessary, allowing for customizable policies that differentiate between types of calls and users, while maintaining emergency call functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If interceptors are used to interfere with radio signals in restricted areas, then mobile phone communication is blocked, but the solution is unreliable, inflexible, and costly with difficulty in selective interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecall service restrictionVSAvoidcustomizable call control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intelligent network entity (SCP - Service Control Point) as an intermediary between the mobile switching center and the location database. This mediator queries location information and determines whether to allow or restrict calls based on geographical location, providing flexible and reliable call service control without the drawbacks of signal interference methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the mobile device's location through the intelligent network infrastructure. The SCP queries location information and dynamically adjusts call service permissions based on the device's current geographical position, enabling adaptive and customizable call restriction policies

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If shielding or interceptors are deployed to block mobile signals, then communication access is restricted, but the method is economically costly and technically challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal blockingVSAvoiddeployment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical shielding and interceptor hardware with an intelligent software-based system using existing GSM network infrastructure. The solution uses logical control through the intelligent network (MSC, SCP, HLR entities) to restrict calls based on location, eliminating the need for complex physical deployment of interceptors or shielding materials

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If all mobile services are blocked in restricted areas, then call management is simplified, but flexibility and customization possibilities are lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecall managementVSAvoidservice customization
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different call service policies to different locations within the restricted area. The system can allow emergency calls, restrict non-emergency calls, or apply different rules to different geographical zones, enabling customized call management tailored to specific local requirements rather than uniform blocking

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Reliability

If interceptors transmit high power radio signals for interference, then signal blocking is effective, but energy consumption increases and health risks arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal interferenceVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the call restriction function from physical signal interference methods and relocates it to the intelligent network's logical control plane. The MSC and SCP entities control call establishment and service provisioning through signaling messages, completely eliminating the need for high-power radio signal transmission and associated energy consumption and health risks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP2160919B1A method and system for call management based on geographical location
Publication Date: 2020.05.13 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP2160919B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2160919B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2160919B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method and a system for providing call management based on geographical location of an electronic communication device. Based on the location or rather a position area of the electronic communication device, a local policy is determined and is employed to a call service serving the electronic communication device.