Location Services System for Mobile Device Dispatch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in accurately and efficiently providing location information for mobile devices, especially when two devices interact or when a mobile unit needs to be dispatched to a user's location, as current methods often rely on approximate location methods like BTS sector or GPS, which may not be precise enough for real-time navigation or tracking purposes.
Innovation Solution
A communication system and method that receives a call request from a mobile device, determines if a status update is qualified based on caller identification, and initiates a location request for both the mobile device and the mobile unit, using a location determination system to provide precise location information, including distance and estimated time of arrival, to the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If approximate location methods (BTS sector, GPS) are used, then the system complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of location information deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a location determination system as an intermediary component between the mobile device and the communication system. This separate specialized system handles the complex location determination tasks using multiple methods (GPS, BTS sector, triangulation), while the main communication system remains relatively simple. The intermediary system processes location requests and returns precise location information, thus resolving the contradiction by isolating complexity to a dedicated component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the location determination functionality into separate modules and methods that can be selectively applied. Instead of using a single complex system, it segments location determination into multiple approaches (GPS-based, BTS-sector-based, triangulation-based) that can be chosen based on availability and precision requirements. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high precision when needed while maintaining simplicity when approximate locations suffice.
2Measurement precision
If precise location information is obtained for multiple devices, then the measurement precision is improved, but the loss of time increases due to multiple location requests
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by determining the location of the mobile device first before initiating location requests for mobile units. The system uses the mobile device's location as a reference point to identify which mobile units are nearby and require location tracking. This preliminary determination reduces the overall time loss by avoiding unnecessary location requests for all mobile units in the system, focusing only on relevant ones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by requesting location information only for mobile units that are determined to be in proximity to the mobile device, rather than querying all mobile units in the system. The system selectively initiates location requests based on the caller identification and preliminary location analysis, thus obtaining sufficient precision for the specific scenario while minimizing the time loss associated with comprehensive location queries.
3Reliability
If location requests are initiated for mobile units, then the reliability of status information is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a location determination system as an intermediary that handles the complexity of coordinating location requests with multiple mobile units. This specialized component manages the communication and data processing required to obtain reliable status information, while the main communication system maintains its core functions without excessive complexity. The intermediary absorbs the operational complexity of reliable multi-device location tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The location determination system is designed as a universal component that can determine locations of multiple different mobile units using multiple methods (GPS, BTS, triangulation). This multi-functional system handles various types of location determination requests within a single unified framework, reducing overall system complexity by consolidating diverse location determination capabilities into one versatile component rather than requiring separate mechanisms for each mobile unit.
Data Source
AI summary
In various embodiments, methods, systems, and software are provided to provide location services to a mobile device. In an embodiment, a method comprises receiving a call request (including a caller identification) for a call from a mobile device, and determining if the call qualifies for a status update based on the caller identification. In response to determining that the call qualifies for a status update, the method also comprises receiving a location of the mobile device, determining the identity of a mobile unit that is in progress to the location of the mobile device, and initiating a location request of the mobile unit, receiving a location of the mobile unit in response to the location request, and providing status information based on the location of the mobile unit and the location of the mobile device to a user of the mobile device.